Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Residential Metal Security Gates Beings Removed By Homes For Haringey
Dear all
If you're a tenant, (although this could apply to leaseholders too), Homes for Haringey will FORCE you to remove your personally purchased security gate, if you have one.
16 years ago, I was attacked outside my street door, (second floor), and immediately went out to buy a gate. Tottenham isn't the safest of areas and I figured I should take action to safeguard myself and my home.
I've had my gate from that time, but since Apollo have been changing the street doors where I live, tenants are no longer permitted to keep their gates. HfH say, "it's a health and safety risk". However, I've spoken to the Police, who say, they're only too pleased people are making their homes more secure and can't understand the need to remove them. I also spoke to the Fire service who say, if they really need to get in, they'll get in - gate or not, and they couldn't understand why the gate had to go either.
Can anyone out there help me, please? I've written to David Lammy and got absolutely nowhere. Living alone, I'll no longer feel safe without my security gate. Perhaps there's a kindly solicitor who could lend me a hand. I look forward to hearing from anyone, as my peace of mind is at stake.
I even asked Homes for Haringey if they would give me a little time to save for a 'good' alarm, they say no. I don't see what difference a few weeks would make. I'm getting nowhere. Does anyone have any advice for me please?
Many thanks
Jeanette
Tags for Forum Posts: Apollo, Haringey, Tottenham, gate, metal, protect, protection, remove, safety, security
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letter.pdf, 113 KB
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John McMullan on
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I'd like to see a picture of it but if it's really in the "communal area" I think they're quite within their rights to remove it. If you stay locked in your flat watching TV then I imagine this gate is a really good idea but if you ever go out, surely it is better to have less fumbling with keys and locks upon your return?
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Permalink Reply by Abi on
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Presumably then the 'solution' is to say 'hello, these gates could be a hazard. Have you thought about how you'd get out in the event of a fire and if after doing so you would like them to be removed, we will do that for you', rather than acting as though people are all idiots who can't figure these things out and make informed decisions.
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Permalink Reply by Jeanette Sitton on
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Hi all - I wrote a lengthy letter to Paul Bridge (Homes for Haringey) on Sunday night. I followed this up with call to his office. The call was passed to David Sherrington. During the call, David told me, the Council has no LEGAL obligation to remove residential security gates.
This gate removal was due to happen in all areas of the borough under the Decent Homes program. Residents, including Council tenants, have a right to say, "no". However, this must be done in writing and ideally to one of the above HfH people.
On the matter of fire, security gates can be a fire hazard, but so is smoking in bed, or, not having a gas boiler checked regularly for faults. Fire prevention is best. Provided residents take every precaution to minimise fire, risks are reduced and gates remain a good way to safeguard a home. All said, the risk and the responsibility is ultimately our's.
I'm not advocating for residential security gates, and the decision is obviously down to the individual...., and hat's where Homes for Haringey got it wrong!! There has been mo public consultation, they just said, gates must go.
If you feel as strongly as I did, then fight it! Don't do it aggressively -- there's no need for that! Just write that letter - the pen is mightier than the sword.
My gate was due for removal today. i've had it stopped. If the risk of losing it reoccurs, I'll let you all know. You can count on it.
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Huge thanks to Cllr. Stanton.
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Thanks, it needed to be done! ;)
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Thanks
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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on
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Just to add that, as you and I have discussed Jeanette, there are some serious outstanding questions. In particular the advice received by Homes for Haringey from the Fire Brigade and the Police about ways to balance security with fire safety. Which affect everyone - whether or not they are a tenant or leaseholder of the Council.
Hopefully, the replies from Paul Bridge, Chief Executive of Homes for Haringey will shed some light.
(Tottenham Hale ward councillor)
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Permalink Reply by 0vyh1ywn4guzw on
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this is a official letter recieved from hackney homesRe: Metal Gates
Further to your email of 12th February, I am writing to confirm that I will be
visiting you on Monday 17th February at 3pm to discuss the issue with your
metal gate.I can also confirm as discussed when I visited you on 24th January that the
installation by Hackney Council/Homes of the gerda security door has resulted
in a contravention of clause 3.8 of document GN11, a copy of which I left with
you on my last visit.I do hope that we can reach a satisfactory resolution to this matter when I see
you on Monday.Yours sincerely
David Saxon
Head of Neighbourhoods
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Pity, i was hoping HfH were going to pulbicly humiliate themselves again. Only joking, Well done Jeanette.
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“This action is taken to ensure that Hackney Homes complies with its legislative obligations for the safety of all residents in a particular area or block.”well thats nonsense,they are asking people to compromise their security.i have it in writing from david saxon of hackney homes that the gerda door installation was a contravention of clause 3.b of document gn11.they should have told tenants that installation of a gerda door meant removal of steel gate.now he tells me i might be able to keep the steel gate if i have a new wooden door installed,what a run around,also they must be bleeding money all over the place. bloody mindedness versus common sense,hes coming to see me tomorrow for the second time to discuss the issue,i bet he just says same as last time.
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I've had the new door for months now. While I feel secure, I do miss the gate as a second defence. I now see it for the huge luxury that it was. Incidentally, no metal gate remain on Feeey Lane Estate now. An end of an era. All the very best to you - I hope you get to keep your's. I was eventually hounded, I guess I just didn't know enough to tie the council in knots. Best wishes, Jeanette
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