We are calling on Clarion Housing Association to take the following urgent actions:
1. Conduct a full inspection of every home and communal space within Harmony Building and commit to a clear timetable for completing all required repairs.
2. Improve on-site housing management, including more visible and responsive Ballymore staff presence.
3. Ensure social tenants are treated equitably, including equal access to amenities, prompt repairs, and security.
4. Hold a public meeting with residents, local representatives, and Clarion leadership to listen to concerns and commit to real solutions.
Following the visit, Cllr Sirajul Islam wrote to Clarion Housing Association seeking a formal
response. The main issues are:
1. Disrepair and Faulty Fixtures
Many upper floor homes are affected by disrepair that Clarion’s agent, Ballymore, often
places on residents. We observed widespread damage caused by inadequate window
and door stoppers unable to withstand high winds. When residents open windows
during hot days, the wind causes internal doors and windows to slam violently,
damaging frames, jambs, and fixtures
2. Fire Safety and Compartmentation
There is serious concern that door and window frame damage from repeated wind
impact may compromise fire safety standards and compartmentation. This warrants
urgent, blockwide inspection and remedial work.
3. Unsafe Window Openings
Residents report that many window stoppers have broken off due to wind pressure,
allowing windows to open fully posing serious safety risks, particularly for vulnerable
residents.
4. Unacceptable Standards of Cleanliness
Residents report consistently poor cleaning standards. Lifts are frequently dirty, bin
rooms remain unwashed, and floor surfaces are sticky with accumulated grime.
Cleaning appears limited to mopping with dirty cloths, with no thorough maintenance.
Residents suggest installing CCTV in communal areas, including lifts, to deter
vandalism and identify those responsible for recurring ASB.
5. Lack of Transparency in Service Charges
Residents are deeply frustrated by high service charges that do not reflect the quality of
services provided. Compared with similar social housing developments in the Isle of
Dogs, Harmony residents feel they are overpaying for inadequate services.
6. Faulty Ventilation and Overheating
Communal areas, especially stairwells, are unbearably hot, particularly during warm
weather. Residents suspect faults in the mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
(MVHR) systems. This environment is uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.
7. Visitors Parking
Residents understand that parking is a challenge across Tower Hamlets. However, there
is a strong feeling among social tenants in Harmony Building that they are being treated
unfairly in comparison to private residents. While private tenants in City Island have
access to dedicated visitor parking facilities, social housing residents are offered no
such provision. This disparity reinforces a sense of unequal treatment and exclusion
within a development that is meant to be mixed tenure. Residents are simply asking for
equity and dignity, not preferential treatment.
8. Concerns About Caretaking and On-Site Management
Residents question the professionalism and reliability of the current caretaker, who is
also responsible for cleaning services. There are repeated concerns over poor
performance and alleged intoxication while on duty.
