gpercival78

> - The wood burners churn out a lot of smoke, but > there's nowhere for it to go. I was in the garden, > not under the covered bit, for about five minutes > and I absolutely reeked of wood smoke. Hair, skin, > clothes, everything. I don't know what the > solution is but there must be a way to pipe it > out. Didn't shower before sleeping and my sheets > and pillow stank of smoke by morning too. Luckily > it's not too unpleasant a smell, but it is strong. I had the same issue Friday morning. I was there Thursday night and my clothes, bedding and hair stank. Coat is still a bit stinky! I use to live across the road from the FHT and the Rose (now WGT)and use to enjoy diving in there for a cheeky pint or two on the way home. My favourite memory was getting them to put the Ryder cup on one Sunday night when the Europeans managed to turn it around and beat USA. The writing was on the wall when Sky was taken away, the food slowly disappeared and then there was the occasional missed beer delivery (one occasion was the Monday after NFL final - chap went out and got sloshed night before). We have now moved away and I was there Thurs to say cheerio to friends (using opening night to hold the occasion). I was sad to see the steep prices, as mentioned previously the Herne is cheaper and for additional 5 mins walk, I would head there (also shows sport). The London Beer Dispensary serves the same beer and it is cheaper as well. The one in one out/queue was bit Clapham-esk - maybe a marketing ploy to show how busy it was to people driving by but when I got in there, it was fine (I have seen people mentioned H&S but my opinion). It was good to see a good turnout Thurs and hope these people/'locals' continue to support it. We don?t need any more bars disappearing and being turned into a Co-Op or flats. I wish it all the best.

An interesting read throughout. Few questions I had: * How long does a major work program take. Ours started January 2014 and was to take 4 weeks. 15months later, it is still not complete but there are no work men on site and scaffolding is down. * How long does it take to get the bill/invoice? Our work in my eyes is complete but we have had nothing * Is there any way of contesting at ?24,000 estimated bill * We have other bits of work being done that were not on the schedule or planned works - how does a council justify this (new paving slabs, ballards around the blocks - in my eyes not needed and the paving slabs are a bit of harzard - not even) * Amdin fee - how does the council justify a 10% admin fee for major works. in my eyes this is a business as usual process. I already pay a service charge. I may have a few more points but main ones on my list.

I'd swap your charge with mine. Our last estimate was ?24,000 per flat (times 12)...still waiting on final invoice. Note to self, don't buy ex council flat!

we have the same and we are woodvale/forest hill rd...

Dino99: Just got your message. I'll put something together based on my experience. I hope it'll help. I'll try and get to to you tomorrow morning at the latest

interesting link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/flos-law-new-cap-for-council-house-repairs-comes-into-force

you can text - check around the bus stop, there is a number to insert and it will tell you when the next is due or try Busguru app

yip - had it around 7am this morning. Low pressure...we are on Woodvale

I recommend speaking to the neighbours. You also get an insight to who lives there etc. If someone was to do it to me, I'd be more than happy to discuss issues/freeholder etc. At the end of the day you may have to live there & buying is a huge commitment. I kinda wished I'd done it...

Hi, We are looking into nurseries for our daughter. Could you pm me your thoughts on the Asquith, as it's on our short list. Thanks,

Nickyphoto: part of our major works the windows aren't being done as they have a 30year life span (apparently). Might be worth checking the life span your council stipulates on various fixture and fittings. As mentioned by Woodland, our estate is being charged ?30k per flat. 'apparently' our freeholder got a Decent Homes grant but not sure where this has been absorbed. My legal expert has advised that our freeholder has failed to maintain the block over the years, therefore they need major works to bring them back to a standard to where should be (they are not improving the block, just returning it to it's previous state), therefore they have broken their agreement -might be worth checking that. We are stuck as well, as ?800 a month is an unrealistic amount to pay back! I would be living in a nice house if I had that sort of extra cash lying about! (lewisham council are totally unsympathetic to this). Im sure there was something on the forum or press about Southwark council being charged over backhanders with service charges...

Anyone else affected please contact me via PM (except those I have already made contact with). I have set up a seperate mail address, which I will send info from. Please send info to this address as well, once you have it. thanks,

Sent you a PM Woodland

Well put uncleglen.. Some good links here...still ?15k is quite a lot! https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/248647/Protecting_Local_Authority_Leaseholders_From_Unreasonable_Charges_v2.pdf http://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2013/10/pickles-caps-council-property-repair-charges/

I have contacted Hoak via PM as we are going through the same situation but with Lewisham Council. Our block has been sent a bill for ?320,000 divided between 12 flats - ?29,000 per flat. They are not even changing any of the double glazing, which I have asked to include - what is ?2k ontop on ?29k! A person below me bought her flat a few weeks back and on the day she got her keys, there was a lovely bill waiting for her - terrible form by the freeholder or the seller! Unfortunately searches do not bring up this type of thing, as the council can only tell you about past or present work, they cannot tell you if there are an pending/future work going to be carried (I did try and ask and got told it was something they cannot disclose). The only letter I got was in 2009 telling me 'said' contractor had been selected as the "works" contractor for the block (they must be laughing with the amount of money they are going to get - ?320k to repaint a communal stair well and repair the roof - smells like a Harry Enfield Sketch (I saw you coming). I have heard about the charge back but this kinda of behaviour could put you into negative equity- depending on your deposit and whether the flat has increased in value. Lets hope proprty prices keep on increasing!!!