Our fears over roof panels falling (From Gazette)
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Our fears over roof panels falling
12:00pm Tuesday 12th May 2009 in
RESIDENTS living in new townhouses in Colchester fear their roofs could fall off and hurt someone.
They say despite a month of constant calls to Taylor Wimpey, the builder has failed to organise repairs to mock Tudor panelling overlooking their back gardens, in Apprentice Drive, Mile End.
One resident, Gary Matthews, said he feared someone would get hurt if the panelling fell.
Mr Matthews said: “The back of the house has mock Tudor panelling.
“It’s now hanging on by a couple of bolts.
“It’s only a matter of time before the two bolts holding it up come away and it’s going to hit someone.”
Mr Matthews said it had already been fixed once, and he had already used two weeks of holiday to deal with that and other problems with a house he bought only last year.
He added: “This has caused me a lot of stress.
“If you’re on the patio below, you don’t know when those bolts are going to give way, so you really can’t sit out there.”
Mile End councillor Martin Goss said the roof needed to be fixed immediately.
He said: “There are a number of properties affected down there.
“The situation is far from acceptable, particularly when human life is at stake.
“Obviously, Taylor Wimpey needs to address this as soon as possible.”
Amy Taylor, spokeswoman for Taylor Wimpey, said: “We have discussed the situation with the company which installed the panelling, and it has agreed to correct the issue for the property owner.”
Comments(7)
gossmartin
says...
3:46pm Tue 12 May 09
The REAL Norm
says...
5:07pm Tue 12 May 09
Interesting that you have decided to descend to my level in your response, rather than take the supposed moral high ground that you have always attempted to cling to in the past.
Two councillors have gone to see a man who has been complaining for a month about his house.
So, let me get this right: if I have some work done on my house and after a while cracks appear or it's not up to scratch, I can phone the builder/decorator to complain, and if I get no response after a month, two councillors will come round to pose for a cheesy photo.
There's three of you in the picture and a photographer. Four people! Get a ladder, get a drill, buy some bolts and fix it. You could even send Anne up the ladder if you're scared of heights.
This story shows exactly how desperate you are to get your picture in the paper. A slap on the wrist for the Gazette too for giving you the coverage. Must have been a slow news day.
Sugar Plum
says...
8:01pm Tue 12 May 09
Why can't you DO something constructive rather than berate Cllr Goss at every opportunity?
Presumably you must be house bound given all the posts you make in which case I fully understand why you can't help in a physical way.
As a suggestion, maybe you could spare the bolts that go through your neck for the house repairs you numpty.
Can't wait for the puerile response that you'll post now.
The REAL Norm
says...
8:22pm Tue 12 May 09
It is indeed unfortunate that Cllr Goss insists on repeatedly putting himself in ridiculous positions as part of his insatiable desire for self-promotion.
I am not housebound so would be willing to help in a physical way. I presume this means sacrificing my self-respect and gurning for a Gazette photographer at any opportunity for the flimsiest of reasons.
I believe that climbing a ladder and fixing the problem would have been infinitely more constructing than running to the local rag, roping in Cllr Turrell, and posing for a cheesy photograph.
Anyway, why do you care?
If Goss and Turrell are prepared to sacrifice their dignity for publicity, then they deserve any feedback - be it positive or negative - that comes their way.
That's the nature of life in the public eye. I hope this is clear to you. Enjoy sucking those plums!
Feisty CBC
says...
8:46pm Tue 12 May 09
Shadow Demon
says...
4:09pm Wed 13 May 09
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Gary Matthews is worried that mock Tudor panels on his house could fall down. Councillors Martin Goss and Anne Turrell say action must be taken
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The REAL Norm says...
1:31pm Tue 12 May 09
Some of the panels on the side of the VAF don't look too secure to be honest. And their exposed to the elements. Get Turrelland Goss down there for some more cheesy pictures!