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Alice
Posted on: Nov 7 2011, 01:15 PM


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I thought the Racecourse fireworks were pretty poor.

I was annoyed that they delayed the fireworks to enable the latecomers to get through the gates. Then the queues for the food/drink were stupidly long. The fireworks themselves were not properly timed to the music, and got really repetitive when they launch six of the same rocket in a row. Plus the HeartFM guy was very annoying.

On the whole I was really disappointed and think we'll go elsewhere next year.
  Forum: Newbury News · Post Preview: #49743 · Replies: 25 · Views: 26,972

Alice
Posted on: Oct 28 2011, 08:12 AM


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As a cheaper solution to help ease the congestion, perhaps someone could review the timings of the barriers. Last week I was stuck for 20 minutes and watched three trains go by. There was more than enough time for the barriers to rise and let some cars through between each train passing. I think that the barriers come down far too early before the train reaches the station.
  Forum: Newbury News · Post Preview: #48704 · Replies: 96 · Views: 130,153

Alice
Posted on: Aug 4 2011, 09:32 AM


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What do you mean it's "more a reflection on the police"?

  Forum: Newbury News · Post Preview: #44370 · Replies: 24 · Views: 28,104

Alice
Posted on: Aug 3 2011, 01:47 PM


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I've said it before in other posts, but NWN needs to check their facts before reporting a story. I agree with NWNREADER, that one fight at one location isn't a night of violence. But there were in fact several fights that broke out in the area that the police had to deal with. And the violence was so bad that police dogs were called to help manage the situation.

I personally would like to thank the police for dealing with such a bad situation. I know that a number of officers on duty that night were special constables that volunteer their time in order to help keep the peace and make our community a safer place to be. I know I couldn't do a job like that and I think we should recognise their hard work and courage once in a while.
  Forum: Newbury News · Post Preview: #44296 · Replies: 24 · Views: 28,104

Alice
Posted on: Jun 3 2011, 12:25 PM


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This must have been a horrible experience for the woman involved. However, I'm a bit concerned over NWN's report on the incident. They call it a "sexual" assault. But when you read further it says, "The victim kicked out at the man and he ran off." I don't really see how it can be classed as sexual when nothing happened.

This irresponsible reporting can only lead to panic within the community and that's never a good thing.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #41869 · Replies: 79 · Views: 128,095

Alice
Posted on: Apr 1 2011, 02:30 PM


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Great! Thank you.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #39149 · Replies: 4 · Views: 7,769

Alice
Posted on: Apr 1 2011, 01:07 PM


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Hi,

I was wondering whether anyone knows of an opticians that recycles glasses. I've got loads with old prescriptions that I don't use any more and it seems a waste to throw them away.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #39140 · Replies: 4 · Views: 7,769

Alice
Posted on: Mar 8 2011, 01:39 PM


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I’m a bit confused as to why we need drop-in sessions to help us complete the census: http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article...articleID=16100

Does anyone know who’s paying for these drop-in sessions? And who the simpletons are that can’t complete a set of questions about who they are, where they live and what they do?
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #36792 · Replies: 49 · Views: 96,964

Alice
Posted on: Feb 16 2011, 12:13 PM


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I don't think it's the death of the suit at all. I fall into the majority of people where I can wear whatever I like to work. However, if I'm out seeing clients then I always wear a suit. I think people just need to dress according to the situation.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #34956 · Replies: 11 · Views: 14,006

Alice
Posted on: Sep 14 2010, 09:59 AM


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In the story posted on Newbury Today it says: "..."a very distinctive" blue R registration VW van was seen parked in the woods nearby..."

If this was the van used to dump the sofa, I don't understand why the driver did not drive it to the tip - it makes no sense.

Alternatively, they could have listed it for free in the NWN classifieds section and made some money, or called The Furniture Project and asked them to collect it.
  Forum: Newbury News · Post Preview: #23956 · Replies: 32 · Views: 40,023

Alice
Posted on: Jun 18 2010, 10:37 AM


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QUOTE (Ozzy @ Jun 18 2010, 10:43 AM) *
It says a lot for estate agents and what they get away with unless someone stands up to it.


In the letter the TDS said that usually they would not award the landlord any money for cleaning or gardening.

I would advise anyone to challenge their landlord / estate agent about returning deposits. The process is really simple and the TDS usually sides with the tenant.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #19031 · Replies: 55 · Views: 78,553

Alice
Posted on: Jun 17 2010, 08:11 AM


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Just thought I'd update you as we heard back from the Tenancy Disputes Service yesterday. They ruled in our favour and returned our deposit.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #18918 · Replies: 55 · Views: 78,553

Alice
Posted on: Apr 1 2010, 09:29 AM


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QUOTE (ossy1 @ Mar 31 2010, 08:12 PM) *
But then they did comment I had been an excellent tenant, there in may lay the answer!!!


I believe we were good tenants. We didn't trash the house, we paid our rent on time every month, paid our bills on time every month and left the property in a much better condition than when we entered it - what more do they expect from us?

Whilst we were in the property we had no end of grief from A&K and I'm not someone that will just sit down and take it.

For example, we had our neighbours spying on us, telling A&K that we were doing things like cutting down the hedges. Rather than coming to us and talking to us about the allegations - which by the way were completely untrue - they chose to send quite rude letters instead. We wrote a letter back stating that we had no intention of cutting the hedges down and didn't know why our neighbours would say such a thing.

In our contract it stated that we had the right to enjoy our property without intervention from the landlord or its agents, however, with no end of grief from A&K, they didn't adhere to this clause.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #15933 · Replies: 55 · Views: 78,553

Alice
Posted on: Apr 1 2010, 09:16 AM


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QUOTE (diamond41970 @ Mar 31 2010, 10:10 PM) *
Actually Bloggo rightly or wrongly there is a lot of work for the solicitor to do on house transactions. I recently had some work done on my car and it cost me more, for a lot less hours I might add, than it would have cost for me to get one of our solicitors to work on buying a house for me !! People need to make money it is a fact of life. Obviously I don't know what your job is and I am sure I have never had to do it so don't comment on "the work involved" and I really don't think you can also if you have never done that job yourself. I, from an outsider point of view, can say "well hey why has it cost me £2,000 to have my car repaired for only 6 hours of work - obviously there are a lot of "extras" as well.


When we purchased our house, a few of my colleagues recommended Gardner Leader to do the conveyancing. We called a few companies to get quotes and they were actually the cheapest people in Newbury. We were fine with their pricing because it's completely transparent so you know exactly what you're paying for. We were also given the option of doing some things ourselves - like the stamp duty tax return form - but opted for Gardner Leader to do the work because we didn't want the headache.

Also, a proportion of the money goes on searches that have to be carried out, so the only money our solicitor took was for his fees which were reasonable for the work involved. He made it clear from the start that we could call him any time for advice - which given that we were first time buyers was greatly appreciated.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #15932 · Replies: 55 · Views: 78,553

Alice
Posted on: Apr 1 2010, 09:08 AM


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QUOTE (Bloggo @ Mar 31 2010, 03:53 PM) *
In that case why didn't you leave A&K and take up a new 6months tenancy with another agent that gave the facility for a rolling contract afterwards.


Sorry for the delay I replying but unfortunatley I can't be at your every beckoning call!

We chose to stay where we were for three reasons:
1) because it's stressful having to move, and as we were thinking about buying a house, it would have meant moving twice in one year
2) because moving house costs money - in terms of estate agents fees, inventory fees, hiring a van etc - and we couldn't afford it at the time
3) because we actually liked the house and the area, and as Strafin says, we didn't want to move just to get the rolling contract

However, you also miss the point, I shouldn't have to move to find an estate agent that offers a rolling contract, they should offer the option as part of a standard contract. I've already had this verified by the TDS so I don't understand why you continue to argue in favour of A&K.

They're not my rules, I just want to make sure that what rules are in place are being adhered to.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #15930 · Replies: 55 · Views: 78,553

Alice
Posted on: Mar 31 2010, 02:46 PM


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QUOTE (Bloggo @ Mar 31 2010, 03:04 PM) *
I think you will have difficulty getting a rolling monthly tenancy from any agency.


I would completely disagree with that. In the last eight years I have rented 11 properties and A&K is the first agency to not offer a rolling tenancy. Many of my family and friends are in rented accommodation and they too have always had the option of moving straight onto a rolling contract once the initial 6/12 month term has finished. My Dad is a landlord himself and the rolling tenancy is a standard thing in his contracts.

Also, I've spoken to a couple of other agencies in Newbury about it and they said it's standard practice to offer the rolling tenancy. They were even surprised when I said A&K hadn't given us the option.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #15874 · Replies: 55 · Views: 78,553

Alice
Posted on: Mar 31 2010, 01:54 PM


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QUOTE (Bartholomew @ Mar 31 2010, 02:11 PM) *
Most agents belong to an organisation (such as ARLA) that will take action on tenants behalf if the agent is proved to be acting against their agreed code. My recommendation would be to not use an agency if they don't belong to such an organisation.


Just to expand on this (as we were looking into it yesterday), only sales agents have to belong to an association and are governed by legislation - unfortunately lettings agents aren't covered.

However, if like A&K the agent offers both sales and lettings, they must adhere to the legislation and be a member of an association.

We're currently in the process of investigating the code by which A&K must adhere to so we can put a substantial complaint together to their member association.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #15870 · Replies: 55 · Views: 78,553

Alice
Posted on: Mar 31 2010, 01:49 PM


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QUOTE (Bloggo @ Mar 31 2010, 01:17 PM) *
Yes, you could be right but if a landlord wants a tenancy longer than one month then he/she is entitled to ask for it and no one force the prospective tenant to accept it. It's their choice.


We did ask if we could go onto a rolling contract and were told it wasn't allowed. Our only options were:

1) End the tenancy
2) Sign a 6 month agreement
3) Sign a 12 month agreement
4) Speak to a mortgage advisor

Given that we had no where else to live, we opted for the 6 month agreement but said we wanted to renegotiate the terms. However A&K weren't bothered in what we wanted and didn't renegotiate with the landlord.

It would have been nice for them to give us all the available options to choose from - including the rolling contract - rather than the options that they benefit financially from.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #15869 · Replies: 55 · Views: 78,553

Alice
Posted on: Mar 31 2010, 10:54 AM


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Thanks for this, I really appreciate it.

We have no intention of backing down and letting them keep our deposit - we worked hard to earn that £500 and there's no way we're just going to let A&K take it. My partner actually spoke directly to someone at the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and told them about our situation and they said we had a really strong case.

They also advised us to make a direct complaint to them about A&K because it shows them that their customers aren't happy with the level of service and as a result their insurance premium goes up.

We intend to complain to everyone that will listen because we don't want anyone else to get stung by A&K.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #15854 · Replies: 55 · Views: 78,553

Alice
Posted on: Mar 31 2010, 10:47 AM


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Unfortunately we didn't know about the rolling contracts until after we were forced to sign another 6 month agreement.

The landlord still has a degree of security as the tenants still have to give notice before they move out, giving the landlord time to advertise and find new tenants. Also if the landlord wants the tenants out, they too have to give notice so the tenants have time to find a new home.

I also take offence at the fact they charged us a £75+VAT admin fee to renew the contract (something we didn't have to do if we wanted to fall onto the rolling contract). When I asked for a breakdown of what the fee covered they said it was for a new contract (i.e. printing an identical copy of the original we had signed) and for 3 phone calls to us to negotiate terms - these phone calls were actually from us to them to chase other things up and they never even attempted to renegotiate the terms with us.

I could rant all day about Atkinson & Keene's sneakiness.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #15851 · Replies: 55 · Views: 78,553

Alice
Posted on: Mar 31 2010, 08:26 AM


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When we moved into the property it was quite dirty and as the previous occupier was heavy smoker, the place stank of cigarettes.

When we moved out the place was in a far better condition than when we moved in.

They're currently with holding our deposit for gardening and cleaning.

They claim the property needed 18 hours of professional cleaning after we left - despite the fact that my partner and I took three days off work to scrub the house from top to bottom. There were no clauses in the contract about professional cleaning - however we did employ a professional carpet cleaner to come in. Atkinson Keene have since got another carpet cleaner in to re-do the carpets and are trying to charge us for it.

Also, we had a 3 month check about three weeks before we left the property and the only things they flagged up were some soap in the drawer of the washing machine, and a bit of grease on the cooker hood so it can't have been that dirty.

We also invited them to a pre-inventory checkout inspection so we could address anything they had an issue with - they declined. We then asked to be present at the checkout inventory which they agreed to but then never called us.

With regards to the gardening they never completed the check in or check out inventory for it, and then got a relative of the landlord to carry out the work and charge us over £200 for what was essentially mowing the grass. I don't see how they can be allowed to do this.

Besides the problems we're having with the deposit, Atkinson and Keene have also done a number of other sneaky things - for example, making us sign up to a second 6 month contract instead of allowing us the option of moving to a rolling month by month contract (an option they have to give you by law).

In addition to disputing our deposit, we're also complaining to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, the industry regulators, ombudsman and the agency group for which they're a member.

Fingers crossed we get somewhere soon.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #15838 · Replies: 55 · Views: 78,553

Alice
Posted on: Mar 30 2010, 03:30 PM


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We're having trouble with Atkinson Keene.

We were renting a property with them for over a year and had endless grief from them and their visits every three months.

Now they're trying to take £500 from our deposit which is completely ridiculous. We've spoken to various people and industry bodies who think we have a strong case so we're taking them to dispute with the TDS.

Has anyone else had any experience with the disputes process?
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #15811 · Replies: 55 · Views: 78,553

Alice
Posted on: Mar 29 2010, 12:14 PM


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Hi,

I'm new to the Forum and was just wanting to get some feedback regarding Newbury's estate agents.

I'm currently in dispute with one and was wondering if any of you have had stories you were keen to share about your experiences.
  Forum: Random Rants · Post Preview: #15771 · Replies: 55 · Views: 78,553


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