Here’s our dossier of estate problems (From Southend Standard)

Here’s our dossier of estate problems

10:00am Tuesday 10th July 2012 in Echo News By Emma Palmer

Snap – Tony Hayes and Tom Bullman have taken pictures of problems in Langdon Hills

CAMPAIGNING residents have put together a dossier of 2,000 pictures showing problems on their estate.

Members of the newly-formed Langdon Hills Estate Residents’ Association claim their neighbourhood is full of cracked pavements, sunken paths and fire-gutted garages, and are sending a to-do list to Basildon Council bosses.

The residents are already locked in another battle with the council after more than 250 householders on the 500-home estate were told they would have to fork out as much as £3,000 each for new water pipes under their homes.

David Burton-Sampson, chairman of the association, said: “It’s not just that issue anymore. Although we are still fighting over the water pipes debacle, we’ve also united to get something done about the sheer state of the area.

“It’s been left to rack and ruin for too long and we want it to change. That’s why we have been out taking these photos. We have 2,000 now and are in the process of categorising them so we can show the council.”

Mr Burton-Sampson, 34, who has lived on the estate for nine years, added: “To its credit, the council has been engaging us and we meet regularly. It’s just a case of getting something done and not giving up.”

The pipes saga erupted in March when homeowners in Mildmayes and surrounding roads on the estate were sent letters saying they would have to foot some of the £1.1million bill for a water pipes replacement programme.

The council argued the property deeds of homeowners on the estate clearly stated they were liable for replacing the pipes.

Both sides will meet shortly to thrash out a solution.

Mr Burton-Sampson added: “What is annoying is, it now seems even if we were to pay – which we don’t expect to – the figure would be nothing like the £3,000 first touted.

“We are annoyed this alarming figure seemed to have been plucked out of thin air, which was quite distreessing for a number of residents on this estate.”

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “We are aware of some issues concerning the garages in Stebbings being caused by dumping and improper storage.

“We cannot remove such items without first consulting residents, who may have a claim to them.

“We’ve written to residents, asking for their co-operation.

“Concerns surrounding the state of pavements will have to be addressed with Essex County Council, which has responsibility for highways.”

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “We would be happy to listen to any issues raised by the Langdon Hills Residents Association and then will consider the best approach to resolving them.”