Residents of Guinness Partnership flats express anger at storage sheds being removed for sprinkler system

Jenny Wright, who has lived in Solent House for 41 years, was shocked and angry to receive a letter from the Guinness Partnership announcing she needed to clear her storage shed out to make way for a sprinkler system.

Many residents of Solent House, and its neighbouring blocks Langstone and Chichester, are unhappy with the news but have struggled to contact the housing provider.

With no alternative storage offered, residents are set to have nowhere to store extra belongings, bicycles, hazardous paints and more.

The letter stated tenants had been given notice of the change in February.

Jenny, 72, said: ‘My husband Michael is so organised and he keeps every letter and he went back through and we haven’t had the letter. Everybody else is saying the same.

‘The fact that they have given us not enough warning and they’re not going to supply anything in its place is the worst thing.

‘If they said they were going to build a smaller shed for us then that would be fine.’

Although the group understands the safety benefits of the sprinkler system, Jenny is concerned after residents have struggled to contact Guinness.

She said: ‘How can they do that to people? As far as I’m concerned it’s part of my home. It makes you wonder are we anybody or are we just a number?’

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Residents are calling for Guinness to reconsider and offer a smaller storage facility or a reduction in rent.

A Guinness spokesman said: ‘Safety is our top priority and the installation of this sprinkler system will ensure residents are even safer in their homes. Residents were given advance notice by letter explaining the works and providing opportunities to ask questions and see an example of the sprinkler system. Many residents of Solent House have confirmed they are supportive of these plans.

‘Guinness has informally permitted tenants to use these sheds historically, but the residents do not pay for these nor do the sheds form part of their tenancy agreement. We understand the importance of storage space to our residents and, where it is possible, we will explore opportunities to provide alternate space for this.’

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