We're making phone calls to some customers to understand their support needs better. Calls will come from 0300 304 5000.
Our officers may also ask you some questions about support needs when you contact our call centre.

Vickers House Building Safety Contact Details

If you need to speak to us, please call 0300 304 5000 (Monday - Friday - 08:30 – 17:00), 07525 668 902 for out-of-hours, or call Axis Emergency Repairs on 0808 169 1969.

Email updates are sent coming from  customer.services@estuary.co.uk 

Teams meetings are held quarterly at 6.30 pm.

Vickers House Quarterly Building Safety Meeting

Microsoft Teams meetings are held quarterly at 6.30 pm.

Microsoft Teams  
Meeting ID: 313 097 620 179
Passcode: Ki7Dm7he

High Rise Building Safety

2024 has seen the introduction of various safety requirements to how all landlords manage high-rise residential buildings. During discussions regarding these important legal requirements, there were two main areas of focus highlighted. These are external wall / cladding and resident engagement.

We were prompt to respond to these instructions and quickly instructed an investigation into both high-rise external walls systems at Kings House and Vickers House. 

As a result, we're proud to share that both high rise blocks have now been fully corrected and carry no external wall risk. This places the residents of in the top 29% of all social landlords in the country with all external wall/cladding concerns 100% fixed. This is something we're very proud of.

Building Safety Manager

The second focus point from the Building Safety Regulator is to engage and communicate with residents in a new and improved way.

We would like to inform you that Michael Burch, who previously held the role of Building Safety Manager, has now left the organization. We are actively recruiting a new Building Safety Manager and will share updates on this appointment soon.
In the meantime, if you have any building safety concerns or require information, please reach out to us through our corporate communication channels:
•    Call us on 0300 304 5000
•    Email us at info@estuary.co.uk

We are committed to continuing our efforts to improve communication with residents. This includes creating a Building Safety Strategy to enhance how residents can engage with us. Initiatives will include:
•    Online meetings
•    Pop-ups and coffee mornings at your block or nearby
•    Direct reporting methods for quickly and easily raising safety concerns

We will also be working with nominated Building Safety Champions, conducting joint inspections, and supporting the government's "Everyone Matters" initiative. This program helps us better understand your safety needs and those of the people living with you.
We’d love for our customers to be involved. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@estuary.co.uk or call 0300 304 5000.

We'll also be working with nominated Building Safety Champions, including joint inspections.

We'd love for our customers to be involved, if you would like any further information on anything here, please contact us at info@estuary.co.uk or call 0300 304 5000.

Vickers House - Building Safety Updates

This page is for residents at Vickers House to be updated on building safety matters. Please check back regularly for updates.

 

Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)

The last FRA was undertaken at Vickers House on 2nd September 2022, and the block was assessed as low. FRA’s are reviewed annually at this building.

If you would like any further information about the FRA, please contact us.

 

Evacuation Strategy

Vickers House currently has a stay put evacuation strategy in place. This means you should remain in your flat in the event of a fire unless you are at immediate risk from fire and/or smoke. If you do not feel that it safe to remain in your flat then please evacuate the building and await instruction from the Fire Service

If you see smoke or fire either in your flat or communal area of the building please call 999. Please do not assume that someone else will do this.  

If you are worried or concerned about your ability, or someone in your household, to evacuate the building independently, please contact us.

 

External Wall System

Vickers House has two materials on the exterior:

  • Metal cladding: This was replaced following the Grenfell Tower fire and now meets the standard required under current Building Regulations. We used a material which has A1 fire classification.
  • Brick: Bricks have an A1 fire classification as they will not sustain or support external spread of fire. Work has now been completed to the cavity behind the brickwork and the building meets the highest standard of fire safety. 

 

Balconies

The balconies are constructed of concrete and glass. They will not support the spread of fire; however, this is why it is important that residents do not use their balconies to store combustible material, as this could allow fire to spread.

Please do not store timber or other combustible materials on your balcony as this may affect your safety in the event of a fire.

 

EWS1 Forms

An EWS1 form is available upon request for Vickers House; please contact us if you require a copy.

Further information can be found on our EWS1 page.

 

Residents

We do ask that all residents take direct responsibility for the safety of the block by:

  • Ensuring items are not left in communal areas – these could help spread fire and /or prevent escape from the building;
  • Not smoking in communal areas;
  • Notifying us of any repair issues in communal areas – please call 0808 169 1969.

Quarterly Building Safety Meeting Key Points

Key Points from Building Safety Quarterly Meeting November 7

1. Introduction and Meeting Purpose

  • Michael Burch (Building Safety Manager) introduced himself and emphasised:
    • Resident engagement in building safety.
    • Accountability of Ian Martin (Chief Executive) as the Principal Accountable Person (PAP).
  • Initiation of Quarterly Building Safety Meetings.
  • Block QR codes to enhance resident communication.

2. Fire Safety Protocols

  • Residents reminded to stay put during a fire unless instructed otherwise.
  • Fire doors to remain closed; annual checks conducted; report issues with doors.
  • Communal areas must remain clear for emergency access (no bikes/scooters).
  • Fire safety training will be offered to residents, including fire door checks.

3. Personal Evacuation Plans & 'Everyone Matters' Project

  • Government's 'Everyone Matters' project addresses safety needs of vulnerable residents.
  • Customer Ambassadors will contact residents for Personal Evacuation Plans.

4. Building Safety Measures

  • Cladding replaced with A1-grade material; residents with related repair concerns should contact Michael Burch.
  • Fire brigade to receive detailed building plans with evacuation routes and lift statuses.

5. Resident Concerns

  • Delays in Repairs: Acknowledged incident caused by delays; prioritization promised.
  • Accountability: Root cause analysis to be conducted.
  • Maintenance Issues: Broken windows, damaged balcony floorboards, and lift problems noted; surveys and follow-ups planned.
  • Parking Issues: Unauthorized parking blocking fire access addressed; ongoing collaboration with PCM, local authorities, and Fire Service.
  • Lift Issues: Frequent breakdowns reported; strategic review of assets planned, with potential government funding assistance.

6. Ongoing Collaboration

  • Residents encouraged to report safety or ASB concerns:
    • Email: info@estuary.co.uk
    • Phone: 0300 304 5000
    • Use the ReportIt app (details forthcoming).
  • Police granted fob access to Vickers House for safety measures.

7. Next Steps

  • A safety walkabout will be scheduled before the next Quarterly Meeting in February (details to follow).