Cedar Tenants Association

Anger over GHA 'neglect'




MARK ROONEY, left, and Graham McGunnagle say GHA has badly let them down



ANGRY residents from three city tower blocks have accused Glasgow's biggest landlord of neglecting their homes.

Cedar Tenants' Association uncovered a range of complaints when they asked hundreds of residents at Cedar Court blocks in Maryhill what they thought of Glasgow Housing Association's performance.

Their survey found 80% of residents said there were not enough facilities for children in the area, while two-thirds said their rents were too high.

Meanwhile, 63% of residents said their water was undrinkable and a further half reported having problems running a washing machine because of low water pressure.

Exposed wiring is also a safety concern for residents, as vandals routinely rip covers off the wall.

Tenants' Association member Mark Rooney, who is registered blind, claimed GHA was continually letting them down.

He said: "We are being treated like second-class citizens. We're always hearing how other GHA tenants have had their homes improved and upgraded, while ours are left in a state of ruin and neglect."

Fellow resident Graham McGunnagle, 20, added: "The fire door on our landing disappeared last week and should have been replaced within 24 hours. Five days later we're still waiting.

"GHA are a disaster - they haven't got a clue."

A Glasgow Housing Association spokeswoman said: "The Cedar Court properties fall within the Queens Cross Housing Association Local Housing Organisation area and have already seen significant refurbishment including the installation of new heating systems and new windows.

"Plans have now been approved for improvements to the two local play parks serving Cedar Court within the next six months.

"We have only been advised by one tenant about problems with the water pressure in one household and offered them immediate solutions, unfortunately the tenant has not

followed our advice."

12/09/06