Painting commenced- – -PHASE 1

29Sep2008:~   the Boiler House has now had its top coat!

Boiler House 29Sep08

Phase II painting to commence:

03 October 2009:

 

The following email was recieved today from the General Manager at Sunlight Laundry, Paul Pearson:~

I trust you are well.

 

I was planning to email on Monday coming as the scaffolding starts to be constructed then.

 

We expect preparation to start immediately thereafter and painting to be underway in the course of the next few days.

 

If you have any further queried then please do not hesitate to contact me. I will in turn continue to keep the residents informed through the appropriate channels.

 

Kind regards

 

Paul

===============

The BlotCam webcam showing the Aller Vale area and the laundry will hopefully be back on line for viewing on Sunday 4th October 2009 – subject to permissive weather! This will enable viewers to follow the progress of the painting preprations and completion minute by minute.

To view the camera on your computer double click this link:

http://www.camsecure.co.uk/Camsecure_Webcam8.html

Result of Vote forwarded to Laundry Management

12Aug09:

 

Dear Mr. Pearson and Mr. Roberts, (Sunlight/CLS Laundry)

 

Following on from your suggestion to offer to Residents the late choice of using the Phase 1 colour paint on the Phase 2, I put it out to a vote among the registered Residents.

 

The result is now in and by a narrow choice of 29 : 24, it is in favour of using the light brown colour used in Phase 1 with same texture i.e. Matt.

 

Hopefully this information will enable you to commence with final arrangements to begin Phase 2.

Could you please advise me when you reach that stage?

 

Best regards,

 

Les Edgecumbe.

VOTING FOR PHASE 2 COLOUR CHOICE COMPLETE:

At the latest meeting with the Laundry Management they commented that the Phase 1 choice of colour had been well received and that it may be that the residents may wish to consider completing Phase 2 in the same colour,as opposed to their original choice of ‘Topiary Green’.With this in mind I have done my best to contact all residents who are either registered with me on E-mail or attended the Public Meeting and signed in, as these are obviously the only ones that I have contact details for.

The closing date for voting was 10^th August 2009 midnight.

No house numbers are shown for privacy reasons, but are on record in my file and open to audit.

The voting was as below; abstentions are not recorded/counted.

	RETAIN THE INITIAL CHOICE ‘TOPIARY GREEN’	PHASE 2 TO USE THE PHASE 1 COLOUR
1	J. CURTIS                     ADDISON ROAD	V STEER                              ADDISON ROAD
2	L CURTIS                      ADDISON ROAD	J STEER                               ADDISON ROAD
3	A HAMLYN                  ALLER PARK ROAD	PA WARD                            ALLER PARK ROAD
4	E HAMLYN                   ALLER PARK ROAD	S E WARD                            ALLER PARK ROAD
5	D CLARKE                     ALLER PARK ROAD	C BRYANT                           ST LUKES ROAD
6	J KENN                          ALLER PARK ROAD	L COWIE                              ST LUKES ROAD
7	B REDDING                   ALLER PARK ROAD	G COWIE                             ST LUKES ROAD
8	D BOWLES                    ALLER PARK ROAD	J DAVIS                              ALLER PARK ROAD
9	DM BOWLES                ALLER PARK ROAD	G DAVIS                             ALLER PARK ROAD
10	G GLANVILL               ALLER PARK ROAD	E CHELLEY                        ALLER PARK ROAD
11	R GLANVILL               ALLER PARK ROAD	D CHELLEY                        ALLER PARK ROAD
12	T COUSINS                  ALLER PARK ROAD	D MILLER                           ALDER CLOSE
13	MR P ROCK                  ALLER PARK ROAD	S JOHNS                            ALLER PARK ROAD
14	MRS  ROCK                  ALLER PARK ROAD	A JOHNS                           ALLER PARK ROAD
15	G MACEY                     ALLER PARK ROAD	B WILLS                             ALLER PARK ROAD
16	H MACEY                     ALLER PARK ROAD	M WILLS                            ALLER PARK ROAD
17	H BECK                         ALLER PARK ROAD	A BAMFORD                     ALLER PARK ROAD
18	T BECK                         ALLER PARK ROAD	A JONES                            SILVERWOOD AVENUE
19	J HAWKINS                ALLER PARK ROAD	S GARNER                        ALLER PARK ROAD
20	M HOGG                      ALLER PARK ROAD	S GARNER                        ALLER PARK ROAD
21	B HUNT                       ALLER PARK ROAD	H RITSON                         ALLER PARK ROAD
22	C HUNT                       ALLER PARK ROAD	DM KENNARD                  RIDGEWAY ROAD
23	E WILLIAMS               RIDGEWAY ROAD	MR RUMBLE                     RIDGEWAY ROAD
24	P WILLIAMS               RIDGEWAY ROAD	MRS RUMBLE                   RIDGEWAY ROAD
25		MRS HUXTABLE             RIDGEWAY ROAD
26		MR ABBOT                        RIDGEWAY ROAD
27		MRS ABBOT                      RIDGEWAY ROAD
28		MRS WALES                     RIDGEWAY ROAD
29		L EDGECUMBE                 ALLER PARK ROAD

Meeting 27th July 2009

A meeting of Management (Martin Roberts/Director, and Paul Pearson/Laundry General Manager), Cllr Hook, and Les Edgecumbe, was held at the laundry 27^th July 2009. This was at the invitation of the management to discuss various items. The meeting was a frank exchange of views, but cordial and productive.

 

PHASE 2 PAINTING:

The first item on the agenda was the Phase 2 painting (roof and chimney). Mr. Roberts explained that as with all other companies, UK and abroad, the main concern was to adapt to the international recession and its constraints. This had therefore taken priority. However, he did give an unequivocal assurance that the painting would commence this autumn (subject to weather conditions) – as they had already given their word on the matter. It was also said that had the residents requested the painting this year when the recession commenced, and not the date that they had, then the reply would have been a definite ‘no’. The current financial climate (for all commerce) would have inhibited even considering the matter.

The Management also offered a suggestion. In view of the vast majority of very favourable comments on the Phase 1 painting, they wondered if the Residents might like to consider whether to have Phase 2 completed in the same colour as the elevations. It may be felt that a single colour may be more effective and blending, whereas 2 colours (Topiary Green for the roof) may prove to be a very stark contrast and ‘set a horizon’. While being prepared to paint it any (within reason) colour it should be considered even at this late stage. It was agreed that I would canvass Residents who attended the Public Meeting on 13th August 2008 and signed in. Their views would be requested in writing and recorded. In the event of no decision being made thereby, the Phase 2 colour would remain by default ‘Topiary Green’ – the chosen colour. There is absolutely no case for repainting after Phase 2 is completed. Closing Date for comments is 10^th August 2009 and should be sent to me by mail or email please.

COMMUNICATIONS:

For various reasons, i.e. staff changes, and misunderstandings, of late their seemed to be a breakdown of previous good communications, which has led to frustration on both sides. These were all ironed out and we now have agreement to approach Mr Paul Pearson directly in the first instance for any queries. As he is the man on the spot, and he has proved to be approachable, this is the ideal contact.

STEAM EMISSIONS/NOISE:

This is probably the most contentious issue. The Management are aware of all the residents complaints re the emissions on 14^th July, and these were discussed at the meeting. Events were explained to us: “Early that morning a control cable failed to operate on the main boiler, leaving us with no steam. A switchover to the small auxiliary boiler was then made, and due to problems with this boiler it’s Safety Valve automatically lifted. Engineers were called in and tests made to identify the fault and spare parts immediately ordered. Teignbridge Council were advised of the ongoing situation. In the meantime we had to work with what we had i.e. the small boiler which was blowing the Safety Valve and causing the visual and noise issues to the residents for some time. Unfortunately we have no record of steam emissions occurring around midnight, although through tests we have ascertained that the steam emissions are not necessarily audible on site. Even in the Managers office which is adjacent to the boiler house it is inaudible. I (Manager) then went over to Aller Park and phoned the engineer to lift the safety valve – and of course I then heard what the Residents hear. We sincerely regret any nuisance to Residents and will maintain communication through Cllr. Hook and Mr. Edgecumbe. We do aim to be good neighbours, and one instance of this is to transfer our scrap metal and surplus polythene items to the far side of our building (away from sight of Aller Park)”   These were seen on our departure and indeed are not a sight to envy, so best stored where they are.

NOCTURNAL NOISES:

Some residents have complained of noises suspected to originate from mobile bins being moved around during the night. We were told that some noise was to be expected from a working commercial premises, but if more specific details could be supplied the matter would be looked into further.

ROAD TRAFFIC:

Laundry drivers, lorries and cars, have been finding it difficult and dangerous to exit from the laundry due to the speed of the road traffic on the Kingskerswell Road. Cllr. Hook has arranged with Devon County Council to extend the 30 MPH limit to cover the exit area. This should improve matters, although the Police are claiming that they “cannot police it”.

NEWT WELFARE:

The newt meadow has been allowed to grow in height and not mowed regularly.

SITE LIGHTING:

Contrary to our previous belief, the low level lights in the car park have not yet been introduced. These will not have any impact on residents being low level and not too bright, but they are essential for Health and Safety cover of workers using the car park at night. One accident has already occurred and the Laundry has no choice but to install these. They are NOT floodlight – bollards with lamps included at approximately knee height.

SITE SIGN:

The current CLS blue and white sign at the main gate is to be replaced in line with the Company’s re-naming and new logo.

 

Once the colour choice is settled it is hoped to have some demonstration panels supplied to us in order that residents can view the colour before it is mixed and applied to the building.

 

Please remember the easiest way for me to keep the majority of residents in touch with events is via E-mail. So if you have any friends/neighbours on the Internet please ask them to contact me with their address – they will be kept right up to date then.

Regards,

Les Edgecumbe.

14 July 2009 residents woken by steam noises

Residents were roused from their sleep several times during the night by extreme noises caused by the laundries unannounced steam emissions. Some residents report this commencing from midnight – others from 03:15 hours. But the most noise seems to have had a concerted effect from 05:00 hours. Two seperate residents were forced to re locate from their bedrooms to the other side of their houses to retrieve some sleep during the night.

The emissions were video recorded by Mr Garner and have been made into a DVD and presented to David Eaton head of the Environment Dept at Forde House. This will show them in great detail the actual events suffered.

Communications from the laundry were nil, breaking the agreement we have whereby they agreed to pre-warn residents via myself or Cllr Hook of any intended emissions. Also they agreed to advise afterwards if there were any ‘emergency’ emissions. None of this occured and it took some severe chasing by Cllr Hook and myself to gain ANY communication.

Re Phase 2 of the agreed painting shceme: I have no good or positive news to report at this time. The man dealing with the matter has gone on holiday and supposedly handed over details of supplying confirmatory specimen colour panels to me. None of this has so far happened, despite repeated requests for details.

 

In all not very good news, in fact a stink of the old days, which considering the time and energy put in to improve matters  especially communications to avoid confrontational attitudes – VERY dissapointing all round.

If there are any more developements they will be posted here asap and emailed to those people who have requested notification by that means.

If your neighbours have email and would like to be kept up to date instantly please ask them to contact me at les.edgecumbe@btinternet.com

Meeting 10th June 2009…

A meeting was held at the laundry today. Present were Mr. Jonathan Cooper (Engineering Director), Mr. Paul Pearson (Laundry General Manager), Councillor Gordon Hook and, Les Edgecumbe (Resident). Items discussed were: 1) Schedule for Phase 2 painting of roof and chimney,

2) Request for samples of the Topiary Green chosen by residents to ensure accuracy,

3) Explanation of why only recently steam has been emitted from the chimney stack,

4) Re request notice of impending steam tests, and explanation of any inadvertent steam emissions,

5) To re-establish agreed line of communication which have ceased since departure of the previous Manager Mr. Chris Foulkes.

All points were discussed and full details will be posted here when there is fuller information available (Mr Cooper is going to contact us later with dates). Briefly line of communication have been re-made and our contact is now Mr. J Cooper. He has agreed to supply panels which demonstrate the colour of choice prior to giving the green light to the painting operation. They are already in contact with their contractors.

Fuller details will be posted just as soon as they arrive.

Cllr Hook and Laundry Managers to meet…

Cllr Hook and Les Edgecumbe are due to meet with the laundry management next week to re establish the previous lines of communication, which had evaporated on the departure of the Manager Chris Foulkes. We shall be meeting with Mr Jonathan Cooper and Mr Paul Pearson. The main subject will be the Phase 2 painting project. This covers the roof and chimney stack of the building. The residents choice of colour was ‘Topiary Green’, which I have a sample of and will present to the Management with a hope of seeing some samples before they arrange the actual painting.
More details will be posted after the meeting. If you have any questions/comments you would like brought to their attention both myself and Cllr Hook will glady do this.

Cllr Gordon Hook re-elected

Gordon Hook retained his Devon County Council seat at yesterdays election. Congratulations.

01 May 2009 Steam and Painting Phase 2

Communications concerning recent steam emissions, (including new one’s from the big chimney stack), and request for a schedule of commencement of Phase 2 painting (chimney and roof), have been made between myself, Cllr. G Hook and the Management of Sunlight.

The recent large steam emissions were due to a “Safety Survey which required a test”. No notification of this was made to us prior to the test as was agreed to happen at our meeting with the Management. It transpires that Chris Foulkes is now in the IOW and a new manager is in charge over at the Blot. Hopefully new lines of communications will be made to avoid this happening in the future.

As soon as we are notified of a date for commencing painting it will be posted here and directly to those people that have submitted their email address for direct contact.

==========

from Cllr Hook 01May09:-

Les,

I have followed up your concerns re stack and hope attached is self explanatory.

Regards.

G

 

---

From: Steven Hobbs [mailto:Steven.Hobbs@Teignbridge.gov.uk]
Sent: 01 May 2009 16:02
To: Gordon Hook
Cc: David Eaton
Subject: CLS

 

F.a.o. Councillor Hook

 

I refer to your recent enquiry to David Eaton about the use of the stack at CLS.

 

I have checked the planning permission (reference 1998/2513/01/3) for the building and there is no conditions relating to the use of the stack. Should you wish to discuss this then please do not hesitate to contact me next week.

 

Regards

 

Steven Hobbs

Senior Planning Enforcement Officer

08Jan09 night steam emmisions noise

08Jan09:

Les

I believe that you have a contact with the CLS manager and I would appreciate if you could pass on my displeasure to him, I had an appointment in Penzance this morning but I have canceled that as I do not feel safe driving there and back without any sleep not only a danger to myself but other road users especially under the present road conditions.

Every five minutes throughout the night the valves were vented and did not stop until around 7am this morning no doubt when someone who knew what they were doing arrived at work. I appreciate that there is probably or at least I hope there is a fault with the valve what I do not understand why the fault was not shut down straight away and would like an explanation from them.

For a few pounds I can get details of all the directors and secretaries of Sunlight from Companies House along with their addresses and contact numbers and unless I get an assurance that any future faults will be dealt with straight away and not let to go on all night I will contact each and every person listed at the same intervals as the valves going off.

Whilst I am happy with all the progress that has been made with the company this sort of thing can cause a big set back.

Being self employed it has cost me money by having to cancel my meeting and unless I can get an assurance from the company as to their future dealing with faults at night I will instruct my solicitor to recover my looses from the company.

I am sorry to sound so bitter but that is how I feel at present.

Bleary eyed

Holger =======================

Les,

I am currently on the Isle of Wight covering for sickness of 2 senior members of staff but I have spoken with Paul Pearson at Newton Abbot who says that they are aware of the problem and are dealing with it. We are asking Zurich who handle the legal and insurance position on the boilers to raise the pressure at which the safety valves start to lift to avoid this problem in the future. I will keep you aware of progress on this aspect.

Please can you apologise to the resident as we do wish to be a responsible member of the local community.

The problem was not one we could have foreseen and could have advised.

Will contact you soon over progress.

Chris Foulkes General Manager, Sunlight Laundry==============

Dear Mr Edgecumbe,

 

Thank you for alerting my colleagues at our Newton Abbot factory to the overnight noise that has occurred recently.  May I first apologise for the disruption that we may have inadvertently caused.  To explain in brief, we have two steam boilers on site, and one boiler is used to operate the plant with another on stand-by.  For maintenance purposes, we have this week changed to using the stand by boiler as the lead boiler and have encountered an unforeseen problem.

 

The team on site have today made some adjustments to stop any repetition with the stand-by boiler, and these adjustments will be verified by our insurers (statutory for pressure vessels) and myself early next week, and hence I expect no further overnight problems during the working week as of Monday.

 

May I also add, that we are in the process of implementing a plan for scaling back the overnight operation which will significantly reduce the risk of “nuisance” in our immediate environment.  This plan should be fully implemented over the coming month.

 

I hope this answers your query, and again I can only apologise for this unfortunate occurrence.  If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jonathan Cooper

Engineering Director

Linen Services

 ===============

10Jan09:

 

Dear Mr Cooper,

Thank you for your email with the explanation of events over at the laundry a couple of nights ago. I will pass this on to residents immediately.

For clarification can you please confirm that once the new safety lift levels of both boilers is set to the new parameters that bar an accident or test procedure that this sort of emission should not recurr. A new relationship/era is beginning with the laundry and we residents wish to maintain this as much as your management do.

 

Best regards,

 

Les Edgecumbe.=================

Dear Mr Edgecumbe
I can confirm that under normal operation there should be no problem with the safety valves, and as I stated yesterday, when the adjustments have been made there should be no further unplanned lifting of the safety valves, particularly overnight.
 
I will confirm to you when I am satisfied that we have completed the necessary adjustments for a permanent solution.
 
Regards
Jonathan Cooper
Sunlight Textile Services
Linen Division===============

 

Hi Les

I appreciate what id being said but why can they not shut down once the problem  arises instead of letting it go on for hours during the night as I have said before they must be insured for business interruption which will cover it.

Regards

Holger

 

In a message dated 09/01/2009 14:14:47 GMT Standard Time, les.edgecumbe@btinternet.com writes:

09Jan09  14:10

 

Thank you for your email, just received. I have forwarded it on to residents.

 

It is a great shame that this has occured when things seemed to be getting so much better, and it is to be hoped that a solution will indeed be found to prevent a repetition.  This has been the explanation previously, so is it an on-going matter, and if so why is it taking so long?

 

Regards,