Islington Tribune - News: Estate where it costs £84 to change a light bulb

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Islington Tribune - by MARK BLUNDEN
Published: 1 June 2007

Justine Gordon-Smith

Estate where it costs £84 to change a light bulb

HOW much does it cost to change a light bulb?
Well if you are a homeowner on the Holly Park estate in Finsbury Park it amounts to at least £84.
Leaseholders were shocked to receive a breakdown of a service charge bill which revealed the £84 cost, along with £56.85 for replacing a light cover and £217.20 for changing four ‘column’ lights on the estate.
The work was carried out by Homes for Islington (HfI), the company that runs the borough’s housing stock.
Homeowner Justine Gordon-Smith said: “It’s no wonder HfI can’t afford to do major works or change my 35-year-old roof when it costs £84 to change a bulb.
“I think they hope no one checks their bills and when we check they write back to us with four pages of rubbish.
“No one from HfI is helping us or giving any kind of support.”
Leaseholders say their financial misery was compounded by a £5,500 bill for resurfacing an access road ruined by works vehicles.
Brian Potter, chairman of Islington Leaseholders’ Forum, said: “How long does it take them to change a light bulb? I can see absolutely no justification for charging £84.”
A HfI spokesman said: “Proper maintenance of lighting on estates is important and has to be done using the right materials.
“The work carried out in this case included maintenance to lights, lampposts and repair of defective light fittings.
“Lampposts require specialist bulbs and replacement parts are also specialised and have to be ordered from suppliers.”

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