Evenlode tower

UPDATE: regarding my recent comments. I Have emailed our local MP who contacted the council I have had a reply for tenancy manger Ian preedy. He expressed how the foyer and service chargers and living were all counted for as correct. I then replied saying I wasn't happy with the outcome, Ian preedy address saying the foyer has been fixed? But it hasn't its been an off and on project in my eyes it clearly needs more then just one fix. Instead of a half finished job. Furthermore regarding my sewage situation Wendy has been chasing up OCP regarding the report, I asked her to do this as I am going to be moving and I don't want theses problems to erupt and indicate to others having to go through what I have, I have also rang the council and advised about my water problems too about the constant hot water cuts and not having a shower that works because of Low pressure and build of limescale. This morning they have now fitted in a brand new shower. Problems are being resolved and I am trying my best to make others residents life's easier. I'm happy to be on board as an ambassador and hopefully something more as I feel as though with my voice , and the strong opinions I have will help others. Wendy will be the one building me up to get there.

Redevelopment area? That's housing being built around it? that isn't going to resolve the problems In evenlode just trying to blend it out with new eye catching houses and flats. The council have been so unresponsive , unsympathetic and unprofessional regarding the issues that not just me have been facing everyone else that lives in the tower blocks too, but you can post community letters through our door saying about developments happening else where and residents having there say on what they would like but I've been sat here the last 18 months trying to do that? So it was a right kick in the teeth, yes I understanding things don't just happen over night, but when it comes too live on the 12th floor with a disabled child and lifts constantly keep breaking don't you think that's an urgency to be repaired?

If you'd like to read my email I sent to the council regarding the problems I am facing then please go ahead and email me, because If you think it's okay to ignore the email and not want to help or resolve them issue then It won't surprise me as that's exactly what the council did ..... let down.

Reading of your experience of high rise living I hope that you have been able at some point to make a contribution to the consultation on the Regeneration of Blackbird Leys. Evenlode Tower is on the fringe of the redevelopment area.

We are all acutely aware that Oxford is desperately short of housing which is why the new developments includes a lot of apartments,

I think with the knowledge you have gained it would be helpful if the group are told of the realities of living with children in apartments so that adequate facilities are provided for recreational areas within the regeneration area.

Call Social Services ask for referral for a Care Manager. Also worth speaking to your GP as they can help to a point in pointing or maybe making referrals for you for help. I add all this takes time to process and I know workloads are high. I don't know your child's diagnosis if have 1 but am sure documented with GP hospital, etc 9f their needs. Once can get contact sit calmly and chat and what you hope for or would like. I know one time I was labelled as the fiery one! I would keep on trying to get answers and things! But stay cool even make a list of things to discuss and what could help. Asking for help is no failure, I think the opposite as just means you want advice and what can do best for you and your family.

Sadly I can't say there is a quick easy fix as all takes time.

Something a teacher counsellor we had told me to write notes and like a diary back then our thoughts on paper. I did and kinda helped. I was able to recall good bad and when there was something positive to report. I know can be finding time to do these things but worked for us as well as giving me 5 minutes to collect thoughts on paper.

I'm new too this, I don't really understand what to do but apparently this is the right place to express my opinions, I guess it's the luck of finding the right professional to put me in that direction as I said I have tried.

Guess showing my age then if remember the days of when could access the roofs! I think now as say is lot of equipment on the roofs so not safe now.

I can relate to having a child with special needs as my son who is coming up 33 now we had whilst living in the high rise. For us it come to a head when he was 9 months old and the extent of his condition become fully known. So I can relate to how difficult it can be and you just a floor below we were.

As to giving in and taking help in any form all I can say is and this is from someone who knows how can be with a child with special needs please take it. If you don't have a Care Manager ask for 1. They can open doors in some ways to things may not know about. I know in today's world budgets are cut to the bone and workloads are high. So I know where you coming from and how can be when have youngsters with a disability.

Just to add little balance to my comments on understanding about budget and increased workloads I used to work in the system granted years ago so seen both sides of the fence. Even now sadly we have had 'issues' to sort for our son as to day care services, taxi transport and know well the frustration.

So from someone who can relate please ensure you get help that may be out there and take it. We learnt so much by doing so as well as learning from other parents as was like a network in the end and we all supported each other in good and bad times.

Sounds like your block was like ours back then a mix of all ages and for us we enjoyed in many ways as had some great friends but on the flip side it didn't work for our son so we went on transfer list for ground floor accomodation. He was just over 6 when we moved out so was a wait for right housing back then and know system worked different to today but had high medical priority.

You sound a bit like I was back then as wanted the best for my family and would have took on anyone if had to so my voice was heard. I think that is how I ended up in health and social care further down the line and then worked in the NHS.

I understand how difficult it can be and also understand your thoughts on the area. Are there any play areas close by? I ask as not been that way for while and know things changed in places since was there.

We can't enter the roof anymore because of health and safety , I wasn't even born when people could do that, yes it is the one closest to the shops but nearer to blackbird leys college. The families in evenlode are mixed , young , elderly. I wrote to my tenancy landlord of evenlode explaining many points that need improving in evenlode there was no outcome apart from my housing band getting changed as I don't like living here especially being on the 12th floor with a disabled child, I have lived here 18months and I have fought with the council on many occasions and that was a total fail still is now , got to the point where I had to be brave and tell myself I needed more support and emailed councillors and requested for a support worker. I believe if you are in a profession where you have a duty of care towards tenants then you should , not when it suits someone and that's how I feel towards the council. If you'd like to email me personally to read the email I wrote then go ahead. I want my voice to be heard and for people to understand the insights of what I have been facing the last 18 months.

Hi Angel 😀

Is this the block set down a little bit from the shops? I can never remember which is which, sorry.

We started as council tenants in a high rise block back in the 80s on 13th floor at Northway. Initially just the 2 of us and then we had our son eventually. I am guessing the blocks at Blackbird Leys are similar to the others in size, etc. I know we enjoyed our time there, had great neighbours and friends keep in touch with even now. It was like a street just vertical!

Out of interest are there many families maybe with youngsters in the block? Has there been other neighbours and friends on different floors been asking same questions and having similar ideas as yourself? Just wondering if there was if you had tried collectively writing to the Council or Tenancy Manager with these ideas?

Another thing I am guessing at would be the grass area is classed as part of the tower block ground or more public space. The little I have learnt is plans and planning and ownership of land would all come in to play then of course health and safety and all-sorts come in to play with things. Not forgetting of course funding for everything too of course.

When we lived in high rise we had access to the roof which I remember was quite a sun trap as well as great for drying the laundry. Do you still have access to the roof? I know some now have things on them I believe to do with mobile phone masts or something so between that and safety maybe access not allowed now. I remember the high fencing around to keep you safe though.

Like everything it sounds a great idea but the practical side might end up throwing up things that mean it not feasible. But can certainly see how it could be a great idea and bit of outside space for those living in the flats and something close by. I can't remember what sort of play areas there are currently that are as been little while since been that side of town.