Outcome of Meeting on 23 September 2012

Dear all,

Firstly, many thanks to all those that took the time to attend our meeting on Sunday 23 September 2012 and to contribute towards our shared goal of maintaining our property.

Many thanks must go particularly to Ella at the beautifully refurbished No 11 Brasserie and Hotel for the use of the facilities and warm hospitality.

I am pleased to say that we managed to agree a final version of our Constitution which is now posted on this site, along with the Meeting Notes (Thanks Kate, for getting those done so quickly).

This means that we are now in a position to proceed to open a bank account to manage our shared payments.  This will happen within the next few weeks.

The BSORA members present agreed unanimously to appoint the professional services of DM Hall, who have now been asked to proceed to Stages C&D under their Scope of Services.  This includes preparation of a brief and documents for tender to put out to various contractors so that they can provide us with comparable quotes to undertake the work identified in the Building Survey conducted last year.  

This stage is now under way and will cost approximately £800 + VAT (i.e. about £70 per property).   Please note that payment for this is likely to be required towards the end of October 2012. 

It is hoped that at our next meeting in November we may be in a position to agree what work we will get done and when, and how much it will cost so that we can appoint contractors and be ready to start the work in the spring.

If anyone does have any further questions or comments please do let us know, and in the meantime we will aim to keep you posted here.

Thanks,

Catriona
for
BSORA

Fire Safety - Be Stair Aware

We recently had a visit from the Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service reminding us to be 'Stair Aware' and to make sure that we all not only have working smoke detectors and fire alarms fitted, but that we each also have a plan of escape in the event of a fire in another part of the building.  You can access an Escape Plan Leaflet here.

If you hear an alarm or suspect Fire, dial 999 and ask for 'Fire', giving as much information as you can.

If you would like a Free Home Safety Visit they will happily come and offer further advice and if necessary install a free smoke alarm.  Call 0800 169 0320.

Their website provides lots of other relevant Home Safety Advice.

The leaflet they posted also reminds us that it is an offence* to store combustible materials in a common stairwell.   (*under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982)  

Although I thankfully don't think this is a big issue for us, this might be a good time to remind ourselves to keep both the stair and the access to the garden clear, so far as possible, of obstacles like bicycles, lawnmowers etc .  If you know you have something potentially blocking safe access, please consider your neighbours and relocate it to a safer place  (For example bikes could perhaps be stored on the outside of the railing, to hang over the well.)  

Thanks.

Catriona

 

Opportunity to Comment on The New Shape of Edinburgh Council's Property Conservation Service

In preparation for our next BSORA meeting being held on Sunday 23 September at 5pm, I have been checking the current position with the council.

It would appear that they have finally concluded that the current arrangements do not work, and are now seeking public consultation (open until end October 2012) on how it should be redesigned.

This is our chance to comment!

You can see full info here:

Property Conservation Redesign - consultation on a new service:
 http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/1028/improvements_and_repairs/1807/property_conservation_redesign/1

and New Proposals for maintaining private properties :   http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/1028/improvements_and_repairs/1807/property_conservation_redesign/2


How can I take part in the consultation?

You can fill out a web survey

You can e-mail your views to propertyconservation.redesign@edinburgh.gov.uk

If you have any other questions, require assistance with the survey or would prefer to respond via a FREEPOST written form call 0131 529 4594/4632.

Please do take advantage of this chance to comment!