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Original poster

Council have asked me to move my keysafe, for the carers round the back of the block of flats.

188 replies

patsy999 · 27/07/2024 07:46

Does anyone know if the council are in the wrong here. I have a keysafe for the carers, which i was given permission for when i moved in 6 years ago.
Next door keeps complaining that it makes a noise and they have written to me asking for it to be moved round the back.
The back way isnt very safe in the winter as there is a very dim light round there, but the councils answer to that was the carers can use the torch on their phones.
I cant get the new keysafe fitted till fri the 2nd, so the carers cant use the keysafe till then.
Its a block of flats, with a communal back and front door.

OP posts:
Hairyfairy01 · 27/07/2024 09:16

I would speak to the care co ordinator and express your concerns OP. It's up to them to decide if going around the back is a safe route for their staff. If they deem it's not the council will have to rethink. Perhaps they could replace the key safe 'like for like', a newer one may be quieter?

Original poster
patsy999 · 27/07/2024 09:14

I have 2 care calls a day. One carer.
I tried explaining all this to the guy from the council, but he wouldnt take it into consideration that a dark, dimly lit alley way is not safe, for young women on ther own at night to go through.
His answer was that they could use the torch on there phones.

OP posts:
ByCupidStunt · 27/07/2024 09:13

Keysafe as don't make a noise what on earth is everybody on about?

RB68 · 27/07/2024 09:02

I would say the old type - push buttons hard then click the cover open and get keys out before shutting them back in - are noisy WHEN USED when I was at MIL they didn't bother ringing door bell as she was def and pretty immobile and would try to get up so instruction was straight in - when I stopped over I had enough warning to get covering on and slippers on and get kettle on, before they got up the stairs. The noise transfers on the wall and it could well be people above that have issue. The issue may also be the other box rather than yours.

I always think they should be out of sight as a deterrent and as council flats they should have facility for that that doesn't involve having to go down unkempt alleyways that are poorly lit ie with a bloody torch

RB68 · 27/07/2024 08:57

Its certainly unreasonable to expect you to pay for it - I would be appealing it on that basis alone.

hatgirl · 27/07/2024 08:56

Who owns the properties involved?

Tagyoureit · 27/07/2024 08:55

How noisy can a key safe be and how knobbish to complain about it!

Can you clarify with the neighbours what the actual complaint is before changing anything.

Could it be the metal on metal noise but surely it's only a couple times a day so can't see this being a massive issue.

Could be noisy nurses chatting but again, it's only a couple times a day.

Suggest to the council you'd be happy to move the key safe once they've added better lighting to the back entrance to ensure the safety of visitors as surely they wouldn't want anyone to get hurt and sue them.

SmileyClare · 27/07/2024 08:52

Ignore the letter.

The council can’t force you to pay for a new key safe and it’s instalment.

The carers don’t even use it regularly?! Just ask them to be mindful of noise on the odd rare occasion they do use it.

If the council want to move or replace your safe then they need to cover the costs themselves.

Gillypie23 · 27/07/2024 08:51

Your neighbours are idiots.

Tissyous · 27/07/2024 08:50

Does seem ridiculous if the key safe is rarely used anyway, thankfully this means it's unlikely the carers will have to travel around the back much? Will it be more secure round the back? The fact the front was smashed is a bit worrying.

endofthelinefinally · 27/07/2024 08:47

Orangesandlemons82 · 27/07/2024 08:43

Do your carers come in pairs and they are chatting/noisy and that is the issue not the actual key safe?

Good point.

JMSA · 27/07/2024 08:46

How miserable must you be to complain about this?!
I'm sure the OP would choose to be carer and keysafe free if she could!
How many times per day do they come, OP?
Flowers

Orangesandlemons82 · 27/07/2024 08:43

Do your carers come in pairs and they are chatting/noisy and that is the issue not the actual key safe?

endofthelinefinally · 27/07/2024 08:41

I have a key safe and it is completely silent. Surely it would be sensible to just replace the "noisy" one with a silent one in the same location?
I used to visit patients who had key safes and no way would I be traipsing round the back of building, especially if it was dark and isolated.
This sounds like using a sledge hammer to crack a nut.

OnePeachCrow · 27/07/2024 08:40

You can appeal that decision or ask your local councillor to take this up for you. It seems unreasonable really.

Timeforanewnam · 27/07/2024 08:38

I think you need to spend the £80 on a drum kit or trumpet. Perhaps your neighbour will re- assess how noisy the key safe is in a few weeks 🤣🤣

how lucky your neighbour is that this is the most noise they hear !

LlynTegid · 27/07/2024 08:32

safetyfreak · 27/07/2024 08:20

So strange!

Have you contacted social services? inform them, there is a risk of the care agency withdrawing from your package of care. Someone from adult social care may be able to give a call to the relevant department.

I agree.

Also then follow the complaints procedure, remind the Council of their duty of care, and quite possibly the carers are women and/or people from ethnic minorities, more likely to be or feel vulnerable.

Daleksatemyshed · 27/07/2024 08:30

If you need regular carers then surely that and their safety should outweigh the next door neighbours complaint.

safetyfreak · 27/07/2024 08:20

So strange!

Have you contacted social services? inform them, there is a risk of the care agency withdrawing from your package of care. Someone from adult social care may be able to give a call to the relevant department.

Original poster
patsy999 · 27/07/2024 08:19

The council did ask me to move it round the back. Got a letter pushed through the door yesterday after a phonecall.

OP posts:
Original poster
patsy999 · 27/07/2024 08:18

Theres only 2 walls out the front his bathroom and the other wall is full of the buzzers and someone elses flat.
Cant fit it to the front communal door as they replaced the old wooden ones with steel doors.
For context they only use it when they cant get in. Which has been once since may the 10th.
Someone else has a keysafe on that wall as well.

OP posts:
CostcoHotDog · 27/07/2024 08:12

Had the council asked you to move it out did your neighbour? I'm kinda surprised if it was your council as normally it takes forever for noise complaints too be resolved.

Is there somewhere in the front that it can be moved to that's further away from your neighbour?

crumblingschools · 27/07/2024 08:07

Can you complain? If a new one is being fitted will it be quieter than the old one? How noisy can a key safe be. Can’t see it being any noisier than someone opening a door

AzureAnt · 27/07/2024 08:07

I cant see a key safe being any noisier than an actual door being opened. How many times a day is it being used?
I think your neighbour needs to wind their neck in

MumChp · 27/07/2024 08:07

patsy999 · 27/07/2024 08:05

Its being fixed on fri the 2nd, round the back with a brand new digital keysafe, as the old cover was smashed completely of.
The care company arent happy about it though and i cant blame them as they need access.
Its also going to cost me £80, out of my benefit money.

Careers might refuse to go there if they dont feel safe.