Painting commenced- – -PHASE 1

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

Boiler House 29Sep08

02 June 2011:~ Recent complaints of night time noise~~

Following email recieved from Craig Jamieson, Manager of the Sunlight Laundry:
===============

Hi Les,

Following up from previous emails received, we have carried out a blanket inspection of all vehicles at site (Ref the reversing bleepers), basically we have found one rogue vehicle with a reversing sensor that would not turn off when the lights in the vehicle where switched on.

The mechanic has just finished fixing this issue we are also investigating putting some form of rubber strip on the loading bay, so when a vehicle tail lift is lowered it will not result in metal on metal contact and therefore should be a lot quieter.

We will keep you informed of the progress and i just wanted to keep you and fellow residents informed, and also to show that we are being pro-active in resolving these issues.

Kind regards

Craig
Craig Jamieson

General Manager – Newton Abbot

Sunlight Textile Services

Healthcare Division

The Sunlight Service Group Limited – A subsidiary of Berensden PLC.
Incorporated in England, company registration no. 228604.
Registered office: 4 Grosvenor Place, London, SW1X 7DL.
P Consider the environment – do you really need to print this email?

Office: 01626 882 992

Fax: 01626 882 993

www.sunlight.co.uk

craig.jamieson@sunlight.co.uk

And finally…… 22Sep10- the chimney job!

22SEP10:~ Today the crane moved in and the chimney was prepared for the paint job, which commenced late morning. Why this was left so late in the year, and close to ‘wet weather’ is unclear – but hey it’s being done. A big thank you to Cllr Gordon Hook for his perseverance.

06 MAY 2010: ~ THE END IS NIGH

We are nearly there now. Phase 2, the final phase, commenced this week as promised by the Management.

The roof has been completed and all that remains now is the chimney stack.

This will result in a vast improvement. It is just a shame that this condition was not insisted upon at the time of the Planning Application, and left to the taxpayers to arrange with the Company. All involved Councillors and ??Planning?? Department officials should be sent back to school and re educated for a more productive career, – preferably after a week in the Stocks and a good horse whipping. 

Progress can be seen live by clicking the following link:

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

Completion of painting ….

The managment of the laundry communicates via e-mail today:

My intention is to meet with the contractor after Easter and to arrange a suitable time to complete the works then.

 

Once dates have been agreed I will keep you informed of progress.

 

With kind regards

 

Paul Pearson.

Gen Manager.

 

06 December – Steam emmision from laundry

07 Dec 09:

Below is a resume of communications between the General Manager of the Laundry and residents over the last 2 days:

07Dec09:

 

Paul,

 

Thank you for your latest email, which is self explanatory, and has been immediately emailed to those residents on my mailing list.

 

This latest incident could not have happened at a worse timing or weather conditons; weekend/early Sunday morning when all, including yourself, were hoping to enjoy some ‘down time’ after a weeks labour.

 

Your offer of an out of hours/emergency number is appreciated and I would like to take you up on that, on the basis that all communciations go via our agreed route, i.e. via yourself and me – thereby avoiding a duplication of calls.

 

During the week the laundry had its ?annual? safety valve lifting test/survey. It seems that each time this is performed then problems ensue a few days/hours afterwards. Can you explain this?

 

Best regards,

 

Les Edgecumbe.

---

 

—– Original Message —–

From: Paul Pearson

To: Les Edgecumbe

Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 9:18 AM

Subject: RE: Boiler

Les

 

I have advised all staff that I must be contacted in the event of an issue at the factory and that I in turn will advise residents through yourself of any issues that may affect you.This is the case 24/7 and this system has not failed on this occasion.

 

The delay in advising you was purely as a result of my availability out of hours; as you say you understand that I was not on duty on Sunday. It is inevitable that there will be times where I cannot be contacted immediately – I have numerous personal commitments away from work - but I remain convinced that all communication between us should be channelled through me to you or vice versa. This has served us well in recent months and I would not want to see that fail at this point. Immediately I received the call from the factory I advised you; I can promise no more or no less than that.

 

I am genuinely sorry for any disturbance or inconvenience caused in this incident and can assure you that duty engineers did all they could to remedy the issue. It is unfortunate that our offices are not manned on a Saturday or Sunday – hence your fellow resident being unable to contact us direct. If you feel it would be beneficial I am prepared to provide you with my mobile number for emergency use but I could give no greater assurance than that set out above in terms of being immediately contactable.

 

Kind regards

 

Paul

 

---

From: Les Edgecumbe [mailto:les.edgecumbe@btinternet.com]
Sent: 06 December 2009 14:09
To: Cllr: D. Corney-Walker; Cllr. R Leeper; Cllr: G Hook; Alistaire Johns; Barrie Doddington; Bill Jarman; Chris+Bernice Hunt; David Miller; Elaine No. 33 A Pk; Eric + Ann Ward; Helen Ritson; Holger Beck; Jean Doddington; Jeff Pascoe/G4ELZ; John Hawkins; Jon Kenn; Jonathan Camp/Home; Ken Harper/G0EKH; Malcolm Coe; MIKE EVANS/M0BPA; Nick McVernon; Phil Harding; Phil Rock; Richard Cartwright/Globe; Roger Mewis; Roger Snowden; SARAH JOHNS; Simon Garner; Terry Cousins; Val Yates; Wilf Morton/Globe:; Annette Jones; Denise Harris; Hayden and Gillian Macey; Paul Pearson
Subject: Fw: Boiler
Importance: High

Paul,

The noise has gone on from early this morning until gone 11:45, and regrettably the wind has been SSW making the matter even worse.

Unfortunately we only received your notification on cessation of the noise. Several residents have made representations to me after giving it some time to show understanding and ‘goodwill’, and are still upset that an earlier explanation was not given. We understand that you were not on duty, but as the noise was of a “high level for some considerable hours” it would have been beneficial to know just what was happening, in your absence. One resident was unable to contact the laundry direct by telephone.

 

Regards,

 

Les Edgecumbe.

---

—– Original Message —–

From: Paul Pearson

To: Les Edgecumbe

Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 1:55 PM

Subject: Boiler

Les

 

Hope you are well.

 

I am not on duty today. However I have just been notified of some issues with the boiler that may have resulted in the safety valves actuating.

 

The problem has now been dealt with; I trust there has not been too great an inconvenience.

 

Regards

 

Paul

===== 

Hi Les

Having been woken up this morning at 0630 and deprived of my only lay in of the week by yet again a faulty valve at the laundry and not being able to get back to sleep I got up. But now I find that the valve is still going off at regular intervals what I want to know is were are the engineers to turn the thing off. We were assured last time that the problem was solved it appears it has not and neither does there appear to be weekend engineer cover and this is totally unacceptable. This situation has been going on far to long without proper redress from Sunlight if I have to endure the noise over night I will want compensation for loss of sleep from Sunlight. I have two long trips tomorrow to Penzance and then to Bournemouth around trip of over 400 miles which I do not want to undertake if I have not had any sleep for obvious reasons and if they are cancelled I will again suffer financial loss as I did on the last occasion and I will not accept it twice.

Please can you pass my complaint in the strongest terms to your contact at Sunlight  and that I will be seeking compensation from Sunlight for reasons as above.

Regards

Holger

 

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