Open letter to Torus CEO on 'dire' Lymm conditions

The letter is addressed to the group's chief executive, and alleges that living conditions in a Torus-managed area in Lymm are 'dire.'

According to the letter, the resident of Pool Lane has attempted to reach out to Torus a number of times over two-and-a-half years - totalling 'hundreds of emails' to Torus employees, though nothing has been done, it is alleged.

Torus has offices in Warrington (Image: Maps)

The letter, sent by John Wright to Torus CEO Steve Coffey, reads:

"Dear sir,

"I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding the lack of response to my previous emails concerning the ongoing issues at Pool Lane, Lymm.

"Despite reaching out to Torus on numerous occasions over the past two-and-a-half years, I have yet to receive any satisfactory resolution to the problems plaguing our community.

"Since moving to Pool Lane, my family and I have been subjected to a multitude of issues, including antisocial behaviour, drug-related activities, domestic violence, and fly-tipping.

"These problems have not only affected our quality of life but have also made it impossible for us to sell our property due to the negative feedback received from estate agents regarding the neighbours' constant fighting and the deteriorating condition of the surrounding areas.

"In my efforts to address these concerns, I have sent hundreds of emails to your enforcement personnel, engaged in approximately 40 conversations with Torus representatives, sent around 50 mails to Warrington Council, made numerous calls to the police (on four separate occasions), and reported the issues to Crime Stoppers.

"Additionally, the Warrington Guardian even published an article highlighting the problems at Pool Lane and Oldfield Road."

Mr Wright continues: "I have diligently followed Torus' advice and utilized your recording app, providing you with at least 250 recordings of antisocial behavior, domestic violence, and other related incidents.

"However, despite my best efforts, I have rarely received a response to my emails, leaving me feeling ignored and helpless.

"Steve, I implore you to take immediate action and address the dire situation at Pool Lane.

"The lack of resolution has taken a toll on my family's well-being and my own mental health, making the past two years an absolute misery.

"I hold Torus primarily responsible for failing to effectively deal with these issues, as it was agreed approximately eight years ago that Pool Lane and Oldfield Road would be designated as a sensitive letting area due to the problems experienced here a decade ago.

"This agreement was made in collaboration with the council and housing association at the time, so I am left wondering what has gone wrong."

The letter concludes: "To be frank, Steve, the current state of affairs is a complete mess, and I am not the only person lodging complaints.

"I kindly request your urgent intervention and guidance on how to proceed.

"It is imperative that Torus takes immediate action to rectify the situation and restore peace and tranquillity to our community."

Gaynor Johnson responded to the Warrington Guardian's request for comment (Image: X)

When contacted for a comment on the letter, Gaynor Johnson, Torus Housing services director, said: "Torus takes all reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) seriously and understands that ASB can cause distress to neighbours and the wider community and, while we cannot comment in detail on individual cases, we can confirm that we have continually and actively worked to respond to issues of ASB in the area and in a wide range of interventions have been carried out, including, and not limited to:

• Use of the Noise App, and installation of noise recording equipment fitted, with all recordings reviewed
• Mediation offered and declined
• Partnership working with both Warrington Borough Council and Cheshire Police
• Appropriate and proportionate use of legal and tenancy interventions available to our Safer Estates and Enforcement Team
• Providing a presence in the community with our Neighbourhoods and Safer Estates Teams carrying out a door knock, and letter drop regarding ASB.

“ASB cases are often a result of complex issues that can only be addressed by several agencies, including the police and local authorities.

"Unfortunately, this process is not always a simple one, it can take time to resolve and sometimes relies on victims providing evidence to support allegations and any action that we may take.

“This case remains open, and we have contacted the complainant again to arrange visit, but this was declined. 

"We will continue to work to investigate alternative solutions to satisfy all parties.”