Customer news and notices

We work with customers and partners to deter and resolve nuisance and anti-social behaviour in neighbourhoods. It can take some time negotiating the court process if we need to pursue legal routes, but the end result can make a real difference to communities.

In Shaftesbury and Gillingham we’ve been working closely with Dorset Police and local partner agencies over recent months to tackle serious drug‑related anti‑social behaviour. This joint approach has focused on addressing disruption caused by repeated late‑night visitors to a number of homes, as well as the impact this has had on neighbours.

Working together, the Police secured five Partial Closure Orders on affected properties, enabling us to take possession action to take back three homes. At the same time, we’ve been supporting vulnerable residents by working with Social Care and specialist drug and alcohol services to make sure they receive the help they need.

We know how distressing and frustrating ASB can be, and although we always act as quickly as we can, we must gather strong evidence before the courts can grant orders such as possession. This can take time, and we’re grateful to customers who continue to report issues and work with us throughout the process.

Most residents who’ve contacted us about ASB have told us they’re pleased with the support they received and found us easy to deal with. We’ll continue working with our partners to keep communities safe and take firm action where necessary.

In another recent case, a tenant who made their neighbours' lives a misery was also evicted from a property in Blandford Forum following our successful partnership work with Dorset Police.

Heavy flooding in January caused widespread disruption across Dorset, including the village of Winterborne Whitechurch, where Chescombe Court (one of our housing schemes for older people) became cut off after the main road was closed. With water levels rising and concerns that sewage tanks and pumps could become overwhelmed, we spoke to customers early and offered alternative accommodation before the situation got worse.

Nine customers chose to move into temporary homes, with some making their own travel arrangements. For others, we worked closely with the brilliant volunteers from Wessex 4x4 Response, who provided off‑road vehicles that could safely drive through flood water. Their support meant we could help residents leave their homes quickly and safely.

Several customers, particularly those living on the first floor, preferred to stay in their homes and told us they felt confident remaining where they were – some even joked that they’d lived through far worse during the Second World War.

We continue to stay in regular contact with all affected customers to make sure they have everything they need while away from home. As soon as it’s safe to do so, we’ll work with everyone to help them return to their properties and settle back in.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent safety notice on several models of heat pump tumble dryers.

If you own a heat pump tumble dryer from Candy, Baumatic, Caple, Haier, Hoover, Lamona, Iberna, or Montpellier – please stop using it immediately.

Despite earlier safety fixes, over 17,000 dryers modified by Haier still pose a fire risk. OPSS has issued a legal warning requiring Haier to notify affected customers.

Check your model and contact the manufacturer for any next steps:

• Baumatic  product safety report
• Candy  product safety report
• Caple  product safety report

If your home uses storage, panel, or immersion heaters, you might have an RTS (Radio Teleswitch) meter. This system is being turned off nationwide from 30 June 2025. Without an upgrade, your heating and hot water might stop working. Your energy supplier should contact you – reach out to them if they haven’t. 

Visit the Ofgem website to find out more .

The office for safety and standards have recalled several Tower air fryers due to a fire risk caused by potential overheating. Check if your model is affected and don't forget to register your appliance to get safety alerts.

Safety tips when using your air fryer .

To keep you safe and make sure that your fire doors are working as they should, we have an extensive programme of fire door inspections on buildings over 11metres tall.

Find out more about the inspections.