A RETIRED couple living at Born Court, Ledbury, are among people concerned at the way their annual service charges go up, yet they find the service is deteriorating.

David and Ann Gates say Midland Heart, the management company, have failed in their contract to maintain the upkeep of the communal gardens and corridors.  

They said: “The carpets, which have heavy use, have not been deep cleaned for more than 10 years.

“The response we get from Midland Heart is that this is the responsibility of the in-house management committee but they have little or no influence with Midland Heart.

“Our well-meaning in-house management committee have little influence and are overridden by Midland Heart”.

“We would value advice and want to warn potential leaseholders.”

A statement from Midland Heart said: “We are sorry to hear that Mr and Mrs Gates have concerns regarding the service provision at Born Court.

“As a Fully Mutual Housing Association, leaseholders at Born Court, including Mr and Mrs Gates, form the Landlord, with an elected Committee of Management for the scheme. 

“Residents pay for all communal repairs and maintenance, and as Managing Agent for Born Court, we work with the Landlord to prioritise how this funding is used, which going forward will include an annual deep clean of the carpets, which will continue until they are due to be replaced.

“From May of this year, there will be a new grounds maintenance provider for Born Court, and we will work with the new provider, and the Committee, to ensure a smooth transition and minimal impact on residents.

“We of course want to see these issues resolved for the residents of Born Court and would encourage them to contact their Committee of Management with any further concerns.”