Vauxhall Five windows - project about to start!

After many years of pressure from residents, Kate Hoey MP, and councillors; work to replace the Vauxhall Five's windows is due to start at the end of this month.

Windows in Braham, Darley, Grover, Leary, and Simpson Houses are 1930s crittal windows which are in an appalling state, leaving residents with sky-high fuel bills in the winter. In addition, concrete from the balconies is failing, causing a serious safety hazard.

A 52 week major refurbishment programme will begin on 27 June. Roofs, windows, balconies, brickwork and concrete will all be brought up to a decent standard. Each individual block will take around five months to complete, depending on what concrete repairs are required.

Whilst major work like this will inevitably be disruptive, there will be Resident Liaison Officers from the contractor and Lambeth Council available for residents to speak to throughout the process. Work in flats will be done by appointment.

Many leaseholders will be concerned at the large bill they will have to pay. Lambeth Living should provide advice, support, and payment options to help leaseholders who will struggle with the bills.

Local councillors will be monitoring the project closely, and on hand to help if problems can't be resolved with Lambeth Living or the contractors.

Councillor Mark Harrison said: 'after more than a decade of pressure residents are finally close to seeing the work started which is so badly needed. We won't be celebrating until the windows are replaced and the contractors are offsite, but this month's news is really encouraging.'

Pictured: Mark Harrison with a petition for new windows he organised back in January 2009.