There have long been problems on the Estate with security in the service roads that run behind the houses: burglaries, garage break-ins, graffiti, illegal commuter parking, abandoned cars and fly tipping.
The service roads behind the houses on Vale Lane, Princes Gardens, Tudor Gardens and between Princes Gardens and Monks Drive are owned by HHGE Residents Ltd, a private limited company, and managed by the Residents Association. In response to residents' requests, HHGE Residents Ltd has now installed gates at the entrances to the service roads.
This has been a long process, involving many meetings by Residents Association board members with Ealing Council (which granted planning permission and £10,000 toward the project's cost), police and contractors. The solution chosen was to install 2m-high high gates at all the service road entrances, locked with a key using a high security deadlock. There are no separate pedestrian gates.
All residents were informed by letter before work began and were sent a second circular in January explaining the zoning system adopted and how to get keys. The gates have now been locked and residents are asked to ensure they remain closed; more detailed information is set out in the questions and answers below.
Document downloads
1. Initial circular to residents - click here
2. Map of gate positions and zones (southern part of the Estate) - click here
3. Map of gate positions and zones (northern part of the Estate) - click here
4. Application form for keys - click here
Servicing arrangements
The Estate Office is located at Japan Services, on Queen’s Drive. Please note that keys will not be issued or contributions collected until the beginning of February. Full contact details are:
During normal office hours
Japan Services
2 Queens Drive
West Acton
London W3 0HA
Tel. 0208 752 0445
Out of office hours (emergencies only)
Roy: 0778 779 2197. If not available, call Jay: 07971 384 680.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- Why are the service roads being divided into zones?
We have consulted the Ealing police Crime Prevention Team who have strongly advised the creation of separate zones as a means of increasing security and to develop a sense of community (maps showing the zones can be consulted online at www.hhgera.com or by personal callers at the Estate Office).
Keys
- Do all the gates have the same key?
No – each zone gate has its own unique key which is different from the others.
- Can I have keys to more than one zone?
You will only be allocated a key to the gate corresponding to your zone, where you have a right of access to your garage.
- Why don’t all the gates have the same key?
The fewer people hold keys to any gate, the fewer problems and security issues there are likely to be. It will also be quicker and cheaper to change the lock, if need be.
- What’s to stop the wrong people obtaining keys?
Requests must be made in person using the official application form. To ensure security and reduce the chances of fraudulent use of keys, applicants will be asked to present proof of residence (for example a tenancy agreement, council tax bill or utility bill).
- Where do I get an application form?
Forms have been delivered to every house before the gates are locked. They will also be available to download on the website and from the Estate Office.
- Where do I go if I need more than one key?
Duplicates can be ordered from the Estate Office in exchange for a deposit of £25, up to a maximum of two keys per house.
- I'm a tenant. Do I have to pay and arrange to get the key or will my landlord?
There is no set answer to this question, but most landlords are likely to expect tenants to arrange their own keys, especially when renting through an estate agent. At the end of your tenancy, you can hand the key back to the Estate Office (assuming it is in good condition) and receive a refund of the £25 deposit.
- I don’t own a car. Do I have to have a key?
No. But we think most residents will want to be able to access the service roads for deliveries, removing waste etc.
- Can I get my key money back if I move out?
The £40 per house contribution we are asking for is very modest and includes a £25 deposit for the first gate key for each house. Key deposits are refundable on return of the key in good condition.
Access
- What arrangements must I make for builders’ skips?
A charge of £30 per skip has been introduced to help pay for damage and repairs to the service roads. A skip permit can be obtained from the Estate Office and must be displayed on your back fence.
- How will vans and lorries gain access to remove waste, deliver heavy items etc?
Residents will need to arrange to meet delivery vehicles and unlock the gates so they can get in and out again. Keys should not be left with the driver.
- How will lorries get out if there's not enough room to turn?
Access has not changed in zone A, where lorries can drive through. In zones B, C and H access remains the same with some reversing necessary. In zones D, E, F and G, lorries will not be able to drive through and some reversing will be necessary. We do not anticipate too many problems but it is doubly important service roads are kept clear of parked cars and other impediments. In case of emergency, residents should contact the Estate Office on the numbers above.
Emergencies
- Is there a 24-hour call out service?
Yes; this is provided by the Estate Office (see above) and covers only emergencies such as damage to a gate or lock that means it cannot be opened.
- How will emergency services and utility vehicles gain access?
Keys have been lodged with the police, fire service and Thames Water.
- If the gate is broken or damaged who do I report it to?
Report it in the first instance to the Estate Office, at the address and number above, who will know what to do. The gates come with a 10-year guarantee so we hope maintenance costs can be kept to a minimum.
- If the gate or lock is damaged and my car is stuck inside, how do I get someone to fix it immediately?
Contact the Estate Office or ask a neighbour to assist.
- What if I lose my key?
Duplicates can be ordered from the Estate Office , in exchange for a deposit of £25 per key.
- If I lose my key outside office hours, what do I do?
The Estate Office operates a 24-hour helpline, on the number above. At the discretion of the Residents Association, a charge of £45 (incl VAT) may be made to access this service.
- My keys have been stolen, with my address. Do you need to change the locks?
You would obviously be advised to change your house locks if these keys have also been taken and the thieves could know where you live. Theft of gate keys should be reported to the Estate Office. A risk assessment will then be made and a decision taken whether to replace the lock.
Miscellany
- Why don't the gates open automatically with a 'beeper'?
We considered electronic gates but this would have meant installing electricity supply throughout the Estate and much greater expense, both initially and for continuing maintenance. The police, security firms and other estates with similar layouts to our own all advised us to go for the simplest possible option, with the least scope for things to go wrong.
- Can I park my car in the service road?
No; you are not allowed to park any vehicle in the service roads as they must be kept clear for emergency and fire service vehicles. Temporary parking to load and unload vehicles is of course permitted. Abandoned and unlicensed vehicles will be removed and the owner charged.
- I never use the service road so why should I contribute to the cost?
The gates will benefit all residents, whether car owners or not, by improving the security of the service roads. Every house is asked to contribute to the cost of installing the gates, at a very modest £40 per house. This includes a £25 deposit for a key.
- Will I still be able to walk my dog on the service road?
Yes but you will only have access to your zone in view of the increased security of the gating programme.