FIVE Acres residents were celebrating a major victory after it was announced that Harlow Council has made the decision to stop major refurbishment works to flats at Five Acres.

The issue has been the subject of public questions at the council’s Cabinet and Full Council meetings over several months.(see films below).

Week in week out, leaseholders and residents attended at council and cabinet meetings.

They were initially shocked at the massive bills (£30,000 and beyond) they were set to receive for improvement works to their flats.

But they then ran a concerted campaign challenging the council on every aspect of the work and at its heart, the costs.

We will be speaking to residents in due course.

A Council spokesperson said: “Following several ongoing concerns raised by leaseholders it was clear that we needed to stop and listen and review the major works scheme for the Five Acres flat blocks. Last week we reviewed the scheme and we have made the decision to immediately stop the progress of the major works. We have written to all leaseholders and tenants to informed them of our decision.

“Whilst the surveys being carried out currently will conclude, no progression of this scheme will come forwards in this financial year. If any future decision is made to progress the major works scheme at all it will be following full consultation with tenants and leaseholders and no decision will be made until the next financial year (from 1 April 2023 onwards).

“The scaffolding and materials on site are being removed immediately. One block will continue to have scaffolding up while we address an urgent roof issue. As soon as this urgent issue is addressed, the scaffolding around this block will too be removed.

“We know that this has been a difficult time for the Five Acres flat block residents with the uncertainty and confusion which has been caused. We have apologised for the confusion, and we hope our decision puts residents’ mind at ease.

“We recognise the need to improve communication on major works schemes and to ensure better processes are in place for future schemes. We are going to review our entire process to major works and consultation.

“Residents have been assured that that will not be charged for any works carried out to date, including the survey works.”