SALISBURY MP John Glen and a Wiltshire councillor visited the elderly residents in Wilton who have been battling against their management company, Anstey since April.

As reported in the Journal last month, the residents of Florence Court and Mews in Wilton have been sent an invoice of £13,530 for “external decoration works/roof inspection on each freehold house”.

They were also told they must pay the money upfront, within 28 days.

Mr Glen and Cllr Pauline Church are now calling for the law to change to protect people and allow them to “enjoy their homes in peace”.

Mr Glen said: “These rent charge properties fall between the leasehold and freehold laws and this leaves them with little protection.”

Residents applauded Mr Glen and Cllr Church for joining them in their battle.

Salisbury Journal:

Florence Court is looked after by Anstey Property Management and it is made up of 25 properties, both freehold and leasehold, for over-55s, with most residents over 70.

Residents have been united in their rejection of what they, their surveyor and solicitor see as an “unnecessary and ridiculous charge” and condemn the poor timing of these proposals during a pandemic.

Anstey has confirmed it intends to use Savi Projects Ltd to do the work, a company which Mr Glen says Anstey’s group director Rob Williams is director of.

Mr Glen added: “I was very pleased to accept the residents’ kind invitation and follow up on their continuing concerns about the management of their homes. “The principle of having a management company to take care of maintenance and pass on the charges is an entirely reasonable one but this arrangement should reduce residents’ stress – not increase it.

“They deserve to have confidence that the work being carried out is well priced and agreed to in a transparent manner.”

Faye Williams, group director of Anstey Property Management, said: “We can’t unfortunately comment on individual cases.

“We can confirm that we are obliged to demand service charge in accordance with the terms of the lease/transfer document. If any property owners are experiencing financial difficulties then they need to contact us directly to discuss their account.”