Residents of Aspinall Court, a tranquil retirement community in Horwich, are embroiled in a persistent battle with their property management company, Places for People, over an escalating issue of unsightly and potentially hazardous weeds. What began as a minor nuisance has now grown into a significant concern for the well-being and safety of its elderly inhabitants, prompting a collective call for immediate action.
At the heart of the dispute is a petition, diligently circulated and signed by approximately twenty-five of the forty residents, explicitly urging Places for People to undertake a comprehensive cleanup of the communal green spaces. These areas, once meticulously maintained, are now described by residents as severely overgrown, with weeds encroaching upon pathways and communal areas, diminishing both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the premises.
Long-standing resident Jill New highlighted the frustrating longevity of the problem, revealing that the issue was first formally raised in October 2024. Despite initial reassurances from the management in November regarding flowering bushes not posing a hazard and promises of weed spraying and moss removal, residents report little tangible progress, exacerbating their feelings of neglect and exasperation.
The concerns extend beyond mere aesthetics, veering into critical safety territory. Ms. New articulated palpable fears regarding the weeds on patio areas, which become dangerously slippery when wet, presenting a significant fall risk for the elderly residents. Even more alarming are the dense weed growths obstructing windows at the front of the building, which residents fear could impede emergency exits in the event of a fire, turning a simple egress point into a potential death trap.
Despite repeated phone calls—an estimated 30-40 calls from at least four persistent residents—and the engagement of gardeners for general maintenance, the specific problematic weed infestations have remained untouched. This consistent inaction fuels the residents’ collective sentiment of being “ignored” and underscores the perceived lack of urgency from the management company in addressing their genuine safety pleas.
In response to the mounting pressure, a spokesperson for Places for People acknowledged the delay, attributing it to necessary health and safety checks that temporarily halted weed spraying for approximately eight weeks. This explanation sheds some light on the operational challenges faced by the management in maintaining the grounds efficiently.
The company further stated that a dedicated team attended Aspinall Court during the week commencing July 21st specifically to treat the pervasive weeds. Addressing the fire safety concerns, they clarified that residents are not advised to use windows for emergency exits, reiterating the “stay put” policy and emphasizing the use of designated fire exits for evacuation, aiming to reassure residents about established safety protocols.
While the management company asserts efforts are underway, the core issue of effectively and promptly mitigating the weed problem and ensuring resident safety remains a critical point of contention. The residents’ petition stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to securing a safe and pleasant living environment, highlighting the ongoing dialogue required between residents and property management for mutual understanding and proactive resolution.
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