Thread started by Tony Kirkbank.
Chairman – Chislet Gardens Residents Association

The Chislet Gardens Estate at Hersden, near Canterbury, is a development of some 200 households built by Wimpey snd Westbury some 4/5 years ago. New householders/freeholders were advised that CPM would be charging £88 per annum for maintainance charges referring to small areas of shrubbery along borders and a small area of grass fronting a Close. Up until now, the estate had not been ‘completed’ and no charges were forthcoming. The minimal work was carried out by a Wimpey-paiod gardener on Monday mornings (sometimes). The finances of our Management Company showed a balance of nil. In November 2008, all residents received invoices from CPM, dated from 1st September 2008, demanding payment of Management fees amounting to over £190 an increase of well in excess of 100%, without explanation of the itemised increases. CPM were not due to take over this estate until January this year, so why bill from last September!!! These charges were immediately challenged and letters sent by recorded delivery remain unacklowledged and unanswered, but, on 3rd December, CPM relented and withdrew the new charges pending a meeting with residents. Threats of legal action against non-payers were also withdrawn. On 17th December, all residents then received a FINAL DEMAND of the £190 togther with threats of an additional £125 debt collection if not paid within 5 days. After immediate calls by various residents and other action, an e-mail apology was received, together with an acknowledgement that a formal letter of apology was appropriate. This 17th Dec letter was also read by an elderly lady resident whose husband has a heart condition. She had also panicked when the letter was opened and telephoned the Customer Care number at RMG shown on her letter. She was put through to an operative who advised her that she should pay the demand straight away or else legal action would be taken against her. She telephoned me in tears and I was able to advise her that the Credit Control Office of CPM had admitted an error. What a way to run a business. We are now armed with a new Residents Association and will be continuing the ideal in getting CPM away from our Estate business by following the lead taken by this site’s author – and I thank him very much for his efforts! We are still awaiting a meeting by CPM with residents but I expect that their new 2009 bill will arrive first. Watch this space. Tony