Who’s That Trip-Trapping Across My Bridge?
Ben Jenkins Ben Jenkins

Who’s That Trip-Trapping Across My Bridge?

In recent weeks, I’ve been accused—not once, but twice—of trolling. And funnily enough, by the same group of people. But let’s get one thing straight: having a difference of opinion does not mean you’re being trolled. Unfortunately, in the housing sector, there’s a pattern of playing the victim while simultaneously blaming others—a topic I’ve covered extensively on the GreenSquareAccord residents' support website.

Disagreements are valuable. They drive change, improve services, and challenge the status quo. We’re told that debate and discussion should be welcomed. But the moment you challenge certain narratives or question the way things are done, the response is often, I’m being trolled!—which simply isn’t true. And in recent weeks and months, that accusation has been thrown around unfairly. So, let’s talk about it.

Read More
Beyond the Damp and Mould
Ben Jenkins Ben Jenkins

Beyond the Damp and Mould

Damp and mould are persistent, damaging, and dangerous. Whether caused by poor ventilation, structural flaws, or environmental factors, the outcome is the same: deteriorating homes and worsening health risks. It’s a problem that demands a real solution—not just surface-level fixes.

Yet beyond acknowledging these well-known health dangers, there’s a deeper challenge at play: trust.

What do residents actually perceive housing associations to be doing about damp and mould? More importantly, what are housing associations realistically able to do? The unfortunate truth is that when a housing association’s only visible response is sending someone to paint over the problem with mould-resistant paint, it’s not just ineffective—it breeds frustration and erodes trust.

Read More