16th September 2020

Update – South Wales Lockdown

Coronavirus (COVID-19)
As you will be aware, the increase in Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases has led to the Welsh Government announcing new measures to begin from 6pm on Tuesday 22 September and will apply to everyone living in Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Newport.

The new measures are:

  • People will not be allowed to enter or leave these areas without a reasonable excuse, such as travel for work or education
  • People will only be able to meet people they don’t live with outdoors for the time being. They will not be able to form, or be in, extended households
  • All licensed premises will have to close at 11pm
  • Everyone over 11 will be required to wear face coverings in indoor public areas

The full announcement can be found here: https://gov.wales/local-coronavirus-restrictions-imposed-control-outbreaks-south-wales

As a result, we have made changes to our services in all areas we operate in, including stopping all non-urgent repairs.

The safety of our tenants, staff and contractors is our number one priority, and we will be following all guidance from Welsh Government to prevent further transmission of the virus.

We will still be carrying out emergency repairs plus all plumbing, electrical and heating repairs. We will undertake any appropriate health and safety measures required to do so. To report an emergency repair, you can call: 0800 072 0966

An emergency repair is a repair where there may be risk to life or where failure to attend within 24 hours will seriously affect the property.

Examples of this are:

  • Gas leaks – contact the National Gas Emergency Line on 0800 111 999 immediately, then call us
  • Complete loss of heating
  • Complete loss of electric supply – contact your electricity supplier first
  • Complete loss of water supply – contact your water supplier first
  • Blocked or leaking foul main drain
  • Blocked toilet where there is only one in your home
  • Major pipe bursts
  • Major roof leaks
  • Broken main entrance door /window (ground floor only) posing a security risk
  • Blocked boiler flue
  • Smoke detector not working (unless you have another one working in the property, this does not include changing batteries)
  • Uncontainable water leaks and water leaks that may affect electrics in the home
  • Repairs to equipment that a disabled person relies upon.

Voids/Lettings will continue following the usual process 

This approach to our repairs service will continue to be reviewed and we will consider the guidance from Welsh Government at this stage and will provide you with an update.

Our Housing Officers and Community Safety Officers will no longer be carrying out face to face visits, however you can still contact them by phone and email. If you feel you would benefit from a regular call from your Housing Officer or Community Safety Officer, please contact them to let them know.

We aim to keep you informed and up to date as this situation evolves. You can stay connected through your Housing Officer and via our website and social channels:

Facebook.com/LincCymruHA

Twitter.com/Linc_Cymru

We understand that Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the ongoing impact it is having on our daily lives, will cause concern and anxiety. If you are feeling anxious or worried about how this experience will affect you, there are a many organisations and charities who can help. For example;

Samaritans – Call 116 123, or visit  www.samaritans.org

Mind Cymru – Call 0300 123 3393, email info@mind.org.uk or text 86463

Our staff are working tirelessly to minimise the disruption to our services. We are committed to ensuring your safety and thank you for your patience and understanding during this unsettling time.

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