Carling court newsletter autumn 2015

Carling Court News

Have we listened?

Autumn 2015

Welcome to your first newsletter!

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 updated via a newsletter.

Staff carried out a consultation in July 2015 to get residents’ views of the scheme you live on. Of the 44 residents, 36 responded and we would like to thank those who shared their views.

Who’s who... introducing the WWH team

Below are the contact details of the WWH staff who have responsibility for and work in and around Carling Court. All WWH staff can be contacted on 0800 052 2526.

Jackie Bloxham Housing Manager

Elizabeth McEwan Housing Officer

Herman Valentin Gemma Kennedy

Community Development Officer

Tenancy Enforcement Officer

Wayne Smith

Asset Management Officer

Theresa Williams Housing Assistant

Mandy Collins

Tenancy Support Officer

Jeffrey Newton Site Superintendent

• To report a repair please use 0800 052 2526, or if you’re phoning from a mobile it’s 02920 415300.

• For housing related queries, rent, moving home, anti social behaviour etc. contact Elizabeth on 07805 251791 • For repair and maintenance queries contact Wayne on 07929 201360 • For assistance with maximising your income, benefit and money advice, debt and budgeting advice, contact Mandy on 07929 201464 • To have your meter read, contact Jeffrey on 07827 279685 www.wwha.co.uk | 0800 052 2526 | Twitter: @wwha

Carling Court Newsletter | Autumn 2015

When asked “What attracted you to the area?”, you said: The main attribute that attracted you to Carling Court was the area itself. Several of the residents wanted to be in the Ely area as they have previously lived there or simply liked the area.

7

• 7 residents were attracted to the area due to it being quiet

6

• A further 6 residents moved there to be near their friends or family.

4

• 4 residents said they moved to Carling Court because they knew some of the neighbours and they get on well with them.

We asked “Do you feel safe in your home/scheme?”:

35/36

of the respondents answered this question

32

of you said you feel safe in your homes

When asked “Do you think the area is well kept?”, you said:

31

• 31 of you said the estate is well kept.

Some of the respondents said that the grounds were well kept and commented on how the Site Superintendents do a great job at the scheme. Also, residents stated that they felt the scheme was always clean and tidy, and that it was a lovely area. Residents themselves helped in keeping the scheme tidy.

The main issues raised by you were: • • • • • • •

An 8ft drop at the front More security lighting Trees need cutting back Remove hedging and replace with seating area Car parking issues Block up a gap in hedge for security reasons Garden items being stolen

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

Carling Court Newsletter | Autumn 2015

We asked “What support do you need from WWH?”:

25

• 25 respondents answered this question.

Respondents advised that they felt that the alarm lines and pendants were adequate. Seven respondents said this support is for repairs. Others would like updates about what is happening at the scheme, two require help with the alarm system and one would like help with anti social behaviour.

We asked “What do you think of the service you receive from WWH?”:

25

• 25 respondents gave the service from WWH 10 out of 10, showing that they think the service is excellent.

Improvement to the service were suggested: • • • • •

Improved annual boiler check Waiting time for repairs More parking spaces Bin area (smells, flies) Level access, uneven tarmac

10/10

We asked “What are your thoughts on our 50th Anniversary celebrations?”

21 3 12

• 21 out of 36 respondents said they would like to join in an event • 3 out of 36 said maybe they would join in • 12 out of 36 said they would not join in • Those who responded said that they wanted plenty of notice, four said they would like to go to the Carvery and two suggested a street party or BBQ

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

Carling Court Newsletter | Autumn 2015

We asked “Do you access your gas/electric metres?”:

33

• 33 out of 36 respondents answered this questionor wanted to use the lines, the issues raised were:

19

• 19 didn’t need to access their meters

14

• 14 did need to access their meters

• For those that do need to access their meters, nine say that access to them is difficult as they are located too low down.

We asked “What are your thoughts on the washing lines?”:

18 17

• 18 out of 36 said they used the washing lines • 17 said they didn’t use them, preferring to dry their laundry indoors

For those who used or wanted to use the lines, the issues raised were:

• • •

•

Not enough lines Not enough space Access to the line area is dangerous Large bush growing in line area

• Weak lines • Some residents are ‘territorial over the lines • Lines located too close to bins • Lines located too close to main road

We asked “How do you access local amenities?”:

42%

• 42% of respondents either travel in their own car or their family’s, or use the bus. Walking was the next most popular response.

The issues raised were:

• Opening the gulley/alley • Corner gate • Scooter storage

50%

• Wheelchair storage • Level access

• 50% of respondents would like the gulley opened, as this would provide easier access to the bus stop, doctors and post box. However, two respondents voiced concerns that people would use it to urinate, leave cans and be a ‘free for all’ for children.

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

Carling Court Newsletter | Autumn 2015

What we are doing about the issues Trees

• Wayne Smith has organised the lopping of trees alongside the cemetery and we have done as much as we can for now. We will, of course, monitor the situation and continue to liaise with Cardiff County Council.

Washing lines, uneven tarmac, level access, hedges, seating area, security lighting, gate and 8ft drop

• Elizabeth McEwan and Wayne Smith will visit the scheme on Thursday 3rd September 2015 to see what can be done.

Bin area and parking

• We are hoping that now the brickwork has been completed, more parking bays will be available and access to the bin store will not be blocked. We will continue to monitor the situation but would respectfully ask residents to contact Cardiff Council on 02920 872087 to arrange collection of large household waste items and ensure that bags are placed in the wheelie bins provided.

Gulley

• Elizabeth has been liaising with Haig Housing in an effort to get the gulley opened since November last year. She will now inform them of the results of our survey and will keep residents informed of the outcome.

Continued overleaf...

We are celebrating WWH’s 50th Anniversary on Wednesday 21st October 2015 from 12.30pm at Coopers Carvery, Cowbridge Rd West

Let’s party!

We would love you to join us in our celebrations!

If you would like to come, please complete the reply slip overleaf by 1st October 2015.

Alternatively, please ring our Customer Service Centre on freephone 0800 052 2526 or ring/text Elizabeth on 07805 251791 or email elizabeth.mcewan@wwha.co.uk www.wwha.co.uk | 0800 052 2526 | Twitter: @wwha | Page 5

Carling Court Newsletter | Autumn 2015

Continued from pg 5

Gas/electric meters

• For those having difficulty accessing their meters, please let Jeff Newton know if you need a meter reading and he will do this for you. If you have a pre-payment meter, and it is difficult to access, please contact Elizabeth or Wayne and they will try to get your meter relocated if it is possible to do so.

Scooter / Wheelchair storage

• Individual requests have been dealt with, but please contact Wayne if this is an issue for you.

Crime

• We had a report of garden items being stolen. Fortunately, this would appear to have been a one-off, but we would urge you to contact the Police on 101 to report any incidents.

50th anniversary party

• As you know, we are celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2015. Wales & West Housing is all about our residents, so we want you to be able to celebrate with us. As the majority of you would like to join in a celebration, we cordially invite you to enjoy a meal on us! Elizabeth has enquired with Coopers Carvery on Cowbridge Road West and has provisionally booked for 12.30pm on Wednesday 21st October 2015. If you are able to join us, please complete and return the enclosed RSVP to confirm your attendance by 1st October 2015.

Thank you again for taking part in our consultation and we hope you find this newsletter useful.

We will review the issues again early next year and keep you informed in a similar format.

WWH’s 50th Anniversary

Coopers Carvery - Wed 21st October 2015 Yes, I would like to attend!

Let’s party!

Name(s) ............................................................ ...........................................................................

Flat number .......................................................

FAO Elizabeth McEwan - Carling Court Page 6| www.wwha.co.uk | 0800 052 2526 | Twitter: @wwha