“We’ve now opened a line of communication,” said the residents of Cardinal Lofts after they met with the freeholder of their building.
The meeting took place yesterday, March 30, at the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities in London.
Residents agreed not to share details of what was discussed during the talks with Railpen.
They issued an open letter on behalf of leaseholders and residents of 11 different buildings owned by Grey GR, a subsidiary of the Railways Pension Fund, Railpen.
It reads: “We want our lives back. We have waited for years to ensure our homes are safe.
“We have children who have never lived in a safe home. Our homes are in buildings owned by Railpen.
“Our lives have been put on hold as we are trapped in limbo. People unable to change through fear of financial insecurity.
“Couples unable to have children for lack of space and safety concerns. Families cramped into homes that they have outgrown and unable to sell and move on.
“Retirements spent living in fear of fire or extortionate bills. Every penny not already spent on issues we played no part in causing, being saved ‘just in-case’ more bills are sent.
“Individual bills of tens of thousands of pounds sent by Grey GR to blameless leaseholders. One bill of over £200,000 that you sent to each leaseholder in one of your buildings.
“Amongst us are ordinary people who have suffered with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation as a direct result of the building safety crisis and the inaction and lack of communication from Railpen.
“How many more of us from other buildings you own will be made homeless before you act?
“We are tired - tired of waiting, tired of having to scream to be heard and tired of living in unsafe homes with no end in sight. We want to see the works start and the buildings be made safe for good.”
The residents called Railpen for action and asked for a “firm timeline” as well as monthly updates on the work carried out at Cardinal Lofts.
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