I've written to the two residents in Longbanks who had raised the matter of the boarded garages (see the entry below for 13 November). The council has now proposed to demolish three garage blocks on the estate, including this one. The three blocks in question are

• garages 27-32 Longbanks (the block mentioned above)


• garages 66-69 Longbanks (near to the above)


• garages 82-84 Longbanks (opposite house no 415 Longbanks)

The reasons for the proposed demolition are predominantly health and safety - not surprising, given the state of the garages. The sites of the demolished garages will be used as general parking for the estate. Tenants renting garages in these blocks will be offered nearby alternatives. The demolition should be completed by the end of March, following a three week period for seeking quotes for the work, and a statutory six week notice period to utilities such as gas and water companies.

Meanwhile, the council will temporarily repair the boarding to the two garages that were causing the particular problem.