Tongwynlais news dec 2015

Tongwynlais News

Winter 2015

MERRY CHRISTMAS

and welcome to the first edition of Tongwynlais News Wales & West Housing are committed to working with our residents and listening to your views.

In a recent consultation the overall majority of residents wanted to be kept up-to-date via a newsletter.

Have we listened?

WWH staff carried out a consultation during October 2015 to get your views of the scheme you live on.

Of the 122 properties, 50 residents responded and we would like to thank those who shared their views.

We asked: Do you feel safe in your home / scheme, and is your scheme attractive and well kept?

90%

45 out of 50 (90%) said you feel safe in your homes

94%

46 out of 49 (94%) said you feel safe in your scheme

57%

25 residents said that the scheme is well kept

25%

11 residents said that it is not well kept.

The majority of residents commented that the reason why they feel the scheme is unattractive is due to rubbish on the scheme and, in particular, the condition of the communal bin stores located in Beech Court, Birch Court, Pine Court and at the top of Catherine Drive.

16 residents commented that the bin stores are too small and that the scheme would benefit from more frequent collections by Cardiff Council.

Three residents also commented that the communal bin stores are used as a dumping ground and that there are issues with fly tipping on the scheme.

If you see anyone fly tipping on the scheme please contact Cardiff Council Enforcement Team on: 02920 872 087. www.wwha.co.uk | 0800 052 2526 | Twitter: @wwha

Tongwynlais News | Winter 2015

Dealing with your waste Residents have stated that the rubbish collection services are very poor and that the collection times are unpredictable.

Cardiff Council has reported to Wales & West Housing that the refuse collectors have had difficulties removing rubbish from the bin stores due to parked cars and rubbish bags/bulk items being piled in front of the bins.

There is also an issue with some residents putting general waste in the green recycling bags, which are not being collected by the refuse collectors as they are classed as contaminated waste.

Untidy bin areas are a health hazard and attract pests and other vermin, so it is essential that the communal bin areas are kept clean and tidy and we need your help in order to achieve this.

On a positive note, 44 residents (88%) said they recycle, which helps to reduce the amount of general waste in the bin stores. It is very important that all residents make sure that they recycle as much as possible and also make sure that the correct bags are put in the correct bins:

Black Wheelie Bins

For waste that cannot be composted or recycled (collected every fortnight)

Green Wheelie Bins For compostable garden waste (collected every fortnight)

Brown Wheelie Bins and Caddies

For all food waste (collected every week)

Green Recycling Bags

For dry recyclable items, including plastics, paper and tins (collected every week).

Bags should be left in the corner of the bin stores and should not obstruct other bins.

Cardiff Council bulky item collections from May 1st 2015 From May 1st 2015 we will be operating a new pricing structure for the collection of bulky items from residential properties.

To book a bulky item collection you will pay a minimum of £12.50 for up to 2 items.

You can book a collection for a maximum of 6 items. The prices for bulky item collections are as follows:

Number of bulky items

Cost of collection

1 -2 items

£12.50

3 - 4 items

£25.00

5 - 6 items

£37.50

There will no longer be free collections for residents entitled to certain benefits.

Page 2| www.wwha.co.uk | 0800 052 2526 | Twitter: @wwha

By changing the pricing structure to one lower flat rate fee we aim to make the service more affordable and fair for all. We will continue to subsidise the service so keeping the costs low.

If items are not in a reusable condition and you have your own transport, please take large unwanted bulky items to our tips located across Cardiff.

To arrange a collection from your home contact C2C on 029 2087 2087.

Tongwynlais News | Winter 2015

Donating and recyling your bulky items If you have any furniture or other large items that could be re-used by someone else, why not donate them to a charity so other people can make use of them.

There are also several websites that will advertise your unwanted items for free

or you could contact local charities such as: • Cardiff YMCA Housing Association • British Heart Foundation • Track 2000

We asked: What are your views on street lighting in your street and on the scheme?

30 residents found the lighting in their streets acceptable and 13 described the lighting as good or very good. 31 residents found the lighting on the scheme to be good; however, 8 residents found faults with the street lighting, which have been reported.

If you find any issues with lighting on the scheme please contact our Repairs Team on: 0800 052 2526.

We asked: Do you use the communal drying areas?

42 residents (86%) advised that they did not use 86% the communal clothes drying areas. 22 residents advised that they have their own facilities.

Those who do not use the lines commented that there are insufficient lines, the drying areas are dirty and insecure. One resident commented that the lines are located too far from the property.

We asked: Are you working, volunteering, or in training/ further education at present?

46%

46% of respondents said that they work, volunteer or are in training/education. 13 residents advised that they would be interested in support, or a grant, to get into work, training or education.

If you are interested in support from WWH to get into work, education or training please contact our Community Enterprise team on 0800 052 2526.

Forget to put your bins out?

There's no excuse if you sign up to Tidy Text!

Tidy Text is a free texting service available to all Cardiff residents.

Once you have signed up, you will be sent a text message each week to remind you when to put your bags, bins and caddy out.

86%

To sign up for the service, text the word ‘Tidy` followed by your house number and postcode to 60066. For example: Tidy 100 CF00 1XX. To opt out text ‘TIDY STOP’ to 60066.

When you send the text to register for the service or to opt out, normal text charges apply, but after that all text reminders sent to your phone are free.

www.wwha.co.uk | 0800 052 2526 | Twitter: @wwha | Page 3

Tongwynlais News | Winter 2015

What we are doing about the issues Waste issues on the scheme

WWH staff will be organising a meeting with Cardiff Council’s Waste Management and Enforcement Team to discuss the issues raised by residents, as part of the consultation including missed collections, contaminated recycling bags and ways that waste collection can be improved for the scheme.

In relation to the bins stores, WWH is looking at alternative options, including the removal of the bin stores from the scheme and providing residents with individual wheelie bins which can be kept outside their properties. We are also looking at options for residents in flats where hills and steps may pose a problem.

Kitchen Upgrades: Kitchens will be upgraded as part of our planned programme between 2016 and 2018.

Communal drying areas

WWH staff will be looking at options to improve the drying areas and whether they should be relocated or removed, so that the space could be put to better use for residents.

Scheme lighting

The lighting for the scheme is due to be upgraded as part of our planned works in 2016/17.

Meet the Team 0800 052 2526

or 02920 415300 if ringing from a mobile

Below are the staff who are responsible for your scheme. All staff can be contacted via our Customer Service Centre. You will also need to contact the Customer Service Centre to report a repair or pay your rent.

Chris Walton Housing Manager

Herman Valentin Community Development Officer

Sion Phillips Neighbourhood Dispute Officer

Joanne Brennan Lloyd Housing Officer 07747 466152 for housing related queries, rent, moving home, anti social behaviour issues etc.

Natalie Davies Tenancy Support Officer 07827 279700 for assistance with maximising your income, benefit and money advice, debt and budgeting advice

David Morgan Asset Management Officer 07929 201380

Lucinda Hyde Housing Assistant

Gemma Paramore Housing Assistant

Reg Wilson Site Superintendent

Page 4| www.wwha.co.uk | 0800 052 2526 | Twitter: @wwha

for repair and maintenance queries, adaptations, etc.