Getting Action for Ross House

Following up from previous Facebook posts (such as this, and this) on the condition of the East Kent Housing run (and Folkestone and Hythe District Council owned) Ross House in Ross Way, Sandgate, there has been much more progress and work.

Work teams have been on site pretty regularly since I took some senior officers and Councillors for a visit, with work not underway to replace and fix leaking flat roofs, security doors fixed and more. There is more to do, and some commitment to doing it, but good to see.

Also, further surveys have been conducted, leading to the following letter being delivered to Ross House residents this morning:"Following survey work by East Kent Housing in the last few days, we have decided to improve fire protection works at Ross House. This work will include improvements to the fire alarm system and some building works.

"It is going to take some time to complete this work, and because we want to make sure that you are as safe as possible in your home, we have spoken to Kent Fire & Rescue Service about what we need to do.

"Along with Folkestone & Hythe District Council, we have decided to introduce a security service at Ross House. The security team will be in place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until the work is completed."

Clearly, that there have not been such systems in place for the last 18 months of occupation is mindboggling, but I'm pleased to see urgent and appropriate measures being put in place now to ensure resident safety. Although learning the lessons of the past is important and will have its place, getting the problem sorted now is the most important thing to see.