The point made here about checking the Mem’s and Art’s of the RPMC is a good one. Many are set up in just this way. Of course CPM/RMG are not going to draw attention to it – why would they? So the advice is check them yourselves.

It took me four months and over 1,200 e-mails in and out!

Last night, the residents of our estate responded to a notice for an EGM set by CPM and Gavin Betty and Charlotte Howlings of CPM visited us at our local communal hall. At that meeting, which I had been able to initiate with CPM with a lot of thanks to your lead and information within your site, we elevated 5 members of our estate to director status, complete with their form 288a’s. CPM then announced that they would stand down – and left.

Our crunch was not the cost of the new 2009 charges (over twice what had been envisaged when we purchased our homes) but the realisation, on receiving from Companies House the Articles of Association and Memorandum, that, within 6 months of the date of completion of the Register of Members of the IRHMCL (which we claimed would have been made by early 2006 at the latest. E.g., last home sold by the developer), the ONLY PERSONS allowed to be directors of IRHMCL are dwelling holders of Chislet Gardens. In that 6 month period in 2006, steps should have been taken by Wimpey and/or CPM to make residents aware so that the nominee directors would stand down. CPM blame Wimpey. Wimpey wash their hands.

Luckily, I had been able to ensure with Wimpey that the ‘handover’ of communal land DID NOT take place before we had full control. That process will now be put under way – with our own agent selected to deal with the day to day running, costing, admin, etc. (We do have a very good local agent who is prepared to work with the directors).

So. I can happily report that Chislet Gardens now has a new Residents Association which is bringing together a communal spirit and which will ensure a happy estate. The new board of the Management Company will ensure that the appearance of the estate is enhanced through careful planning and use of local talent to maintain it.

There are happy endings.

Many thanks to you, Keir.

Kind regards

Tony Kirkbank
Chair, CGRA