Update from the Eastern Area Housing Panel – 9th July 2025
Last On 9th July 2025, two representatives from KERA attended the Eastern Area Housing Panel meeting to raise ongoing concerns about the inadequate cleaning of communal areas on the Kambala Estate. These concerns have been consistently highlighted by residents, including recent complaints shared in our Kambala Residents’ WhatsApp group.
Some residents reported that certain communal areas had not been cleaned for months, prompting a few individuals to take on the cleaning themselves. There have also been calls for the council to consider refunding leaseholders for cleaning charges if the service is not delivered properly. One resident also requested that the council set up a clear complaints process for reporting neighbours who leave rubbish behind, especially where children play and leave litter in shared spaces.
In response, Kevin Jones, Deputy Estate Services Manager, confirmed he would speak with Atlas Cleaning Company to put an action plan in place and provide direct contact details so issues can be reported more easily. He explained that the council does not use cleaning attendance sheets, as these only show that someone visited, not that the cleaning was done to standard. Instead, the borough uses a team of cleaning inspectors who will now monitor Kambala’s cleaning on a rotating basis. Mr Jones also noted that the current cleaning contract is “output-based” rather than “frequency-based”, meaning cleaners may not sweep or mop if the area is already clean when they visit. He advised residents to avoid cleaning communal areas themselves for now so the council can accurately assess the contractor’s performance.
KERA will invite Atlas to attend one of our upcoming meetings to discuss these issues directly with residents.
Get Involved!
We’re looking for a volunteer to help the Kambala Estate Residents’ Association follow up on the cleaning issues, attend meetings, and chase responses from the council and contractors. If you’d like to get involved, please contact us—your help would make a real difference!
