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The Black Friars of Shrewsbury - is a very interesting publication (by Paul Marsden) on the history of the Black Friars Monastery which stretched from St. Mary’s Water Lane down to the English Bridge. Available to Owners and Residents (free of charge). Contact Brian Rennie.
New Light Switches - February 2010.
New Light Switches have been installed in all stairwells for better safety. Each light switch contains it's own mini light for easy location in the dark. Each light switch will keep the lights on for just over 1 minute, If this is not sufficient for any reason please contact Eddie Clitheroe who will arrange for the Electrician to alter the timing. Please don't attempt this yourself.
Bin Store – September 2009
The pedestrian exit wall by the Bin Store has been strengthened to protect it from further damage from bin men pushing bins out to the waiting vehicle.
Power Cut
Tuesday 23rd September 2008 During works on Blackfriars Cottage (owned by Mr. Roger Adams) a digger touched an electricity cable that cut the power to the Cottage. E.ON arrived - put in a new connection which “blew back” and cut power to Lower Blackfriars (indicating a much more serious problem). E.ON had no drawings of the electrical network readily available and called for specialist help. When the necessary machinery arrived later in the evening, the problem was traced to the middle of the road (where the current roadworks are). E.ON dug up the road and uncovered a completely corroded connection which they have now replaced with a new connection box (on view at roadworks for those who are interested). Mr. Adams would like to apologise to everyone who was affected by this electrical “chain reaction” and with the corroded connection now replaced, there should be no further power loss.
Field
April 2008 – We’ve now had permission from Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council to fell two of the three Norway Maples, crown-reduce the centre one and plant 5 more suitable species. We are now talking to contractors to put this work in hand as soon as possible.
Safety Railings
February 2008 - Safety railings have now been installed at the rear of Upper Blackfriars.
Building Survey
January 2008 – Last year we commissioned a survey of Blackfriars in anticipation of the expiry of our 10-year NHBC Guarantee. Residents will be informed of any action arising from this.
TV Reception
December 2008 - Despite our best efforts, the Council have refused our request to either cut down or trim the remaining Norway Maple in the meadow, which our TV installer has advised us may be responsible for our intermittently poor TV reception on terrestrial channels. We are now looking at various other possibilities including putting the aerial on the gable end of Upper Blackfriars, adjacent to St Mary’s Water Lane, or installing FreeSat utilising our existing dish.
Garages
January 2009 - The garages have now been externally numbered, making it easier to contact garage owners when necessary. Eddie Clitheroe, Director, and Pooks, the managing agents, both hold lists of who owns each garage.
Mr and Mrs Geoff Whittenham
A silver Birch has been planted in the Meadow at Blackfriars in memory of Mr and Mrs Geoff Whittenham, formerly of Apt 24, both of whom died recently. A small plaque will be put next to the tree soon.
Bike Shed Update – November 2009
The missing padlock from the Bike Shed has now been replaced. Can everyone who uses the Bike Shed facility please take great care with the lock and more importantly ensure they scramble the lock after use.
Bike Shed – September 2009
The extension to the Bike Shed has been completed with room to secure more bikes. If you wish to lock up a bike, then please contact Brian Rennie for details on how to obtain access to the Shed (and also to register your bike for identification purposes). |
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Bike Shed - February 2010.
A third bike shed lock has been fitted following the breakage of the previous one (which was 'forced' when frozen).
Hand Rails - December 2009
New hand rails have been installed alongside the steps by the Bin Store.
Meadow – October 2009
The Meadow will be cut in October
Car Security Alert - October 2009
Early on the morning of 6th October a Resident discovered his car had been tampered with. Nothing was taken and no damage to the car, but the contents of the glove box and door pockets were left over the floor. In the 12 years that Blackfriars has existed, it's a rarity for a car to be broken into. However, please be extra vigilant, make sure your car doors are locked and that no valuables are left in view.
New Signs – September 2009
Signs have been fixed (indicating location of Apartment Numbers for visitors) to both Upper and Lower Blackfriars.
TV Reception
February 2009 – Last year SABC gave us permission to remove two of the three Norway Maples and "crown reduce" the third. A subsequent request to fell this tree as it was affecting TV reception from the Wrekin transmitter was refused. We will therefore have to move the TV aerial to the gable end of Upper Blackfriars next to St Mary's Water Lane.
Field
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May 2008 - The work on the trees has now taken place as planned, opening up the views at that end of Blackfriars and
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improving the light in many apartments. The replacements will be planted in the autumn.
Field
February 2008 - We've applied to the Council to cut down the three Norway Maples next to the gable end of Lower Blackfriars. There are several reasons but the main one is that the leaves and winged seeds clog the gutters, and it's very expensive to hire scaffolding in order to clean them. We will replace them with smaller species and plant a little further away.
Car Park
February 2008 - Improvement work will soon start in the Car Park. This involves replacing the two Cherry Trees with something more suitable, replacing the tarmac their roots have damaged, and widening the last parking space in front of Lower Blackfriars. Every effort will be made to keep inconvenience to a minimum.
Security
March 2008 – Last week a first-floor apartment in Upper Blackfriars was burgled. Someone used the SABC salt /sand bin for icy roads to reach an open window and helped themselves to a few personal items. This was the first such incident in the history of Blackfriars, but it nevertheless reminds us to be careful with leaving windows open, particularly on the lower floors. The police have been informed and the bin has been moved further down the lane.
Bin Store
December 2008 - A movement sensor has been put in the bin stores so that the light comes on automatically. It will switch itself off after a short period once the doors are closed. The strip light has also been replaced with a more suitable light in order to save electricity.
Security Alert - September 2008
Apartment No. 11 Upper Blackfriars was broken into overnight 21st September. Access gained through a window and valuables stolen. Please be vigilant at all times (and especially aware of security if you live on the lower floors).
Notice of Intention - External Painting 2010
Please click here for the Notice of Intention to carry out work
Buildings/Decorating Update - February 2010. - We plan to decorate the outside of the buildings this summer and touch up the walls in the stairwells where they have been scuffed by traffic. We will let you know the date of the painting as it will be necessary to leave windows ajar to avoid sticking.
Service Charge Information Y/E 31/12/09
Please click here for information on 2009 Service Charges
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