Fed-up residents in petition bid

PETITIONING for change . . . Miranda Meadowcroft

Residents at a town-centre apartment block are petitioning their housing group for a refund after months of repair work saw them passed “from pillar to post.”

The Chronicle reported in February how residents renting apartments in the Astoria in Cardinal Street had been forced to pack up and move into other flats in the block at short notice after noticing various safety concerns.

Issues with structural work, ceilings, wiring and fire alarms were reported to building operators Great Places Housing Group, with urgent repairs requiring many flats to be emptied for work to take place.

Over the past few months repairs have continued, but residents believe they are entitled to reimbursement of service charges due to the disruption.

Resident Miranda Meadowcroft said: “Some improvements have been made to the building and the interaction with residents since the Chronicle was involved. We have had more meetings between residents and Great Places staff to discuss issues. The distress and upset caused by the repair works is ongoing.”

Repair works on the complex, which houses 48 two-bedroom apartments, have continued since last July and residents say they are concerned with the way they have been treated.

“The building is still shrouded in scaffolding, halls are muddy and dirty, window cleaners are not able to clean, yet tenants are being charged every week,” said Miranda

Tenants signed a petition and attempted to hand it to the Great Places Housing Oldham office on Union Street, however a representative refused to meet with the residents.

Matthew Harrison, chief executive of Great Places Housing Group, said: “We understand the frustrations of residents. As recognition of the inconvenience we will be refunding some of their service charge from last year and they will also pay a reduced amount this year.”