RESIDENTS from a major city centre development were so unhappy with their factor, they sacked them. Now they have urged other unhappy homeowners to take their lead and do the same.

Owners at the Co-op building in Morrison Street, Tradeston, were so dissatisfied with the service provided by property manager CPM they booted the firm out at the end of last year.

Campaign's huge response SINCE launching our campaign for a fairer deal from Glasgow's factors last month, the Evening Times has had a massive response from readers. We've had hundreds of calls, emails and letters from readers who aren't getting a fair deal. advertisement As well as exposing high charges and shoddy workmanship, we've also told of those who didn't know they had a factor - until they started to get bills. We've even heard about residents threatened with eviction or court action because of their factor. Our campaign, which is supported by politicians from every party, is all about getting a better deal for homeowners. We've also been supported by lawyer Mike Dailly, who campaigns against rogue factors, and a number of reputable property management businesses. We published a special Evening Times charter, which we're asking every factor in Glasgow to sign. And we back Maryhill MSP Patricia Ferguson's bid to bring in new legislation that would require factors to be more responsible to residents. Currently they are unregistered, unlicensed and have no legal obligations to the homeowners they are paid to represent. If successful Ms Ferguson's bill will lead to the creation of a register of factors, a watchdog to oversee property managers and a mediation body to help sort out disputes. If your factor is driving you mad, call us on 0141 302 6531 or email

Residents said taking a stand against their factor was the best thing they ever did because it meant better service - on their terms.

They have now employed a new management company, The Lane Partnership, to look after the historic building and they say they have seen massive improvements.

Co-op residents contacted the Evening Times after seeing our campaign to get a fairer deal from Glasgow's factors.

We are backing Glasgow MSP Patricia Ferguson's bid to tighten the legislation around factoring and introduce a watchdog to deal with complaints.

Co-op residents say they wanted readers to hear their story - and be inspired by it.

Peter Foley, Co-op Owners' Association chairman, said: "The Evening Times has done a great job in highlighting how badly some owners are being treated by factors.

"Anyone unhappy with their factor should get together with neighbours and take action.

"Why should you pay for bad service?

"We decided enough was enough and now we are back in the driving seat.

"It has been well worth the effort because we are getting better value for money and our building is being properly looked after at last."

Mr Foley, a 52-year-old health manager, said the problems started in 2000 when the first residents who moved into the development were told they would not have any control over who the factor was until the last unit in the building was sold. That did not happen till 2005.

He said the level of service provided by CPM got gradually worse over the years, despite residents paying up to £160 a month in management fees and charges. There was nothing they could do but complain.

He said: "CPM failed us on all the most basic things - the cleaning and maintenance service was extremely poor. And when repairs were needed it took months to get anything fixed.

"Rubbish was left all over the building and vital water penetration repairs were not being done. We could not see where our money was being spent.

"When CPM's HQ moved to England last summer that was the last straw - the firm became even more remote.

"We decided the only way to change things was to sack CPM - so we did."

After researching a number of companies, asking for detailed site visits and quotations, and outlining exactly what sort of service they expected, residents settled on TLP.

"We are paying the same amount of money, but the difference is amazing," said Mr Foley.

"We have a concierge service in place, full-time cleaners, the rubbish is cleaned up and health and safety for residents has been improved.

"But, most importantly, we feel like we are in charge of our building.

"We researched and negotiated every part of the deal, and shopped around, so we know exactly what is expected of the factor, and vice versa.

"We can now see what our money is being spent on."

Fellow resident Kimberley Hamilton added: "Everyone can see the difference since the new factor began.

"Ultimately, you employ the factor. There are loads of them looking for business and they should be competing to offer the best service."

Mr Foley urged other homeowners to take a lead from the Co-op residents.

He said: "There is no reason why others can't do what we did. Don't just sit there and moan about bad service, do something about it.

"We hope more owners will decide to take action after reading our story."

A spokesman for CPM said: "It is disappointing when our service levels are perceived to have fallen short, but we always seek to learn lessons and raise our game.

"There is fierce competition in the property management business and residents are always free to try someone else. However, in 12 months, they may wish to come back to us."

Lawyer Mike Dailly, who campaigns for homeowners, said: "Thanks to the Evening Times campaign, people in Glasgow now know how easy it is to sack a poor factor and appoint a good one."

Mark Stilges, of new factors TLP, said: "Homeowners are in charge and are the ones who decide what should be done.

"We also make sure there is complete financial transparency and visit the development every day."