Open House - Summer 2015

OPEN HOUSE RESIDENTS’ NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 45 – SUMMER 2015

www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

IN THIS ISSUE...

Page 3 Free garden equipment

Page 4 Celebrating VE Day

Page 10 Area Panel projects

Page 16 STEPS under the spotlight

OPEN HOUSE

Summer 2015

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CO EN TS

More Information?

Contact: Ian Fitzpatrick Managing Director T: 01323 436436

Welcome

2

Free garden equipment New lease of life at allotments 3 Charity update VE Day

4

Shinewater community garden

5

Come and Play Street Learning

6

Management Agreement New planters at Lanark Court

7

What’s on calendar

8

Empty properties Renfrew garages

9

Welcome As you’re aware, we’ve seen some changes at Eastbourne Homes as part of the Future Model. I’m pleased to report that we quickly settled into our new home at 1 Grove Road and the ‘one-stop-shop’ approach has been welcomed by residents as they can now speak to Eastbourne Borough Council and the police, who we share the building with.

If you’re a keen gardener but don’t have the necessary tools, do take advantage of our free garden equipment hiring service (see page 3 for details). It’s proved really popular since we launched it again

E: ian.fitzpatrick@eastbournehomes.org.uk

in the spring and many residents have already taken advantage of the scheme.

Dedicated members of our Area Panels are always working hard behind the scenes, looking into funding requests from worthy causes. See the centre page spread for a flavour of what each Panel has been doing this year and don’t forget to contact your local Panel if you would like to apply for funding (details on pages 18 and 19).

Enjoy your summer.

Ian Fitzpatrick

Ian Fitzpatrick, Managing Director

Area Panel projects 10-11 Responsive Repairs 12-13 Talent Match

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Leasehold news

15

Spotlight on STEPS Become a member of Scrutiny 16 Wellies and waterproofs Board Directors visit to House of Commons 17 Area Panel news

18-19

New contact centre puts customers first A modern Customer Contact Centre that delivers shared public services across three organisations has been officially opened (pictured right).

Eastbourne Homes, Eastbourne Borough Council and Sussex Police joined forces to create the contact centre at 1 Grove Road which offers a flexible working environment that is bright, well-designed and welcoming for customers.

The centre became a shared space with Sussex Police reception in October 2013 and earlier this year, the facility underwent a major refurbishment to incorporate Eastbourne Homes under a new, modern design. Currently over 37,000 customers a year visit the contact centre.

Front cover: Representatives from Eastbourne Homes, Eastbourne Borough Council and Sussex Police

Eastbourne Homes can be contacted on 01323 436436 or email enquiries@eastbournehomes.org.uk

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Free garden equipment hire for residents Following on from last year’s success, Eastbourne Homes has re-launched its free garden equipment hire service.

Eastbourne Homes residents can borrow an equipment pack which includes a lawnmower, strimmer, forks, rakes, shears, secateurs and safety equipment.

Sheilagh Phillips from Seaside first borrowed the equipment last year and was keen to do the same again.

She said: “I’ve got a big garden and equipment such as lawnmowers are so expensive. It’s a brilliant service as there’s all the equipment you might need and I’ve recommended the service to neighbours.”

Sarah Roberts, Community Initiatives Officer at Eastbourne Homes, said: “This is a great system as it allows residents to spruce up their gardens without having to pay for expensive equipment. The scheme was really popular last year and I’m sure even more people will be keen to hire it this year.”

The kit is delivered to homes on a Friday and collected the following Thursday. Please call Eastbourne Homes on 01323 436436 for more information.

Left to right: Resident Sheilagh Phillips with Sarah Roberts and Michael Goodwin from Eastbourne Homes

New lease of life at allotments Growing your own fruit and vegetables is becoming increasingly popular and waiting lists are long, but thanks to a project initially funded by Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees Area Panel, the old disused allotments to the rear of Bodiam Crescent have been given a new lease of life.

The project started with the Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees Area Panel donating around £5,000 for a feasibility study and to pay for the clearing of the site. A request was then submitted to the council and a further £25,000 was approved to develop the land into allotments.

A trackway and car parking area have been created, the area has been cultivated, a water supply has been installed and a native hedge has been planted at the boundary between the allotments and the houses.

This work has transformed the disused land from an area used for fly tipping and covered with brambles and scrub, to a blank canvas, ready to be measured and planted.

If you are interested in taking a new allotment plot, please contact Gwyn Hughes at the Eastbourne Allotments and Gardens Society on 01323 430970 or send an email to Eastbourne.allotments@googlemail.com. Individual plots are being measured out so new tenants will be able to prepare the soil and plant their first season of crops.

www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

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OPEN HOUSE

Summer 2015

It’s all in the name of charity Over the last year, Eastbourne Homes, its staff and residents have been supporting a number of local charities and have raised more than £3,800. We’ve supported: Macmillan

£1,480.30

The Blind Centre

£98.25

Children in Need

£298.57

Cancer Research

£340.00

Older People’s Day

£300.00

Poppy Appeal

£45.00

Marie Curie

£30.00

Red Nose Day

£315.12

Tuesday O’Hara Fund Polegate Children’s Charity Eastbourne Epilepsy Group (shared)

£800.00

British Heart Foundation ‘Wear it red day’

£32.61

Jeans for Genes

£37.00

Wear it Pink for Breast Cancer

£50.00

White Ribbon Campaign

£16.00

Following our move from Ivy House to Grove Road, Eastbourne Homes has recycled all its second hand office furniture.

Donations of various items of office furniture have been made to a number of sheltered courts, Hampden Park Community Centre and the Tech Resort section of the Driving Devonshire Fund project.

The remaining office furniture, comprising the desks, chairs, lockers and the boardroom table, were donated to a delighted Furniture Now.

Residents remember VE Day Eastbourne Homes staff and residents gathered at Riverbourne House to celebrate the 70th anniversary of VE Day. Residents shared their memories, listened to wartime classics and enjoyed some tea and cake. A tombola and raffle raised £300, which is being shared between Help for Heroes and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Stan Kent, 90 and from Riverbourne House, was stationed at the Royal Air Force Station base near Reykjavik in Iceland and used to help repair the aircraft. During his time there he saw the Northern Lights and remembers how spectacular it was.

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Left to right: Stan Kent, Tracy Evans and Ian Fitzpatrick

Left to right: Nick Brown, Theresa Ticehurst, Jess Haines, Tracy Evans, Candy Vaughan, Sarah Roberts, Mirka Kitti and Peter Bond

Local groups adopt flower beds for Shinewater scheme A new community garden in Shinewater has been officially launched.

engage with school pupils and how to sustainably grow food. Groups were also given welcome packs and seeds to start their projects.

Local community groups and schools have adopted the garden in Lavender Close. The scheme is being coordinated by Eastbourne Homes’ Community and Initiatives Officer, Sarah Roberts.

Seven flower beds have been adopted by Shinewater Primary School, Neighbourhood First, Care for Carers, the Grow Wild Trust, Causeway Secondary School and Hazel Court School.

At the launch, Edible Eastbourne offered help and advice to the groups about the best things to plant, how to

The Shinewater site before the work

Sarah said: “I am so grateful to Edible Eastbourne for their support with this project. Their knowledge and expertise will really benefit our groups and ensure the community gets the most out of it.

“I must also thank the financial sponsors of the beds, Milhams, Ask Cleaners, Neighbourhood First and Grow Wild for their contributions and the Probation Service, Sussex Waste and Mears for their help getting the beds ready for the groups.”

Representatives from Edible Eastbourne and Eastbourne Homes with local groups at the launch of the community garden in Shinewater

www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

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OPEN HOUSE

Summer 2015

Please call 01323 436402

06 www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Signing of the 20-Year Management Agreement We are pleased to announce that on the 1st June 2015 Eastbourne Homes entered into a new 20-year Management Agreement with Eastbourne Borough Council. This represents the last milestone of our journey over the last two years.

Robert Cottrill, Chief Executive (EBC) and Roger Eastwood, Chair (EHL)

New planters at Lanark Court Blocks of flats at Lanark Court in Old Town are looking brighter.

Old Town Area Panel donated £1,660 to pay for new planters and trees, and the Eastbourne Homes-managed buildings are having new gas pipes and solar panels fitted.

Ted Wagstaffe and his team at Hope Woodwork made three large planters out of recycled scaffolding boards.

The organisation offers unemployed people training to get onto more formal training courses or back into work. This support also helps restore self-worth and builds confidence.

Seated left to right: Kate Daly, Jerry Daly and Ted Wagstaffe.

Standing: Ian Fitzpatrick and Catherine Leyden

Eastbourne Homes’ Managing Director, Ian Fitzpatrick, said: “Residents have already given positive feedback about the court’s facelift.

The outside area was just concrete before, but thanks to additional funding from Old Town Area Panel and the efforts of the Hope Woodwork team, residents have got a brighter outlook with their new planters and trees.”

www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

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OPEN HOUSE

Summer 2015

What’s on Eastbourne Homes’ calendar July 3rd Hampden Park Area Panel AGM 10.00 am - 12.00 pm 4th Old Town Film Club 11.00 am - 1.00 pm 8th Central & Archery Area Panel AGM 10.00 am - 12.00 pm 14th Retirement Housing Panel meeting 10.00 am - 11.30 am 18th Old Town Film Club 11.00 am - 1.00 pm 18th Old Town Fete, Longland Road Rec 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm 21st Residents’ Voice meeting 10.00 am - 12.00 pm 23rd Eastbourne Homes Board meeting, The Junction Box 2.30 pm 28th Old Town Area Panel AGM 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm 30th Langney Area Panel AGM 6.00 pm - 8.30 pm

August 1st Old Town Film Club 11.00 am - 1.00 pm 2nd Seaside Rec Big Lunch and Funday 12.00 pm - 6.00 pm 7th Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees Area Panel meeting 10.00 am - 12.00 pm

Other events around the town July 4th to 26th Eastbourne Festival, various venues 5th Tom Fitzpatrick Band, Eastbourne Bandstand 5th Tour of Sussex Cycle Race, seafront 7th to 18th Sound of Music, Congress Theatre 11th Big Sea Swim, Eastbourne Seafront 11th July to 20th September East Sussex Open 2015, Towner 11th & 12th 999 Emergency Services Display, Western Lawns 12th Electric Strings Quartet, Eastbourne

Bandstand 12th to 17th Eastbourne Men’s & Ladies’ Open Bowls Tournament, various bowls clubs 18th & 19th Eastbourne Extreme, eastern seafront and Princes Park 20th to 24th AEGON Summer County Cup, Devonshire Park 21st to 25th Top Hat, Congress Theatre

More what’s on details can be found at www.eastbournebandstand.co.uk and www.visiteastbourne.com 11th Retirement Housing Panel meeting 10.00 am - 11.30 am 12th Central & Archery Area Panel meeting 10.00 am - 12.00 pm 15th Old Town Film Club 11.00 am - 1.00 pm 20th Langney Area Panel meeting 6.00 pm - 8.30 pm 23rd Sunday Funday, Sevenoaks Park 12.00 pm - 4.00 pm 25th Old Town Area Panel meeting 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm

September 4th Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees Area Panel meeting 10.00 am - 12.00 pm 5th Old Town Film Club 11.00 am - 1.00 pm 8th Retirement Housing Panel meeting 10.00 am - 11.30 am 9th Central & Archery Area Panel meeting 10.00 am - 12.00 pm 19th Old Town Film Club 11.00 am - 1.00 pm 24th Langney Area Panel meeting 6.00 pm - 8.30 pm 29th Old Town Area Panel meeting 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm

23rd July to 1st September Pirate School, Redoubt Fortress 25th & 26th Lammas Festival, Western Lawns 29th July to 8th August EODS presents Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Italian Gardens

August 10th to 15th Annie, Congress Theatre 13th to 16th Airbourne: Eastbourne International Air Show, seafront and Western Lawns 14th Toyah in concert, Eastbourne Bandstand 17th to 22nd Open Tennis Tournament, Devonshire Park 31st August to 5th September South of England Tennis Championships, Devonshire Park

September 5th Waterloo 200, Redoubt Fortress 10th to 13th Heritage Open Days, various venues

If you would like to include an event in a future issue, please email jane.mccarthy-penman@ eastbournehomes.org.uk or call her on 01323 436304

Information correct at the time of printing but may be subject to change

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Empty properties come back to life Twenty empty properties are being brought back into use, thanks to the Housing and Economic Development Partnership (HEDP).

Building in progress at Coventry Court

The improvements are part of the Driving Devonshire Forward regeneration plans and the properties will be managed by Eastbourne Homes.

HEDP comprises housing experts from Eastbourne Borough Council and Eastbourne Homes to oversee regeneration schemes in the town. So far, HEDP has purchased and refurbished two of the flats in a converted Victorian terrace house in Langney Road.

Several commercial units in Arch Mews, behind Longstone Road, have also been changed to residential use by HEDP. The properties were originally built as a stable block but have now been split into four two-bedroom homes.

Roger Eastwood, Chair of Eastbourne Homes, said: “There is a shortage of homes which are available for affordable rent, so I’m pleased that we have been able to convert these properties.

“We’re helping to reduce the number of people on the Council’s waiting list and I feel very positive about the changes that are happening in the Devonshire ward.”

The building work at Coventry Court along Seaside is also progressing well. When finished, it will offer 23 new homes, which will be a combination of one and twobedroom flats and two and three-bedroom houses. They will be affordable rented or shared ownership homes.

Renfrew garages Central & Archery Area Panel is pleased to be funding the removal of the garage block at Renfrew Court in Seaside. This will create more parking spaces and improve the environment in conjunction with the major works programme and the new build at the Coventry Court site next door.

www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

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OPEN HOUSE

Summer 2015

Recent projects funded by your Some other items funded by the Area Panels are: Central & Archery Area Panel A Band of Brothers Archery Court sensory beds Thomas Place outside lights Langney Area Panel A Band of Brothers Tenterden bench Langney shops benches

£5,000.00 £624.00 £317.16

£5,000.00 £750.00 £729.00

Old Town Area Panel A Band of Brothers £5,000.00 St Elisabeth’s Church stage £1,500.00 Hope Woodwork £7,000.00 Old Town Library heaters £2,120.00 Skateworld £2,000.00

Hampden Park Area Panel Port Road hardstanding £1,000.00 Chicane widening £540.00 Parklands School £802.00 Anti-climb paint at Bodiam Crescent £1,773.00 Midhurst fencing £2,100.00 Speed bumps at Fife Court £1,187.00 Improvements to Hampden Park Community Centre £2,000.00

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New kerb bumpers have been placed at courts in Etchingham Road to ensure that parked cars don’t overhang the pavement and prevent wheelchairs and buggies from getting through.

Residents in Pensford Drive have a new bench to sit on just by the bridge near Langney Shopping Centre, thanks to a donation of more than £700 from Langney Area Panel.

Langney Area Panel paid for new blinds in Langney Village Hall, Etchingham Road. Pictured left to right: Carole Beard, Hillary Glover and Graham Armstrong.

Area Panels

Neighbourhood Officer Linda Parris admires the new shrubs at Hudson Court in Churchdale Road, which were paid for by Central & Archery Area Panel.

Residents at Sutherland Court in Hampden Park are benefitting from improvements to their outdoor area.

The back garden used to be divided into two by a wall, causing access problems for wheelchair users. But thanks to £1,200 funding from Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees Area Panel, the wall has been knocked down and a ramp built between the two gardens.

General improvements have also been made, including new paving, and keen gardeners at the court have planted flowers, shrubs and hanging baskets as well as constructing trugs for vegetables.

Inez Mepham, Eastbourne Homes’ on-site co-ordinator, said: “The improvements to the outside area have made it better for the residents as they like the continuity of having easy access to one big garden.”

The areas around Penhurst Close and Elsted Close have been smartened up, thanks to a £3,500 boost from Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees Area Panel.

Rutland Court in Langney has a new bench and trees, paid for by Langney Area Panel.

Panel secretary Robert Cooper and Neighbourhood Officer Mark Dean are pictured inspecting the shrubs at Penhurst Close.

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OPEN HOUSE

Summer 2015

RESPONSIVE REPAIRS Your Call, Your Home, Your Service

More Information?

Contact: Clive Stoneman Repairs Services Manager T: 01323 436436 E: clive.stoneman@eastbournehomes.org.uk

Your Call Please remember to use the following numbers (24hrs) to report a new repair or enquire about an existing repair.

For general repairs please call: For gas repairs and servicing please call:

– 01323 436436 – 0800 142 2761 – 020 8763 5333

You can also contact the service by using one of the following methods to report non-urgent repairs or to enquire about an existing repair: Internet – www.eastbournehomes.org.uk just follow the link to report a repair online Email – repairs@eastbournehomes.org.uk

Your Home Empty property performance

Empty property clearances

During 2013/14 Eastbourne Homes completed repairs to 287 empty properties in order for them to be re-let.

However, the average cost of the works undertaken and the time taken to complete the repairs was higher than anticipated.

An area of improvement which has enabled Eastbourne Homes to reduce the average cost of the works undertaken to an empty property is where clearance of the property is required once the keys have been handed back to us.

Performance continued at this level through the first quarter of 2014/15 and, as a result, a full review of the empty properties programme was completed by Eastbourne Homes and its repairs contractor Mears. This review identified where empty properties could be made ready for re-let quicker and at a reduced cost, while ensuring that the current Eastbourne Homes lettable standard was maintained.

Where Eastbourne Homes is legally able to clear any contents left behind by the outgoing tenant, we now work closely with Age Concern and allow them to clear the contents of any useable items. This has allowed Mears to commence their repair works sooner, as it has reduced the level of waste items left in the property and therefore reduced costly tipping charges which are recharged to the outgoing tenant.

Following a number of changes made to the programme earlier in the year, we have been able to reduce the average cost of the works undertaken by approximately £2,300 per property and reduce the time taken to complete repairs by 2.5 days, which is a great achievement.

Your Service New repairs and maintenance contract

This improvement in performance allows Eastbourne Homes to allocate its resources more effectively and to re-let properties quicker, therefore reducing rent loss.

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The current repairs and maintenance contract with Mears is due to end in March 2016 and Eastbourne Homes is due to commence the procurement process to renew this contract.

As part of this process we will be looking for customers to share their views of the current contract and tell us which elements they think work well or not so well. Your views will allow us to shape how the service is delivered to you within the new contract.

To complete an online survey giving your feedback please visit our website.

Decorating behind radiators If you need to decorate behind your radiators, rollers and brushes are available which are specially designed for this job. They are inexpensive and widely available from DIY stores. Wallpaper can be cut in a way to slide down behind the radiator, or alternatively you may decide to employ a decorator.

Should you wish to remove any radiators for redecoration, you can contact our repairs contractors Mears or BSW Heating, who will provide you with a quote to carry out this work. If you accept their quote, payment will be required before the work starts.

Important information about Beko, Flavel and Leisure gas cookers If you have a Beko, Flavel or Leisure gas cooker which is more than six years old and has a separate oven and grill, you could be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and should contact Beko urgently.

If you think you have an at-risk appliance, please visit www.beko.co.uk/cookersafetynotice for more information. If your model is affected, Beko will arrange a free and quick modification. This notification only refers to a limited range of old gas cookers and does not affect any of Beko’s current models.

Barbecue safely this summer East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is urging everyone to take extra care when cooking al fresco, especially when lighting barbecues or dealing with bad weather. Their top tips are: • Never leave a barbecue unattended • Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues • Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste • Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more • Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area • After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it • Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins.

If they are hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire • Enjoy yourself, but don’t drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue • Always keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies • Never use a barbecue indoors as it can produce carbon monoxide

www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

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OPEN HOUSE

Summer 2015

Talent matching scheme launched for 18 to 24-year-olds A new talent matching scheme has been launched in Eastbourne.

Talent Match is a national programme which helps unemployed local people aged between 18 and 24-years-old to find work if they have been unemployed for more than 12 months.

The young people will be matched with a mentor who will help them in their journey to find work, gain qualifications, build confidence and undertake work

experience, something which prospective employers often look for.

Eastbourne Borough Council and Eastbourne Homes’ Driving Devonshire Forward team worked closely with Amicus Horizon and Devonshire West Big Local to ensure Talent Match came to the town.

For more details on the scheme, call or text Stacey on 07415 366023, email Stacey.hide@princes-trust.org.uk or visit www.princes-trust.org.uk and search for Talent Match.

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Leasehold news Leaseholder Forum The annual Leaseholder Forum was held in May at the Devonshire Park Tennis Centre.

Ian Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Eastbourne Homes, gave a presentation about the recent Residential Property Management Services market study. Feedback was given following the leasehold focus group on their discussions around major works planning and repayment options, as well as a talk by Head of Property Services, Michael O’Brien, about leaseholder engagement.

The Forum ended with a question-and-answer session with Eastbourne Borough Council and Eastbourne Homes staff. More information can be found on our website.

Annual gas servicing offer for leaseholders As a leaseholder, it is your responsibility to ensure all gas appliances within your home are adequately maintained in order that the appliances do not pose a threat to the safety of other dwellings within the block. You can achieve this by making sure your gas appliances are serviced annually.

If you have sub-let your property, you have a legal obligation under the Gas Safety in Use Regulations 1994 to ensure that the appliances are inspected annually, are adequately maintained and your tenant is given a Landlord’s Gas Safety Report (LGSR certificate).

To assist you in meeting your obligations, Eastbourne Homes has an agreement with gas service contractor BSW Heating to offer Eastbourne Borough Council leaseholders the opportunity to have their gas boiler serviced at the same price Eastbourne Homes pays – £50.41 + VAT.

Contact us Eastbourne Homes’ Customer Contact Centre is able to help with general leasehold enquiries, payments and balance enquiries. Please call 01323 436436.

Don’t forget You can view your account online via the self-service portal. To register, please go to www.eastbournehomes.org.uk/ssp

This price is subject to an adjustment for inflation every April. The price includes the annual service and issue of a Landlord’s Gas Safety Report if required.

If you are interested in having a boiler service, you will need to contact June Harrison at BSW on 0800 142 2761 or 0208 763 5300.

Direct Debit incentive Eastbourne Borough Council leaseholders who switch to Direct Debit for the first time and pay their service charges by Direct Debit continuously for three months are eligible for a one-off credit of £10.00.

Monthly Direct Debits are collected from your bank or building society on the 1st of every month. Please contact us for a Direct Debit form.

Suspect fraud Suspect fraud is being

is being committed in your neighbourhood? committed in your neighbourhood?

Fraud Hotline on 0800 731 7039 Call the Call Fraud Hotline on 0800 731 7039 or email corporatefraud@eastbourne.gov.uk

or email corporatefraud@eastbourne.gov.uk

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OPEN HOUSE

Summer 2015

STEPS service under the spotlight The Scrutiny Panel completed its first report on the STEPS service and presented it to the Board of Eastbourne Homes in March. Roger Eastwood, Chair of the Board, said: “The Scrutiny Panel did a great job with their review of STEPS. Its findings helped to identify new ideas and changes that could be made to the service ahead of our bid for a new contract.

“The Board was very impressed by the quality of the work and the report produced, and is looking forward to the results of the next piece of scrutiny work on Open House.”

STEPS Service Manager, Gina Morgan, said: “The Resident Scrutiny Panel undertook the review of the service with great enthusiasm and was very thorough in finding out about the service and interviewing members of the team.

As well as providing positive feedback about the service, its report findings and action plan – which we are in the process of implementing – will enable us to develop new ideas for the future.”

Tom Hastings and Gina Morgan

Do you want to make a difference to the services you receive?

If so, we would like to hear from you.

If you want to play a role in improving services for the residents of Eastbourne Homes or those receiving a service, have a broad range of skills and have some spare time to commit every month, then the Resident Scrutiny Panel (RSP) could be for you.

Being a member of the RSP is a real opportunity to influence how Eastbourne Homes operates. It is a varied and challenging role that gives residents direct influence on the way the organisation works.

Being part of the RSP will give you some really useful experience and skills that are easily transferable to nonhousing situations. The skills and knowledge that you build up will help you develop as a person and can be something you can add to your CV. It’s a great opportunity to work as part of a team and share responsibilities.

If you are interested in applying, please contact Jane McCarthy-Penman, Governance & Compliance Manager, on 01323 436404 or email jane.mccarthy-penman@eastbournehomes.org.uk

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Wellies and waterproofs for Shinewater Langney Area Panel was pleased to support the children of Shinewater Primary School to the tune of £2,200. The children needed wellies and waterproofs for a beach project which is part of their outdoor curriculum.

Phone: 01323 436414 Text: 07970 668 106 Email: referrals@stepswest.co.uk

Headteacher Theresa Buttery said: “Our children learn better when they are engaged and stimulated.

To this end we are focusing on learning outside of the classroom. One member of staff has undertaken ‘Beach Schools’ training to ensure that we make best use of our local environment.

“We are developing a living history timeline around the school field and all these activities need to be accessed whatever the weather and this funding enables the children to be adequately clothed.”

The children in their new waterproofs

Board Directors visit House of Commons Eastbourne Homes’ Board Directors were invited to the House of Commons to mark the launch of a joint manifesto for council housing.

The Association of Retained Council Housing and National Federation of ALMOs Parliamentary Tea Reception was hosted by Heather Wheeler MP and they were joined by DCLG Minister, Kris Hopkins MP, and the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hilary Benn MP. The meeting focused on the concerns over the shortage of council housing and how this must become a priority when it’s addressed by parties in the general election.

Eastbourne Homes and Eastbourne Borough Council’s work regarding this issue was praised and highlighted as ‘impressive’.

Hubert Benjamin, Board Director at Eastbourne Homes, said: “The day was very interesting and it was truly rewarding to visit such an iconic place.”

Fellow Board Director and Chair of Langney Area Panel, Candy Vaughan, added: “It was great to hear Eastbourne Homes praised for the work it does and

Left to right: Candy Vaughan, Sheilah Roberts, Hubert Benjamin and Roger Eastwood (Chair)

listen to such interesting speeches about the things that affect us. It was a privilege to visit the House of Commons and I was in awe of the architecture and history of the building.”

Guests enjoyed afternoon tea during their visit and had the opportunity to listen to a debate regarding the Bill to allow the creation of babies using DNA from three people.

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OPEN HOUSE

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Don’t forget the Area Panel minutes can be found on our website.

Just visit www.eastbournehomes.org.uk and click on the My Community tab along the top. Choose the area you’re interested in and select ‘meetings’ from the list down the right hand side.

Congratulations to Ms C Carpenter from Willingdon Trees who was last quarter’s Handyperson questionnaire winner. She wins a £50 voucher.

Central & Archery Area Panel (CAAP) Central & Archery Area Panel

The Panel meets between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm on the second Wednesday of the month at Gwent Court in St James Road. All local residents are welcome.

The Panel can be contacted at caap@live.co.uk

Landscaping has now been completed at Hudson Court and Leicester Court. The remaining budget is being spent on the removal of the garage block at Renfrew Court; this is in conjunction with the major works programme and the works on the new Coventry Court.

AGM Date: 8th July 2015, 10.00 am, St Augustine’s Hall, Seaside

Old Town Area Panel (OTAP) The Panel meets at Old Town Community Centre on the last Tuesday of the month between 6.15 pm and 8.15 pm. We are always happy to meet new members. Please come along to one of our meetings, or contact us by sending an email to ehl.otap@gmail.com Some fabulous planters went in at Lanark Court, constructed by Hope Woodwork, which is a project previously supported

by OTAP (see page 7). Panel members have also worked closely with St Elisabeth’s Church, sourcing free materials to allow the go-ahead of a stage extension. The Panel has also donated £2,000 to inline skate hockey club, Eastbourne Edge, for skate equipment (pictured right).

AGM Date: 28th July 2015, 6.00 pm, Old Town Community Centre, Central Avenue Old Town Area Panel is having a stall at the Old Town Fete on Saturday 18th July from 2.00 pm until 5.00 pm at Old Town Recreation Ground, Longland Road.

Members of the Panel look forward to meeting as many residents as possible.

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Sam Goodwin and Callam Donally from Eastbourne Edge

Langney Area Panel (LAP) Langney Area Panel

The Panel meets on the last Thursday of the month between 6.00 pm and 8.00 pm at the Resource Centre in Etchingham Road. If you would like to have a coffee and chat beforehand, we are there from 5.00 pm. All Langney residents are welcome to attend. LAP can be contacted on langneyap@hotmail.co.uk

The sensory garden in Shinewater is now handed over to the volunteer groups to plant and care for. The Panel has funded painting materials and membrane for the beds, which now look as good as new. The Panel has also spent ÂŁ3,500 on new signs at nine courts in Etchingham Road, brightening them up and providing an identity.

AGM Date: 30th July 2015, 6.00 pm, Langney Village Hall, Etchingham Road

Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees

AREA PANEL

Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees (HPWT) Panel meetings take place on the first Friday of the month between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm at Hampden Park Community Centre. All residents from the area are welcome to attend. The Panel can be contacted on hpwtap2@hotmail.com

Money has been spent on the installation of speed bumps at the service road to Fife Court shops, fencing in Midhurst Road, landscaping projects in Elsted and Penhurst Close and anti-climb paint and signage at Bodiam Crescent bungalows.

AGM Date: 3rd July 2015, 10.00 am, Hampden Park Community Centre, Brodrick Road The AGM will be followed by a general meeting at 11.00 am where the Panel will have tables for other organisations including the police, Neighbourhood First and Neighbourhood Watch. Everyone is welcome.

www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

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