News & Insights

We wanted to provide residents with a brief update on some of the work taking place across Pine Trees, as well as clarify a few common questions around the maintenance of the estate and where your estate charges are spent.

There has been some good progress over recent months, with further work now being planned.

Estate Improvements & Snagging

We have now completed nine items from the estate snagging list, including repairs to important street lighting around the park and adjacent road. This has improved visibility and made the crossing towards the park safer during the darker evenings.

A number of trees identified for attention are also being progressed, with works being prioritised according to condition and severity.

The wider snagging programme remains ongoing. We are currently awaiting two further quotations before progressing the next group of works, ensuring that appropriate comparisons can be made before residents' money is committed.

We have also increased the availability of grit bins and will be looking to ensure the estate is better prepared ahead of icy conditions next winter.

Gardening, Green Spaces & Planting

One point we would like to clarify is that the estate's green spaces and landscaped areas are maintained at the cost of Pine Trees residents, rather than by the Council.

Our current gardening and grounds-maintenance contract costs approximately £110,000 per year. This is primarily a maintenance contract covering the upkeep of existing landscaped areas; it does not mean that additional or replacement planting is automatically included.

We are therefore approaching additional planting separately and in stages. Some of the more prominent islands and communal areas are being considered for further planting when seasonal conditions are suitable.

We would also like to explore resident planting days, giving residents who are interested an opportunity to get involved and help improve some of our communal areas together. We'll gauge interest at the next Residents' Meeting.

The Main Roundabout

The main roundabout is private communal property owned and funded by the residents of Pine Trees. It is not maintained or funded by the Council.

Its gardening, cleaning, maintenance and general upkeep are therefore paid for through residents' estate charges. The cost of repairing the significant damage caused by the recent vehicle accident was also claimed through the estate's insurance , as the roundabout forms part of our privately maintained communal areas.

We are reviewing the longer-term appearance and use of this area and, as it is resident-owned communal property, we would like residents to have a say in what happens next.

Litter, Bins & Keeping Pine Trees Tidy

There is currently no dedicated contracted litter-picking service covering the estate. Much of the additional litter picking residents may see is therefore being carried out voluntarily by members of the community.

We are planning a community litter-picking day and will provide further details shortly. We'd love to see residents get involved.

We are also looking at additional bins around the estate and will be approaching the Council regarding public bins on the main road, particularly around the public bus stop.

Please also remember to dispose of dog waste responsibly. Where inappropriate waste is placed in estate bins, additional removal or cleaning charges can ultimately become another cost borne by residents.

Community Centre

We are reviewing how the Community Centre can work harder for the estate while still remaining a genuine community facility.

We are currently progressing two promising enquiries for regular bookings, which could help generate additional income.

At the same time, we don't want regular bookings to prevent residents from being able to use their own Community Centre.

One option being considered is to ensure at least one room remains available for resident bookings Monday to Friday. We would like to hear residents' views on this at the next meeting before establishing a longer-term approach.

Kennedy Avenue

We also wanted to clarify responsibility for Kennedy Avenue, as there has understandably been some confusion.

Kennedy Avenue has not yet transferred to the Council. Issues relating to the road and associated infrastructure, including kerbs, road, planting and trees, should therefore currently be raised with Taylor Wimpey.

We will provide an update when responsibility changes.

Service Charges & Billing

We are aware that some residents have raised concerns regarding this year's billing and communication process.

The Directors are working closely with Alba Management Services to establish a clearer and more consistent process for future billing, reminders and account queries.

At present, approximately 20% of the estate maintenance charges remain outstanding.

These charges directly fund the maintenance and operation of the estate, including landscaping, repairs, communal areas and other services. It is therefore important that charges are paid when due.

If you have not received your service-charge demand, are unsure whether you have an outstanding balance, or believe there is an issue with your account, please contact Alba proactively rather than leaving the matter unresolved.

Residents are reminded that payment of the estate maintenance charge is an obligation associated with properties on the managed estate. If you have a query or complaint, this should of course be raised and investigated through Alba's appropriate process.

Historical payments should also now be directed to Alba rather than Broadlands. If you are uncertain about a historic balance or where payment should be made, please contact Alba before making payment as they are managing historical payments.

New Parcel Service at Morrisons

Our local Morrisons now offers a Royal Mail Collection and Drop-Off service, with 24/7 access available externally and additional services inside during opening hours.

Coming soon: InPost, Evri, UPS and Amazon services, providing even more convenient parcel collection and drop-off options for Pine Trees residents.

What Happens Next?

There is still plenty to do, but progress is being made.

Over the coming months our priorities include progressing the remaining snagging works, tree works and planting; improving litter and waste arrangements; developing Community Centre bookings and income; and continuing to work with Alba on improved estate management and financial reporting.

We are also arranging the next Residents' Meeting, with the date to be announced shortly. This will provide an opportunity to discuss current priorities, Community Centre use, future planting and other estate matters.

Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute positively to Pine Trees, whether that's looking after the communal areas, reporting issues, volunteering, attending meetings or simply helping us keep the estate a pleasant place to live.

We have a new website that we would like you to follow for all official forms of communication.

Website: https://thepinetrees.co.uk/

Please see URL with news from the BYCA EJCOA Zonal 2026 held in the community centre on the 23/05/2026. 

https://e-voice.org.uk/byca/news/byca-ejcoa-zonal-2026/

Service Charge Communications Update

The timing of BL’s annual service charge communications has been unacceptable due to significant delays on their part.

BL issued the estimated 2025 annual service charge in August 2025 in the amount of £492.62. In accordance with standard practice, this estimate should have been issued in January 2025.

Furthermore, BL issued a 2023 balancing charge of £67.87 in October 2025, which was also substantially overdue.

In contrast, the estimated 2026 annual service charge of £490 issued by Alba has been provided in a timely manner and in line with expected processes. Alba has had to prepare this estimate while still awaiting the transfer of necessary files from BL as part of the management transition.

Under Alba’s management, there will be full transparency with the directors regarding all works undertaken, ensuring that service charge funds are directed appropriately. Several urgent repairs across the estate have already been identified and require attention

Management Agent Change 

We would like to inform all residents that Broadlands are no longer the managing agent for the estate.
As of 1 January 2026, estate management responsibilities have been officially transferred to: 

Alba Management Services (AMS) 

Alba have set up a new designated client bank account for Pine Trees (HW) Management Company.
Please ensure that all future payments are made to Alba.
Any unpaid invoices previously issued by Broadlands on behalf of the management company will be transferred to Alba in due course. 

2026 Service Charge Invoices 

Alba will shortly issue the 2026 service charge invoice. 

At the request of the new directors, the service charge can now be paid in two instalments: 

• 50% payable now 
• 50% payable on 1 July 2026 

Alba will apply a £3.00 administration fee for processing the two instalments.
Residents wishing to avoid this charge may choose to pay 100% upfront when the invoice is issued. 

Alba’s Payment & Reminder Process

Alba have confirmed their collection and reminder procedure: 

• Invoice issued – payment due within 21 days 
• 1st reminder – sent after 21 days, no charge, 7‑day grace period 
• 2nd reminder – issued if unpaid 7 days after the 1st reminder, £48 charge to the property owner 
• 3rd reminder – issued if unpaid 7 days after the 2nd reminder, £48 charge to the property owner 
• Debt collection – if unpaid 7 days after the 3rd reminder, the outstanding balance will be passed to a debt collection service. 

To avoid additional charges, please ensure payments are made promptly within the stated timelines.
 

Pine Trees (HW) Man Co Ltd‐ Designated Bank Account Details 

Please see below the bank details of the designated Client Bank Account for Pine Trees (HW) Man co 

Bank Name: Metro
Account Name: AMS Marlow Client Pine Trees (HW) M
Account Number: 57206101
Sort Code: 23‑05‑80 

Pine Trees Management Company's insurance has approved the repair work on the lozenge following the damage caused by the incident in July. Bucklands will be carrying out the repairs.  
All memorial items left by the families will be carefully collected and stored in a sealed box so they can be returned to the families.