Holly Cross & The Oaks

“Holly Cross looked a lot better before, it had a much warmer vibe. If there was any way to improve it, which I know probably isn’t possible now, I think the renovations were unnecessary. They should have kept the bedrooms feeling just as cosy, using neutral colours, proper carpet to help with noise, and curtains to hold onto the heat since the blinds don’t do that anymore. It would also be better if the bedroom and kitchen doors were adjusted to close more quietly, instead of slamming shut. In the kitchens and bathrooms, the skirting boards should be properly fitted and secure, not the kind of cheap job that’s been done, because they peel off really easily. And honestly, an extra £1000 on the rent doesn’t feel justified for a bright yellow room that isn’t very comforting, especially with the brown, blue, and grey tones as well. The lighting could be warmer too, because the current bright, clinical white lights feel harsh and a bit jarring.”

“It really needs improved access, like automatic doors and a kitchen that’s been properly adapted for people with disabilities.”

“Too many people crammed into public areas.”

“We really needed more room for food. Having only one fridge shelf just doesn’t do much.”

“The communal areas inside each flat are a lot better, since the kitchens don’t really make it easy to socialise. If they could be set up more like a proper living room, I think they would work much better.”

“We paid for cleaning this year, but it often didn't actually get done, and they kept saying it was “due to Covid.” That happened for a big part of the year, yet we were still charged the same rate as if we were getting weekly cleaning.”