Death in a Redbridge Lift

Today on the BBC London News programme I was disturbed by news that a women was crushed under a faulty lift, at a Redbridge Council Flat block. This news is evidence that the government needs to review its current practice, allowing management agents to practice a minimalistic response to concerns about the quality of life and safety of residents under their control - without policing.

The Orchard estate in Woodford is just one example of the atrocious response times and maintenance concerns in our borough of Redbridge. I have raised concerns about antisocial behaviour, faulty lamp posts, fytipping and the disrepair of subterranean car parking that not only provide safety concerns, but must also be in conflict with existing planning laws and submitted planning applications.

It is a shame that rogue companies have been able to reduce the quality of life of residents living on estates, as I believe this impact on drug use, confidence, morale and inadvertently suicides and antisocial behaviour at such locations. There is a definite correlation between quality of life and crime proclivity. Moreover, much of the shortcomings result in expense to the state....our local council is often removing bulky waste and fytipping from estates that is due to the poor design of estates and the negligence of Managing Agents and Housing agents.

Rogue management agents, often advise they will undertake repairs and months - even years later, we find ourselves in a position of status quo.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Christine Allen aged 5o who died as a consequence of this tragic event. Four of the witnesses to the vent were close to the victim and the incident will no doubt, live with them forever. I just hope Redbridge Council and our Government enact changes to the existing scheme of things, to finally curb this awful insouciant management of peoples domestic life.