LETTER TO GORDON SLOAN, CHAIRMAN, GHA, RE HOMEOWNERS AND TENANTS’ MASS EXPOSURE TO ASBESTOS

Dear Mr Sloan

I am writing to you as a matter of concern to urge you and the other Tenant members of the Board, to support an independent investigation from the Scottish Government of all work practises carried out in relation to major renovation (taking in kitchens and bathrooms for tenants and doing overcladding and re-roofing for all residents) regarding the management of asbestos risk since 2005.

It is clear from all available evidence that tenants, workers and factored homeowners were exposed in their thousands to asbestos in that no surveys on asbestos risk were carried out before work began; residents therefore did not receive information in the form of protective notes about the risks of work interfering with asbestos and no tenants were decanted; for example, during kitchen and bathroom renovations in the Gorbals High Rise flats, which are riddled with asbestos.

As you should be aware, a number of legal cases (6 so far) have been prepared by Jim Price, Management Partner, Ross & Harper, Solicitors, relating to GHA Ltd. not meeting their statutory obligations in relation to the management of asbestos risk and causing the resultant mental trauma to individuals who swear that they were exposed by GHA Ltd. to asbestos dust and particles who will have to wait 20 years to see if they are victims of corporate manslaughter.

GHA Ltd.’s response to the Scottish Housing Regulator from a small amount of evidence I submitted to them is inaccurate at best, e.g. Taroub Zahran’s letter to Bernard Warden (Health & Safety Executive) is made out by GHA Ltd. now to be about events in 2007 when, in fact, she stated clearly that texture coated ceilings (Artex with asbestos) were not a priority for GHA prior to August 2009.

GHA Ltd., between 2006 and 2009, did an 8,000 property and common area survey of asbestos which has never been seen or published, as this document is a damning indictment of GHA Ltd.’s management of asbestos risk (the Babcock Scientific Services Asbestos Survey).  Have you read it?

I call on you, and the other Tenant representatives to support an independent investigation of the management of asbestos risk since 2005, or do you want to be remembered for your collaboration in the cover-up of thousands of tenants, workers and factored homeowners who were exposed to deadly asbestos by your organisation?

Yours sincerely

SEAN CLERKIN

Chairperson, Glasgow Homeowners’ Campaign

LETTER TO MARTIN ARMSTRONG, GHA, RE HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME FOR HOMEOWNERS

Dear Mr Armstrong

I am writing to bring to your attention the situation regarding GHA factored homeowners in the City who have not been able to get any home improvements, such as rendering and re-roofing, because no tenants live at their location and therefore GHA Ltd. do not include them in the Home Improvement Programme.  When the funding was originally set up for these home improvements, all factored homeowners were to be included.

In many instances, these factored homeowners want to take part in the Home Improvement Programme but do not have the money to pay for said improvements.  They require access to grand aided funding (not loans).  You, as factor, have a duty to help these residents access grant funding for home improvements.

Many areas have received rendering and re-roofing, but properties have been left out, which can leave areas looking unsightly.  If GHA Ltd. can fund the improvement of Winget Homes in Carntyne for £38m, then it can access grant funding for factored homeowners for home improvements elsewhere in the city.

In conclusion, it is important that you provide access to grand aided funding for the aforesaid GHA factored homeowners so that their homes can be refurbished to be in line with other improved properties, as otherwise Glasgow will end up having a patchwork quilt pattern which contravenes the Glasgow Plan.

Yours sincerely

S CLERKIN

Cc:         Keith Brown, Housing Minister.