THE COMPANY responsible for social housing in the borough should do more to maintain its homes after unlocking more funding thanks to an improved rating, according to residents on an estate with a history of safety complaints.

People living on the Fitzgerald Road estate in Wanstead say that while Redbridge Homes has carried out some important work, there is still much to be done before it can justify the 2* rating awarded by the Audit Commission earlier this year.

Over the past two years the Guardian has reported that people's health and safety was being put at risk by cracked paths, which lead to some of the elderly residents falling and injuring themselves, as well as series of maintenance complaints.

Resident John Wallace, 64, said: “I've got a particular problem because I've got a little bit of garden at the back and at the front.

“It's very overgrown at the back and has been for some time. As for the front, the last tenant that lived here used to maintain it.

“When I moved in and took it over I got a letter from Redbridge Homes saying they accepted responsibility for it, but nothing has been done.

“Their main problem is communication. They say they'll get back to they don't, and you have to chase chase chase them.

“I rang up the switchboard the other day and the woman said to me, 'Can I give you a tip? Email them', because they have to respond to emails within 10 days.

“I'm actually quite surprised they got it [the improved rating] to be honest.”

Joyce Rosario, 75, said: “A few weeks ago I was walking past the big tree out the front one day and a huge branch had fallen off. If that had hit me it would have killed me.

“They came and tarmaced the car park a while ago and they're coming to give us new bathrooms and kitchens soon, in October I think.

“I like to keep my little bit clean and I clean the doors outside my flat and everything. But the area where the bins are is dirty, and there are cobwebs everywhere.”

A Redbridge Homes spokesman said: “Redbridge Homes is committed to making improvements to Fitzgerald Estate, which has included £138,000 on replacing windows, £15,000 on replacing the car parking area and the paths including dropped kerbs in the last year.

“In the next two weeks we will be undertaking consultation with the residents of Fitzgerald Road on redecorating work of communal areas with the estimated cost to be in the region of £40,000. If agreed with residents these works will start in the winter.

“A recent estate inspection found that the Estate was in a good condition. In addition we review trees on a regular basis and remove branches where necessary.

“We’re disappointed to hear residents have had trouble contacting us and would urge them to make a formal complaint either in writing, using the web or calling 020 8518 2400 and the complaint will be investigated thoroughly.”