Nightmare without end

Published: 18 February 2010

• THOMAS McQuillan’s story about his experiences with Camden Council’s contractors, Apollo, is all too familiar (The Apollo story continued: mission intolerable, Letters, February 11). 

The residents on the Holly Lodge estate went through exactly the same misery back in 2005-08, when Apollo was chosen to renovate the exterior of our estate. It turned out to be trial by a thousand cuts.

In June 2008 the council then decided to reward Apollo for their efforts with a long-term, five-year, partnering agreement – a slap in the face to all of us who had suffered at their hands.  The decision apparently followed an extensive consultation. Strange, as I know of no resident on this estate who would trust Apollo to even change a light bulb. 

And so here we now are – one horror story following another. Apollo’s five-year contract with the council includes the option of a five-year extension.  Truly is a nightmare apparently without end.
DERMOT ALEXANDER
Holly Lodge Estate, N6