Tenants insulted by council contractor
A couple living on Blackbird Leys have complained about the behaviour and standard of workmanship demonstrated by an Oxford Building Solutions (OBS) contractor who came to fit new windows as part of the council’s refurbishment programme.
Mr and Mrs Jordan of Prunus Close told the Leys Independent that they were dismayed when the contractor failed to clean up the considerable mess he had made while installing the window—a normal part of the job.
When they asked the contractor to do so they were shocked to hear him say, ‘We have been told that people in Blackbird Leys are shit and their houses are scuzzy so we don’t have to worry about it.’
The Jordans have also reported problems with the new doors and windows, as well as damage caused to their home by the fitter.
While the IWCA is obviously pleased to see the next phase of replacement windows being fitted across the estate—and not before time—we are concerned that other residents may have had similar experiences to the Jordans.
What is most worrying is that the contractors insistence that he was only acting under instructions could be true. Through our own dealings with OBS their contractor’s attitude appears—albeit in extreme form—to echo the general attitude at OBS towards the people of Blackbird Leys.
If anyone has had similar problems connected with the windows or with OBS generally, please contact the IWCA and we will look into the matter.
Leys Independent, issue 22, April 2004
| 
