The UK is currently suffering from a pandemic where residents are being asked to stay at home. In the Battersea Park area, the Covid – 19 transmission rate is above average, making the need to stay home even more crucial.

Despite this, Wandsworth Council have given residents of Selworthy and Sparkford house just one weeks’ notice of works due to take place on their building that will require contractors to enter their homes. Residents fear that construction workers entering their homes could put themselves and their families at an unnecessary increased risk of contracting Covid-19. Furthermore, residents who are doing the right thing and staying indoors have no garden. The scaffolding required to replace the windows will reduce natural light entering the resident's homes and have a huge impact on their mental health. Residents are having to work from home and in many instances home school their children simultaneously. Major works will not only impose on their privacy but also affect the ability of residents being able to do their jobs and will hinder their children’s learning. In addition to this disruption, residents are being asked to pay for these works despite the UK being in a recession and residents feeling financial pressures more than ever. Considering the above, I am calling on Wandsworth Council to:

• Halt works on Selworthy and Sparkford House until national restrictions have been lifted and the infection rate is below 0.2.
• Consult with residents as to how the remediation will be paid for with compassion for residents.
• Ensure that due notice will be given to residents when work does commence.