Letter from Kier

Further to your article in the November 20003 issue, I have investigated the matter and can respond as follows:

Kier Sheffield have apologised for the inconvenience and disruption that has been caused to both Mrs Shaibi and Mrs Kassim and their families on this occasion. It is clear that a service failure has occurred at both 23 and 27 Grimesthorpe Road as work on the floor areas, replacement of kitchen units and various joinery items were not completed within the relevant category periods. As a result, a letter of apology has been delivered to Mrs Shaibi and Mrs Kassim, along with a bouquet of flowers.

Both properties have been visited on several occasions over the last two weeks by Kier representatives and I can confirm that all outstanding work at both addresses was completed to the satisfaction of the tenants on the 8 November 2003.

I can also confirm that, following a series of meetings with the tenants and interviews with operatives concerned, at no time were any Kier employees found smoking in either property. The one individual that did smoke did so outside. I can confirm that we have found no evidence of any operative drinking alcohol. Water, mango juice and coffee were consumed on the premises, which had been kindly provided by the tenant.

As a result of this we are introducing improved job monitoring whereby jobs will be flagged so that the oldest jobs are done first and managed in a proactive manner. Hopefully this will reduce this type of error and allow us to give better information to the tenants as work progresses.

Finally, could I stress the importance Kier Sheffield place on all health and safety related matters, adherence to the employee Code of Conduct and the commitment to improving the repairs service for all tenants.

Yours sincerely,
Simon Bullen, Service Manager,
Kier Sheffield LLP.

Next Article: Area K Tenants & Residents Association give advice to council tenants on reporting repairs.