west area summer newsletter

1West Area Housing Office Neighbourhood News Summer 2012

In May we replaced the Area Forums, following feedback from customers, to try to make them more effective. These are now called Community Count events and are fun events with activities and information for all households and age groups. This year up to £25,000 is available for community groups to apply for in the west of the Borough. It is up to a panel of customers to approve the applications then other customers can vote online and at the meetings to decide how much money is allocated. It was great to present the cheques at the meeting and celebrate the success of local groups in accessing funding to do something positive in their community.

£200,000 is also being spent on customer generated projects over the next year to

West Area Housing OfficeNeighbourhood NewsSummer 2012: Issue 9

improve the environment in neighbourhoods. Many thanks to all those customers who have suggested projects or have given us feedback on those proposed.

There is still money available for community and environmental projects. If you have any suggestions for a project or want to make a bid, please do not hesitate to contact your neighbourhood housing officer or visit www.stockporthomes.org/count for more information.

Maria LindarsWest Area Housing Manager

Welcome to the summer issue of Neighbourhood News. We have been reviewing our 2011/12 Neighbourhood Action Plans (NAPs) with customers and partners.

The new NAPs for the coming year are nearing completion. If you want more information about what has been planned for where you live, please do not hesitate to contact your neighbourhood housing officer at the West Area Housing Office or visit our website www.stockporthomes.org

Look out for our next Community Count meeting in the Autumn, we would love to see you there!COUNT

Tr a n s f o rm i n g L i ve s

Look out for our next Community Count event in the autumn, we would love to see you there!

2 West Area Housing Office Neighbourhood News Summer 2012

Melinda Waterhouse Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AreA Covered:Bramhall

You said... We did...

The entrance to Lumb House is unsightly, due to the view through a window by the side of the front door into an electric cupboard.

In January 2012 we supplied and fitted a blind so you can no longer see through the window into an unsightly cupboard.

The communal cupboards and lounges at Birch House are cluttered and full of unclaimed items.

In December 2011 we cleared out any unclaimed items and the cupboards and lounges can now be fully utilised.

There is fly tipping outside the garages on Lumb Close.

In March 2012 we referred this to the Council’s Area Conditions Officer and the fly tipped items were removed.

You would like Stockport Homes to help make your homes more environmentally friendly and efficient.

In January 2012 we installed Photovoltaic Panels to properties with south facing roofs, helping residents reduce their utility bills and be more energy efficient.

New Solar Panels on Lumb Lanehelping residents to reduce theirutility billsTidied lounge at Birch House

outcomes from walkabouts and neighbourhood action plans (NAPs)


Melinda Waterhouse and val Percy: Neighbourhood Housing Officers

AreA Covered:Cheadle Hulme


The shrub beds on Hall Meadow Estate are bare and unsightly.

In March 2012 we cleared the shrub beds and re-planted them with new shrubs and plants.

The parking at the Beeches is not clearly defined and some people are taking up two parking spaces.

In November 2011 we painted white lines to define the parking bays which will assist residents to park more appropriately in the future.

The fencing at the rear of the Beeches is broken and the communal garden is overgrown and unkempt.

In November 2011 an Environmental Improvement Project Proposal was approved to replace the fencing and improve the communal garden. Acoustic fencing will be installed by August 2012 to help minimise any noise from the railway lines nearby for residents. The communal garden will also be re-vamped by September 2012.

Parking spaces at Warwick Close are undefined and need improving.

In February 2012 we repainted the lines marking the parking spaces and created additional spaces. We also laid down resin bonded gravel between the car park and block to improve the overall appearance.

There are problems with fly tipping at Warwick Close.

In February 2012 we provided a secure area for refuse bins to be stored. This has stopped any further fly tipping in the area.

The trees at Swann Court are growing into the footpath causing the pathways to be very slippery for residents and visitors.

In December 2011 we had all the trees cut back and some of them were felled to open up the pathways and communal garden. This also stopped the pathways getting slippery from the falling leaves.

The fencing to the rear of properties in block 149-171 Grange Avenue is in poor condition.

In January 2012, the dividing fencing between the flats was replaced.

New Solar Panels on Lumb Lanehelping residents to reduce theirutility bills

Trees cut back at Swann Court has helpedkeep pathways clear Improved parking bays at Warwick Close



Mark Topping: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AreA Covered:Lancashire Hill


We would like more community engagement events.

In December 2011 a Santa Dash was held on Lancashire Hill to raise funds for Autism Awareness. On 3 April 2012 a spring event was organised with partner agencies and local groups. This included an Easter Egg Hunt for kids, free healthy soup and advice from numerous agencies on issues such as health, alcohol and employment.

The communal areas in the low rise blocks look tired and worn and need a makeover.

In February 2012 communal stairwells to all four low rise blocks were painted with an anti-vandal paint. Front doors to properties in The Bentleys and Clarkethorne Terrace were also repainted.

The bench outside Stonemill Terrace needs to be replaced as the wood is rotten.

In January 2012 a new bench was provided.

The shrubs to the side of The Longsons looks untidy and attracts litter.

In December 2011 the bushes were removed and replaced with bonded gravel to improve the appearance of the block.

The road markings to the car parks at Stonemill Terrace, Pendlebury Towers and to the front of The Bentleys need repainting.

In February 2012 the road markings and disabled bays were repainted and ‘Slow’ road markings were added to the entrance of Kings Court, and ‘No Parking’ in front of the Hanover Towers garages to make the area safer for residents.

An additional disabled parking bay is required for the residents of Hanover and Pendlebury Towers.

In February 2012 an additional disabled bay was marked out to give easier access to the block for disabled residents and visitors.


Children having fun at the Easter Egg hunt and Santa Dash at Lancashire Hill


Kerry Whitehead and Mark Topping: Neighbourhood Housing Officers

AreA Covered:Heaton Norris


Recycling facilities at Heaton and Norris Towers are not large enough and some residents suffer from noise disruption because of their proximity to some of the flats in Heaton Towers.

In February 2012 a new designated area was created to house a newly refurbished recycling unit which holds more rubbish. It is now located further away from the blocks, to reduce noise to residents.

The area at the back of Norris Towers has become derelict and unsightly.

In March 2012 landscaping work to the rear of the communal garden area started which will make the area more pleasant for residents and visitors. The work is expected to be completed in May 2012.

We used to have access to a library in Norris Towers. Can this be made available again?

In November 2011 a successful Community Fund Application paid for shelving to be installed in a vacant room in Norris Towers to provide a library / book exchange area. The library is now being used on a regular basis by residents.

At the top of the stairwells in Heaton and Norris Towers, the barred gates which give access to the roof area give a ‘jail like’ appearance.

In March 2012 the gates were covered with a solid colour-matched panel which hides the bars from view.

One of the shrub beds at Heaton and Norris Towers looks to be in a poor condition because many of the plants are dying.

In April 2012 the shrub bed was improved. It has been reduced in size to avoid the shaded areas where plants were dying, making it look more attractive.


Anti-climb strips prevent youthsfrom climbing onto the roof atAlbion Close

New larger recycling facilities at Heatonand Norris Towers


AreA Covered:Heaton Norris (continued)

Kerry Whitehead and Mark Topping: Neighbourhood Housing Officers



One of the communal chairs in the foyer of Heaton Towers has been stolen.

In December 2011 a replacement matching chair was provided for residents to use in the foyer area.

You are struggling to use some of the parking bays outside Norris Towers because of non-residents who park in non-designated areas.

In March 2012 line painting was carried out to clearly identify two areas as non-parking areas.

There are insufficient recycling facilities for residents at Ince and Edmund Close.

In March 2012 an Environmental Improvement Budget proposal was put together to provide new and improved recycling facilities, this was approved by customers at the Community Count meeting in May 2012. The work is expected to be completed by December 2012.

There is a problem with youths climbing on the garage roofs at Albion Close.

In November 2011 we put anti-climb strips on the garages to stop people from being able to climb on the roofs.

There is offensive graffiti at Albion Close. We had the graffiti removed immediately.

Homes

HUBCommunities

HUBCustomer

HUB

Thursday 23 August &

Thursday 22 November

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Walthew House, 112 Shaw Heath, Stockport SK2 6QS

Wedesday

12 September

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Walthew House, 112 Shaw Heath, Stockport SK2 6QS

Wedesday

26 September

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Stockport Homes, Conference Room, 1 St. Peters Square

Repairs, maintenance,

investment and energy efficiency: Neighbourhood management,

anti-social behaviour and the

environment:

Customer access to services, ways

to involve customers, customer finance

and social inclusion issues:

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION?The new HUBS are a less formal, more flexible way to become involved in shaping services we offer you. You

can choose the HUB that you are interested in as each one is focused on different areas of the housing service.

They are a new interactive way for you to influence how budgets are spent and how we can perform better. There

will be hot topic discussions put forward by customers and a place to voice your views on services.

Please join us in making decisions about the services you receive. Contact the Customer Involvement Team on

0161 474 2862 or email [email protected] to register your interest. You will not

be out of pocket for getting involved, we provide expenses!

NEW

FOR 2012!

AreA Covered:Heaton Chapel


Catherine Pownall: Neighbourhood Housing Officer


There is a lack of recycling bins at Marbury Road, Blackbrook Road and Buckden Road, Heaton Chapel.

In January 2012 we installed recycling bins and provided secure units for them to be stored, enabling residents to increase recycling within the low rise blocks.

The communal areas at Nelstrop Walk are in need of internal decoration and require updating.

In February 2012, we painted the internal communal areas and installed integrated mats to entrances which has made the blocks more attractive for residents and visitors.

There is fly tipping at Greenbank flats.In March 2012, we worked with our Area Caretaking Service and arranged for the site to be cleared immediately. We also worked with the Council’s Area Conditions Officer and obtained information to secure enforcement action against the perpetrators, who were subsequently fined.

There is a dog fouling issue at Greenbank flats.In January 2012 we worked with the Dog Warden Service and completed home visits to talk to residents to raise awareness of how to be a responsible dog owner. As a result of this the dog fouling in this area has reduced.

Grosvenor House is in need of modernisation both internally and externally.

In February 2012, we replaced the windows, renewed the roof, painted the outside areas of the building, provided a security light and installed a new front door entry intercom system in order to improve the security for our residents. Internally, we installed new kitchens and bathrooms and carried out electrical wiring.

outcomes from on walkabouts and neighbourhood action plans (NAPs)

New recycling bins and storage on Blackbrook Road and Marbury Road helps residents to recycle


Linda Brooks: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AreA Covered:York Street and Hollywood Towers


Six communal bins, located at the side of Bowdon House, are left open causing rubbish to be scattered around the estate.

In February 2012 locks were put on the bins to stop the lid blowing open and to stop residents leaving the bin lid open.

The step leading up to the communal recycling bins is a trip hazard.

In February 2012 a ramp was installed to make it easier for residents to recycle their rubbish.

A tree located in the communal area at the front of Radnor House has been damaged in the wind.

In March 2012 the tree was replaced and a guard rail was installed around it to stop further damage.

A shrub bed outside Lancaster House was unsightly and full of dead plants.

In February 2012 the shrubs were replaced to improve the appearance of the block for residents and visitors.

A shrub bed outside Pembroke House was full of dead bushes and made the area look untidy.

In February 2012 the shrubs were replaced to improve the appearance of the block for residents and visitors.

Floor tiles within Hollywood Towers have started to lift up making it a trip hazard.

In March 2012 the floor tiles were relayed making the area safe for residents.

You wanted a Christmas event for the children who live in Hollywood Towers.

In December 2011 Santa visited Hollywood Towers and gave out books and selection boxes to local children.


Improved shrub bed at Pembroke CloseChildren at Hollywood Towers geta special visitor


Katie Bryant: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AreA Covered:Cheadle Heath


There is a problem with litter on Walnut Tree Road and Bosley Road.

In March 2011 we worked with Stockport Council’s Area Conditions Officer and arranged for a litter survey on the estate. Following this, a programme of quarterly litter-picks have been carried out with local residents in October 2011 and April 2012.

There is a lack of community engagement on the Walnut Tree Estate.

We arranged an Easter Egg Hunt and a litter pick in April 2012, in conjunction with partners from Play Development and Greater Manchester Police.

You wanted more diversionary activities for young people on the Walnut Tree Estate.

We have worked in partnership with the Play Development Team and developed a ‘reward card’ scheme for young people that participate in community events.

There was anti-social behaviour (ASB) on the Walnut Tree Estate.

We have worked alongside Greater Manchester Police, the ASB Team, Stockport Council and local residents to reduce the number of incidents of ASB and crime. In January 2012, we were successful in obtaining several signed Acceptable Behaviour Contracts with the youths causing a nuisance. An Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) was also obtained through legal action against an individual on the estate in January 2012. This intensive work continues to bring about improvements in the local area for residents.

The signage to the blocks at Laburnum Way and Northgate Road flats is unclear and needs renewing.

In December 2011 we installed new signage at Laburnum Way and Northgate Road, making block names and numbers clear for residents and visitors.


Improved shrub bed at Pembroke Close

Katie Bryant, Neighbourhood Housing Officer carries out an estate walkaboutto highlight and fix any potential issues


Melinda Waterhouse, val Percy and Katie Bryant: Neighbourhood Housing Officers

AreA Covered:Cheadle, Heald Green and Gatley


The concrete flooring and pathways around Park Mount are covered in moss and dirt.

In December 2011 the area was power washed and the moss and dirt removed.

You would like notice boards for the communal area at Park Mount and Gatley Road flats.

In March 2012 we supplied and installed notice boards in the blocks.

There is a fence panel missing at Oakside Close. In March 2012 the fence panel was replaced.

The communal areas at Hathaway Close and Avon Road are tired and worn.

The communal areas were refurbished in December 2011 with new flooring and internal decoration.

The paint is peeling off the metal fencing at Gatley Road flats and it is unsightly.

In January 2012 the fencing was repainted.

There is a lack of recycling facilities at York Close. In November 2011, after consultation with residents, paladin recycling bins were provided for residents to use.

An area of land on Oak Grove, owned by a utilities company, is overgrown with weeds.

In February 2012, the neighbourhood housing officer contacted the relevant utilities company and the area has now been cleared.


Improved pathways at Park Mount


Ian Creveul: Neighbourhood Housing Officers

AreA Covered:North Reddish


You want better community spirit and further information on the services offered by Stockport Homes for residents on the Poets Corner estate.

Stockport Homes arranged a Christmas event at the Poets Corner Tenants’ and Residents’ Group in December 2011. This was used as an opportunity to support residents by promoting the Credit Union, Home Contents Insurance, Energy Efficiency and the Assisted Gardening Scheme.

You want a better quality environment to live in at Swinburne Green.

We improved the paved areas and erected fencing to the front of blocks and fencing at Swinburne Green in January 2012.

You want improved internal communal areas and a more pleasant living environment at Ramsgate Road.

We re-decorated and incorporated new flooring to the internal communal area in February 2012.

On Coleridge Close you want to grow your own fruit and vegetables in order to improve the local environment and sustainability.

We provided a water butt and seeds to enable residents to grow their own fruit and vegetables and save water.

You want better quality of highways and public footpaths on Warbeck Close and Masefield Grove.

We liaised with Highways and arranged resurfacing work to the pavements in November 2011.

You want well maintained hedges and shrub beds at Sykes Street.

In February 2012, we arranged for the removal of the existing shrub beds and replaced them with more easily maintainable varieties.

You want improved fencing to enhance security for the residents at Somers Road.

In December 2011, the alleyway fencing to the rear of Somers Road was reinforced to reduce vandalism and improve the security for residents.

The communal garden area at Wilton Street requires modernisation with the provision of a drying area and recycling facilities.

In January 2012, we landscaped the communal garden at Wilton Street and incorporated rotary driers and recycling facilities.


Solar panels on Ramsgate Road Improved paved areas at Swinburne Green


Kerry Whitehead and Catherine Pownall: Neighbourhood Housing Officers

AreA Covered:South Reddish


The communal areas at Woodhall Crescent and Willow Avenue are looking tired and worn.

In March 2012 the communal areas were refurbished with new flooring and re-painted to improve the environment for residents and visitors.

There is a lack of lighting at Bramley Crescent. In February 2012 security lights were fitted to the side flats on Bramley Crescent to improve the security for residents.

The moss and a number of shrub beds on the Coronation Street Estate are unsightly.

In February 2012 we arranged for the moss to be removed and the shrub beds were replanted to improve the appearance for local residents.

The rear communal garden at Boardman Close are unsightly and unused by residents.

In March 2012 we improved the appearance by landscaping the communal garden and providing new rotary dryers for residents to use.

The trees on Coniston Road are overhanging and in need of pruning.

In February 2012, we arranged for the trees to be cut back in order to improve the appearance and safety for residents.

There is a problem with dog fouling on Abingdon Road and Dumbarton Road.

In March 2012 we worked with customers, Stockport Council’s Area Conditions Officer and the Dog Warden Service. The Neighbourhood Housing Officer and partners completed home visits to talk to residents to raise awareness of how to be a responsible dog owner.

You wanted more affordable energy bills throughout Reddish.

We installed solar panels across the Reddish area throughout 2011, sites included Ramsgate Road, Arthur Terrace, Liverpool Close and Reddish Road.


Affordable energy at Liverpool Close


Contact us

Kerry Whitehead and Catherine Pownall: Neighbourhood Housing Officers Sara Mansell and Gill Thompson: Neighbourhood Housing Officers

AreA Covered:Adswood, Bridgehall, Davenport and Cale Green


The planters across Melrose Crescent are unsightly and a place where young people were congregating and causing a nuisance.

In March 2012 an Environmental Improvement Budget project was approved by customers to improve the area. A concrete planter that was a litter trap has been removed and replaced by a wall and the area has now been turfed, making the area more pleasing for residents and visitors.

You would like more activities for children in Bridgehall.

On 22 December 2011 we arranged a Santa Dash for the children of Adswood and Bridgehall on Bridgehall Green. The money that was raised was donated to the Beechwood Cancer Centre.

The Adswood and Bridgehall Children’s holiday club needs funding to take the children on a day out away from the estate.

Through Stockport Homes’ Community Fund we enabled 90 children to go to Legoland for the day during the summer holidays in 2011.

The area around Bridgehall Green and the Community Centre is full of litter.

From March 2012 we have arranged for the weekly litter pick to include these areas.

The recycling bins are not good enough for residents at Siddington Avenue flats.

In November 2011 an Environmental Improvement Budget project was approved by customers to improve the recycling facilities at the blocks. The work was completed in May 2012.


Improvements to Melrose Crescent planters

Before After


Sara Mansell and Gill Thompson: Neighbourhood Housing Officers

AreA Covered:Adswood, Bridgehall, Davenport and Cale Green (continued)

Are you worried

about repossession

or eviction? Contact:

to see how we

can help you!

0161 474 4151




The Compound on Barnfield Road West is a popular area for fly tipping. Something needs to be done with the site.

In February 2012 we agreed for the site to be used as a store and local depot for our grounds maintenance contractors, Glendale. The amount of fly tipping has reduced now the site is being used.

The drying areas at Cresgarth House are untidy and the rotary dryers are rusty and broken.

In January 2012, through the Estate Improvement Budget, we obtained funding to improve the drying areas, which also included the provision of new rotary dryers for residents to utilise in the blocks.

The signage at Cresgarth House was confusing and not very clear.

In December 2011, though Stockport Homes’ Estate Improvement Budget, we provided new signage for the blocks.

There is an on-going problem with rubbish being fly tipped in the drying areas at Windsor Walk.

Throughout January and February 2012, the rubbish was removed and the area was monitored. Tenancy warning letters were sent to those responsible. The problem has now been resolved but we will continue to monitor it.


For more information about what is happening in your area, please contact your Neighbourhood Housing Officer using the contact details below.

To view the Neighbourhood Action Plans (NAPs) please go to our website www.stockporthomes.org under ‘Our Services / Sustainable Neighbourhoods / Neighbourhood regeneration’.

West Area Housing OfficeBridgehall Community Centre,Siddington Avenue,Stockport SK3 8NR

Tel: 0161 474 4371Fax: 0161 477 4879Text: 07624 808315Email: [email protected]: www.stockporthomes.org

Contact Us

West Area OfficeSiddington Avenue

Cuddington Crescent

Are you worried

about repossession

or eviction? Contact:

to see how we

can help you!

0161 474 4151



Accessing Our Services

This newsletter gives you information about the work of the West AreaHousing Office. If you would like a copy of this document in large print, Braille, on audio tape or CD, or in another language, please contact the Social Inclusion Team on 0161 474 2860, email: [email protected],text: 07624 808 315 or fax: 0161 474 2869.

www.stockporthomes.org bit.ly/TwitterSH on.FB.me/StockportHomes


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west area summer newsletter

Documents

area forums

community groups

community count events

community count meeting

panel of customers

lumb house

unclaimed items

lumb lanehelping residents