Micklehurst - Neighbourhood Plan

Your GREAT Neighbourhood Charter Micklehurst

Your GREAT Neighbourhood Charter

At New Charter we would like all our neighbourhoods to be great places to live. We would like them to look great, have great services, feel safe and be a place for both work and recreation.

for 3 years and will be reviewed annually with residents to assess our progress.

It identifies the main issues that affect your neighbourhood and what needs to be done both by us and our partner organisations to To create great communities we address them. We want to focus all would like everyone to work our efforts on making sure you have together to decide how their local neighbourhood should develop and a great place to live so we will be working just as hard with a range of grow in the future and to improve other organisations on some of the on the services they don’t like and wider issues such as employment maintain those that they do. and crime.

To make sure this happens we Remember, you are the experts in have produced a neighbourhood what it’s like to live in your plan for each of New Charter’s 32 newly defined neighbourhoods and neighbourhood and you will be our most important partner of all. this one is yours. The plan will run 02

You are the experts in what it’s like to live in your neighbourhood and you will be our most important partner of all.

GREAT place to live...

Micklehurst is located within the small town of Mossley, and includes the distinct areas of Heyrod and Boundary Close.The town is located in the upper section of theTameValley in the foothills of the Pennines, north east of Ashton and east of Manchester. Mossley has the distinction of being situated at the conjunction of the historic counties of Lancashire, Cheshire and the West Riding ofYorkshire. Local wards and ecclesiastical matters are maintained in Mossley according to these boundaries.

Micklehurst is made up of predominately two and three bedroomed properties, and one bedroomed cottage style flats, all flats have independent access to the communal grassy areas and are built on a steep hill with Winterford Road running through the middle of the neighbourhood.

There are a good range of shops in the area and most properties are within walking distance of convenience and general stores; one of which provides access to a cash machine.Also situated nearby are the local doctors, chemists, banks, a post office, other small independent local shops and Mossley train station; which is currently undergoing a major improvement programme to the station facilities.

There are a number of primary schools within easy reach of the neighbourhood, the closest being Micklehurst All Saints Church of England Primary School. But there is also access to other schools including Livingstone Primary and Nursery School, Milton St John’s, St George’s and St Joseph’s.The main high school for the area is Mossley Hollins High School.

Across the neighbourhood there are plenty of regular community activities in place with a New Charter Neighbourhood Home and Community Hub based on Mansfield Road where various events and activities are held.There is a well-established residents group; Mickelhurst Estate Residents Association (MERA) who have been fundamental in the shaping of services for the community. One of their greatest successes is “Muddy Buddies” a gardening project which encourages people of all ages to get involved in gardening through “fun to grow to eat” sessions. Food grown by the residents has been used to support outside groups like bingo clubs and youth learning programmes. Muddy Buddies were awarded Best Small Neighbourhood and Best Overall winner at RHS North West In bloom awards 2012 and plan to build on this year’s success by involving more people of the community in their projects and sharing learning across all other neighbourhoods.The area also benefits from the MossleyYouth Base which is seen as a central focal point to the neighbourhood, this base is within the same grounds as Micklehurst All Saints Primary School and the Children Centre. The Children’s Centre runs mums and tots groups and other activities, including RhymeTime, Bosom Buddies, clinic facilities, AerobicTots, Baby Moves, Baby Boogie and Baby Club.

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Down your street Here is a map and a list of streets included in your neighbourhood to give you an idea of exactly where your plan covers.

Micklehurst

Waterton & Fox Platt

Does your neighbourhood have star quality?

We have identified a range of indicators that tell us overall how great your neighbourhood is.

These indicators are designed to tell us how much support we need to give a neighbourhood and what specific areas seem to be causing the most problems so that we can target services and resources to improve them.

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We are using a simple rating of 5, 4 or 3 stars; 5 stars being the best rating, so you can see easily how individual sections within your neighbourhood are performing.

Each individual indicator we have used has its own star rating which when combined together produce an overall star rating for your neighbourhood.

The indicators range from the time taken to relet houses to employment and education. You can see them all below with an explanation of what the ratings mean for your neighbourhood.

Alphin Square

Gorse Avenue

North View

The Larches

The Sycamores

Ash Hill

Heatherside Avenue

Pennine View

The Laurels

The Uplands

Station Road

The Limes

The Willows

The Poplars

Winterford Road

Brackenhurst Avenue Daisyhill Road Dalesfield Crescent

Mansfield Road

The Beeches Moorlands Crescent The Cheshires Moorside Road

The Rowans

% of current rent arrears

Average number of repairs

The neighbourhood has some areas where rent arrears are a problem which means some households may be experiencing money management issues and could be at risk of losing their homes. It also indicates some households may need additional support.

The average cost of repairs per property is significant and indicates that many properties have issues in terms of maintenance costs and the need to regularly replace components. Property damage is also an issue within the neighbourhood.

Average time to relet a property The time it takes to relet a property is generally good across the neighbourhood indicating that properties are generally popular and people who are eligible can move into their new home relatively quickly.

Tenancy turnover This shows that on average people who move into the neighbourhood tend to stay in their homes for a reasonable length of time although the length of stay varies across the whole of the neighbourhood. It also indicates that people are not as happy living in some parts of the neighbourhood as they could be with some choosing not to stay in the long term.

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% of live antisocial behaviour cases The neighbourhood experiences some antisocial behaviour or neighbour nuisance cases.This indicates that while the majority of New Charter residents treat each other with respect there are some incidents that do occur that have a negative impact on people’s ability to relax and feel secure in their homes.

Neighbourhood satisfaction People’s general satisfaction with the neighbourhood as a place to live is good but there are some factors that spoil their experience and affect their enjoyment of the area.

Crime People in the neighbourhood experience high levels of crime and vandalism in relation to similar neighbourhoods in Tameside. This means that people do not feel as safe and secure as they should living in and walking around many parts of the neighbourhood.

Health The neighbourhood has some issues with peoples health and disability levels compared with similar neighbourhoods in Tameside.This could indicate that more people than usual may have mobility problems of one sort or another, need some long term medical support in their homes and perhaps feel quite isolated.

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Employment The neighbourhood has some problems with employment levels compared with similar neighbourhoods in Tameside.This indicates that some people in the neighbourhood are having difficulty accessing the jobs market and may not be well qualified for the jobs that are available.

Education and skills The neighbourhood has relatively good levels of educational attainment and skills. This also indicates that people can access the training they may need to help them gain employment or develop their existing career prospects.

Household income The neighbourhood has some problems with family income levels compared with similar neighbourhoods in Tameside.This indicates that some families may suffer the effects of deprivation and have difficulty in making ends meet.

Access to services People in the neighbourhood have little access to shops and services near to their homes.This indicates that it can be difficult to shop for more than essentials or get advice or support in, or within a reasonable distance from the neighbourhood itself.

Neighbourhood overall star rating Overall the neighbourhood is a good place to live but it does experience some problems that affect people’s quality of life on a day to day basis.The main aim for this neighbourhood is to identify the right activities, services and initiatives that will help address the specific issues that stop it being as good a place as it could be.

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Local knowledge: Auditing your neighbourhood While the indicators show us useful trends and point us in the right direction we need more local knowledge to identify some of the specific issues we need to address.

To gather this information we have conducted a neighbourhood audit asking the people who live and work here to identify what they think the issues were.

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What our Neighbourhood team told us Generally the neighbourhood does not have many antisocial behaviour problems. However youths congregating near shops and other areas can cause problems in terms of noise and minor nuisance.

The frequency at which people move in and out of the neighbourhood is low and it is easy to let most properties. Some smaller flats and studios can be slower to let but overall demand is very good and properties do not regularly become available.

The appearance of the neighbourhood is generally good with the only real issues relating to dog fouling and tree density affecting the light to some houses.

Parking is a problem as the roads are very narrow and the area can easily become congested.This can sometimes prevent access to larger refuse collection vehicles and this in turn has an effect on neighbourhood appearance.

The Neighbourhood team have an excellent working relationship with Micklehurst Estate Residents Association (MERA); which has proved invaluable in terms of addressing wider neighbourhood issues.

One product of this is the development of the youth base whose facilities help support a range of community activities.

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What you told us On average the people we spoke to rate the neighbourhood 8 out of 10 as a place to live. So while people are positive about the area there are still some quality of life issues that people think need to be addressed.

Some of the best features identified about living in the neighbourhood were: its community spirit and activities, friendly neighbours, access to countryside, good schools, cleanliness and peace and quiet.

The concerns identified about living in the neighbourhood were, the lack of amenities and shops, level of dog fouling, behaviour of some children, youths hanging around and being noisy and worries regarding drug related activity.

People raised specific issues with us about:The need for a community notice board The need for a mum and toddlers group A lack of play facilities for younger children The need for the Hub to open more frequently The need for regular clean up days Need for a gardening club and access to equipment Would like to see healthy food events or a venue More none charging cash machines Shops and services to open later More broadly people wanted to have better access to walk in advice services, drop in clinics, access to computers and adult education.There was a significant emphasis on childcare facilities and community based leisure facilities.The biggest single issue for the neighbourhood was access to support services for older residents.

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Some of the best features identified about living in the neighbourhood were: its community spirit and activities, friendly neighbours, access to countryside, good schools, cleanliness and peace and quiet.

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What other organisations told us There are some health inequalities issues in the neighbourhood compared with the rest of Tameside particularly in terms of higher mortality and disability rates with particular links to coronary health and issues around sedentary lifestyles. Underage drinking, stress and anxiety were also highlighted. Provision of the right kind of services for young families and children is a particular area of focus.

There is also a general lack of play facilities for younger children. Agencies think there is a significant shortage of early years provision and support for young families as well as childcare facilities more generally.

Levels of teenage pregnancy are relatively high in some parts of the neighbourhood.

Household income is an issue for a number of households with agencies identifying problems with benefit dependency for a significant number of people. Agencies thought there could also be problems for residents in terms of loss of income as part of the Government’s welfare reform and an increase in debt issues.

Crime is not a major issue in the neighbourhood but there are some problems with low level antisocial behaviour, burglary, and vehicle crime.

Low level drug related crime is also an issue to some extent which bears out resident concerns.

Crime prevention measures are seen as an area which needs focus.

Employment levels are not a problem generally but access to employment opportunities and training are barriers for young adults in the neighbourhood. The lack of development opportunities with local employers being a particular issue.

More generally the work currently being undertaken with young people in the neighbourhood via the youth facility is seen as key to reducing nuisance and improving employment levels.

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There are also some more isolated young families with children who needed additional help due to the lack of extended family support.

Access to mainstream services and amenities is poor due to the location of the neighbourhood and while some drop in services help to mitigate this, better access and signposting is needed.

What we saw together: Well maintained grassed areas and open spaces Caretaking service regularly clears streets of litter Some problems with refuse bin storage due to steep slopes in some streets and can affect neighbourhood appearance

Garage site on Mansfield Road needs improved fencing Some dog fouling in the middle of the neighbourhood

Parking problems on cul-de-sacs

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What do we need to do to make this a greater place?

The aim of this section is to identify the activities needed to improve the quality of life in the neighbourhood based on what we have established and what you have told us. It’s effectively an action plan which shows what needs to be done in more detail.

Neighbourhood and community management

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What?

Why?

When?

Continue to target low level nuisance activity and youth congregation with increased staff presence enhanced by CCTV surveillance in identified shared areas and ensure active signposting to youth centre activities.

To reduce incidents of antisocial behaviour (ASB) in the neighbourhood and improve residents quality of life.

December 2013

Work with the Police and the Community Safety team on target hardening and develop a more general policing plan targeting burglary, drug abuse and vehicle crime.

To reduce levels of vandalism and increase feelings of security for customers who feel vulnerable to crime by developing a long term crime prevention strategy to ensure consistent policing approach.

December 2013

Develop a neighbourhood wide Home Watch group with support from New Charter.

To increase the level of surveillance in neighbourhood and therefore increase the feeling of security and empowerment against crime.

June 2013

What?

Why?

When?

Neighbourhood team to review and increase the range of advice and drop in-services at the Hub to complement the provision at the youth base and explore whether wider community facilities and activities are needed.

To ensure the current facilities and activities can deliver what is needed, allow any gaps to be addressed and increase resident’s access to advice and drop in services in the neighbourhood.

November 2013

Consistently signpost and refer residents and their families to training and income advice services with a particular focus on 18-25 year olds.

To increase chances of employment and maximising income.

March 2013

Work in partnership with TMBCYouth Services and New Charter’sYouth team to develop more diversionary activities with young people.

To reduce the level of ASB from youths by providing positive activities and linking youths to other services.

March 2013

Work with partners to increase the signposting of residents to health advice and services. In addition work with Primary Care Trust to look at the provision of Health Visitor Services to young families and education in schools regarding underage drinking and teenage pregnancy.

To improve the health of residents in the neighbourhood and the support available to them and increase preventative work with young people.

September 2013

Link with existing TMBC and MINT (Money Information Network Tameside) services to provide financial advice and refer identified residents who may find this helpful.

To increase residents access to banking services, affordable credit and insurance.

November 2013

Undertake a Joint review of childcare with TMBC teams.

To increase households ability to work full or part-time.

July 2015

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What?

Work with partners to increase signposting of residents to health advice and services as well as a particular emphasis on provision of services to older customers in their homes.

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Why? To improve the health of residents in the neighbourhood and the support available.

When?

July 2013

Work in partnership with TMBC to review the To reduce parking issues and congestion parking provision in the neighbourhood and by increased provision. road layouts to identify solutions including the use of green parking.

March 2014

Work in partnership with TMBC to improve the activities of the environmental patrollers targeting dog fouling.

To reduce the level of dog fouling in the neighbourhood.

August 2013

Work with a number of organisations and stakeholders on initiatives identified in their plans that will help improve the neighbourhood.

To improve services and maximise input into the neighbourhood from other service providers.

December 2013

Focus additional resources and partnership working on reducing the density of trees in identified areas.

To improve the amount of light to properties, improve neighbourhood appearance and residents quality of life.

May 2013

To improve the health of residents in the neighbourhood and the support available to them and increase preventative work with young people.

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Tenancy What?

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Why?

When?

Continue with a community lettings approach to reduce lifestyle clashes thorough unsuitable lets.

To maintain community stability with sensitive and tailored lettings.

April 2013

Continue with tenancy and neighbourhood enforcement on activities that affect quality of life e.g. Nuisance, upkeep of gardens, noise and pet ownership.

To improve the quality of life for the majority of residents as well as identify and reduce unacceptable conduct.

July 2013

Visit older and vulnerable customers annually to assess any support or adaptations needs.

To maintain the quality of life and independent living for older residents.

September 2013

Continue to deliver the Key toYour Door programme for customers under 35 in terms of ensuring their readiness for tenancy and to identify any support required.

To reduce the potential for lifestyle clashes and unsuccessful conduct of tenancies.

March 2013

Visit young residents annually to assess if any extra assistance, advice or links to other services are needed.

To help younger residents successfully maintain tenancies and access any extra support.

April 2013

Signpost and refer customers who may benefit from the help of New Charter’s Welfare Benefits Advice team.

To reduce the number of evictions for non-payment of rent and provide more help and advice on managing finances.

January 2013

Hold a regular housing surgery in the neighbourhood and increase the presence of different teams in the Hub to fit in with enhanced agency community activities.

To make it quick and easy for residents to access services, ensure neighbourhood issues are dealt with and provide an increased visible presence in the neighbourhood.

February 2013

What?

Why?

When?

Neighbourhood team to carry out quarterly neighbourhood inspections (open to residents).

To provide regular monitoring of street level appearance and visible issues.

March 2013

Make targeted calls and visits to customers in rent arrears to address the arrears and signpost to advice services.

To reduce arrears in the neighbourhood and therefore reduce the number of residents whose home is at risk due to debt issues.

March 2013

Target residents who may be affected by welfare reform and provide advice and support.

To increase awareness of potential issues and help reduce debt and/or financial problems caused by welfare reform.

January 2013

Provide increased support to identified families and residents and link them to support and advice services.

To help identified residents successfully manage their tenancy and reduce lifestyle clashes with other residents.

March 2013

We aim to... Improve the quality of life for the majority of residents as well as identify and reduce unacceptable conduct.

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Home What?

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Why?

When?

Review the turnover issues in smaller flats and identify any improvements to make properties more attractive and encourage residents to remain.

To improve demand for these properties and reduce the turnover of residents.

July 2014

Undertake a review of local play facilities provision in consultation with residents.

To ensure children have well placed safe places to play.

October 2013

Undertake a review and identify improvements required to the garage site on Mansfield Road.

To improve security and appearance of the site, reduce occasional fly tipping and improve parking provision.

July 2013

Undertake a review of fencing and boundaries, including a review of fencing to communal areas.

To assess if existing fencing is adequate in terms of security and appearance and identify any specific work need to clarify boundaries.

October 2013

Undertake a review of the refuse bin storage and develop a design suitable for sloping ground in parts of the neighbourhood.

To improve neighbourhood appearance and improve quality of life for residents.

April 2015

Review the number of repairs issues in the neighbourhood.

To identify if there are any underlying issues in term of buildings, components, design or usage that need to be addressed.

April 2013

Develop a pointing programme for identified properties.

To improve the condition of homes and neighbourhood appearance.

March 2014

To ensure children have well placed safe places to play.

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Involvement and empowerment What?

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Why?

When?

Work closely with MERA on neighbourhood issues and provide support and assistance to develop their activities.

To obtain detailed feedback from residents specifically on service and wider neighbourhood issues and work with them jointly on neighbourhood priorities.

March 2013

Ask interested residents to be street representatives whose role will be to report any issues they or other residents are concerned about in their street or the wider neighbourhood.The Neighbourhood team will also contact the street representatives once a quarter to check progress and provide support.

This will provide a way for customers to report any issues to staff and to have them addressed promptly. This will also help improve the day to day service.

March 2013

Develop a focus group or coffee morning with older residents.

To identify specific issues that affect older people in the neighbourhood and develop social networks for older residents.

May 2013

Set up a neighbourhood facebook page.

To encourage a different type of dialogue between residents with each other and with staff.This will help with regards to reporting, supporting and discussion.

May 2013

Set up and maintain a community notice board working with MERA.

To ensure residents know what is going on in their neighbourhood.

February 2013

What?

Why?

When?

Work with MERA to set up a community projects group that provides support to other tenant groups at New Charter and work with them as a community enterprise helping set up community led projects.

To help MERA develop its capabilities, generate extra income, increase community facilities and to also increase the extent to which the development of regeneration in New Charter is community led.

March 2014

Consider the feasibility of setting up a community cafe, food cooperative or shop within the Hub run by community volunteers with some New Charter support initially.

To improve provision for young and older residents, generating access to facilities that support community activities, building community networks and to develop the community’s’ ability to work on projects with others.

May 2014

Hold weekend community information events or fun days 4 times a year and hold seasonal activities at Easter and Halloween.

To improve the neighbourhood appearance and increase community spirit, building positive relationships with neighbours and increasing the community’s knowledge of what services and opportunities are available.

April 2013

We aim to... Identify specific issues that affect older people in the neighbourhood and develop social networks for older residents.

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What next?

Great progress we hope!!

Work has already begun in your neighbourhood on the various actions outlined in Your Great Neighbourhood Charter as well as in our other 31 New Charter neighbourhoods. We would like the Great Neighbourhood Charters to mark the start of a new phase of activity aimed at ensuring that all our neighbourhoods are the great places that we all want and know they can be.

We will be reviewing the Charter frequently this year and we will keep you updated on the progress, you will have the opportunity to be involved in this so please watch out for advertised activities or requests for feedback.

However there is no need to wait until then‌ if after reading this you have any questions comments or suggestions or if you would like to get more involved in helping us identify what we could achieve in your neighbourhood please contact us and give us your thoughts.

You can do this by ringing 0161 331 2000 or contacting us via your preferred method, we can also arrange for someone to call and visit you in your home if you would prefer, we would really like to hear from you.

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Neighbourhood Fact File Here are some facts and figures about the people and properties that make up your neighbourhood which we thought you may find interesting.

Number of properties owned

by New Charter =

365

Properties by type

Houses

265

Flats

100

Black Minority Ethnic

3.29%

Under 16

21.87%

55+

20.35% 18 - 25

17.19%

Number of residents =

791 25

Final Thoughts We hope that over the next three years through the actions outlined in your Great Neighbourhood Charter we will really make a visible difference to your neighbourhood, making it more attractive for those living or thinking of living in it and improve residents’ quality of life.

We think the key to success will be to continue to work together with you to achieve this.

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Contact us Main switchboard: 0161 331 2000 Emergency housing & repairs calls: 0800 027 0828 If you need an emergency repair during the following times: - Before 8am and after 6pm Monday to Friday - During weekends and Bank Holidays Antisocial behaviour helpline: 0800 027 0522 (24 hours a day)

@ contact@newcharter.co.uk www.newcharter.co.uk newchartergroup

Home and Community Hubs 2 Henrietta Street, Ashton 9 Albert Street, Denton 12 Clarendon Street, Hyde 63 Grosvenor Street, Stalybridge

Head office:

New Charter, Cavendish 249, Cavendish Street, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7AT

@newchartergroup

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Resource Housing Reg. No. 2111