Swansea MPs host packed public meeting as 200 residents confront “shocking” property firm
On Thursday 10 April, more than 200 residents from across Swansea turned out to Swansea Guildhall to raise grievances with senior company figures. FirstPort manages several housing developments in Swansea, including in the Marina, Sketty and Murton.
Residents spoke of spiralling costs, unanswered emails, and essential work not being carried out directly. They reported financial stress, serious anxiety and even concerns for their safety as a result of the company’s mismanagement. Examples raised included ‘urgent’ roofing repairs left incomplete for over a year, communal spaces left without fire alarms, and faulty front doors left broken for nearly two years.
FirstPort committed to meet with aggrieved residents after Mr Bell confronted Managing Director Martin King about their treatment in Parliament at the start of the year.
MP’s Torsten Bell and Tonia Antoniazzi at the meetingBy the end of the meeting, senior FirstPort representatives agreed that the company’s performance had not been satisfactory and claimed changes were being made. Labour MPs are coordinating to monitor progress.
Mr Bell and Ms Antoniazzi have urged anyone else affected by FirstPort’s conduct to get in touch with their offices at torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk and tonia.antoniazzi.mp@parliament.uk.
Torsten Bell MP said: “Residents sent a clear message to FirstPort: they’ve had enough of soaring bills and shoddy service, which have caused real distress.
“I’m very pleased to have made this meeting happen for Swansea residents, because it was about time the company came face to face with the people it has failed.
“FirstPort acknowledged its poor performance and claimed changes are being made. But promises alone aren’t enough, so I’ll keep fighting on this issue until we see real change.
“This is more than about one housing company: it’s about a system that needs reform. That’s why I’m doing everything I can to support the UK and Welsh Labour governments to end a leasehold system that leaves too many at the mercy of companies like FirstPort.”
Tonia Antoniazzi MP for Gower said: “I want to thank the FirstPort residents who took the time to attend this evening’s meeting, including those who spoke so honestly and bravely about their experiences. Tonight was a powerful display of unity from a community that’s had enough of being ignored. It’s clear that FirstPort has, so far, fallen far short of providing the level of service residents rightly expect. I hope they take this meeting as the wake-up call it should be, and as a chance to reset the relationship by taking real action to address the concerns that were raised. I’ll continue standing with residents until meaningful change is delivered.”
Resident, Stan Steadman speaking at the meetingStan Steadman, a resident of a property managed by FirstPort who spoke at the meeting, said: “It’s shocking. Roof repairs weren’t carried out for over a year after they were identified as urgent, and we are still yet to be assured that these were done to a satisfactory standard. It took them almost 18 months to replace a faulty front door, despite concerns about the security of the building. We have not had a Development Manager for 9 months but are still being charged for this person and his/her service and accommodation.”
In response to Mr Steadman’s concern’s, FirstPort Group confirmed to Swansea Bay News that residents will not be charged for a Development Manager if there is no one in place at the development whilst there is an open vacancy.
A spokesperson for the FirstPort Group said: “We appreciate the opportunity to collectively hear from residents and we are committed to addressing every concern raised. We will continue a constructive dialogue with both residents and MPs, taking steps to ensure we meet the expectations of the community.
“Our Operations Director has been meeting with residents again this morning (Friday 11th April) and our team will be visiting developments across the area to ensure every issue is heard and acted upon. We look forward to providing further updates as we make continued progress.”
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