Mrs J Howley
Housing and public protection
Newton bar
Wakefield
West York’s
Wf1 2tx
18/04/2009
Dear Janet
RE THE GIRNHILL ESTATE
Yet again I have been forced to write to inform you that WMDC is not providing a “duty of care” for the Girnhill estate/ surrounding residents and members of the public within the local fire service coverage area. It appears that WMDC has given up on the area as daily checks have now stopped and emergency repair requests are being ignored.
Over the last 12 days I have reported to the WMDC contact centre that buildings were insecure and would be set on fire. In that time no repairs appear to have been made resulting in another 4 houses being burnt. Since Wednesday I have reported twice daily that there are open buildings. As of today the buildings are still un-secure and in fact because no repairs have been made a total of 8 properties have now been opened. I am amazed that not one house was set on fire last night but am sure the situation is building up and that we will be seeing the biggest major fire of up to 16 houses at once very shortly, possibly today.
The recorded facts just for the last 2 years state what will happen each time demolition is announced. The situation requires addressing and the only way is
1. secure the metal panels with more bolts and other simply placed metal supports
2. secure all loft hatches as most fires appear to start in the loft as a way to quickly spread the fire
3. at least security on site from 4pm to 7am should be immediately placed
4. daily checks should involve not driving past but actually looking around each property
5. Newly empty properties are most at risk within 24 hours. A recent example was 1 hour after an owner leaving the turf in the back garden was removed followed by the shed. New properties should be monitored heavily in the first week
I would also like to point out a concern with the WMDC contact centre. Many times when you call it is argued that WMDC do not own the property and that WDH do. This is incorrect and always takes time to resolve with proof. I am sure many people have been put off at this point. Also when a request is made to re-board a property the information is given that the buildings department is 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. This is misleading information as the contact centre is aware that a 24hour boarding service is available to be initiated in response. The WMDC contact centre needs to be informed of the situation.
I have provided you with pictures and address of this week’s damage to shutters. I have also provided this to the WMDC contact centre. Today reference was ID C61845.
