east area neighbourhood news autumn 2010

1East Area Housing Office Neighbourhood News Autumn 2010

There will be a particular focus where we have the biggest concentration of properties in blocks. We will be working with other departments and agencies to improve services and the environment in and around the blocks and tackle issues highlighted by customers. Keep Britain Tidy, as an independent agency, will be assisting us in surveying some residents to identify what the key issues are. So if you get a knock on the door from Keep Britain Tidy, it will be your chance to tell us what you think about living in your block!

In future newsletters, we will ensure that we keep you informed of the improvements to estates and blocks in Stockport.

The other development is a scheme that is jointly funded by Stockport Homes, the Council and Groundwork Trust to improve the appearance of the ‘streetscene’ on our estates over the next 12 months. Blue Sky Development, which is a non profit making organisation, will be working on projects which are outside our normal maintenance contracts to improve the local environment. The project

East Area Housing OfficeNeighbourhood NewsAutumn 2010: Issue 5

provides employment opportunities for local, long-term unemployed residents who will get work placements through the project. The work that will be done will help us to enforce tenancy conditions by doing some initial work to get gardens looking presentable so that residents can maintain them easily in the future. They will also be clearing litter and graffiti and tidying up neglected open spaces on our estates. Therefore, if you have any ideas about what needs doing where you live, please contact your Neighbourhood Housing Officer.

Meanwhile, if you want to attend a walkabout to point out an estate issue or join in on a clean-up event, we want to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact your Neighbourhood Housing Officer using the contact details at the end of this newsletter.

East Area Housing Manager

Brian Billingham

T here are two key things that we have been developing to improve where you live. Firstly, you will be pleased to hear that we are increasing resources

so that Neighbourhood Housing Officers can spend more time tackling the issues and problems on our estates.

Claire Rourke: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AREA COVERED:Clough Walk, Cornwall Crescent, Dartmouth Cresent, Dunton Green, Dunton Towers, Erith Close, Falmouth Cresent, Gardner Grange, Hampshire Close, Hampshire House, Hampshire Road, Harwich Close, Hereford Road, Hollow End, Hollow End Towers, Lincoln Green, Nottingham Avenue, Nottingham Close, Nottingham Terrace, Penshurst Road, Rainham Way, Shropshire Avenue, Suffolk Drive, The Clough, Trent Close, Westmorland Close and Westmoreland Drive.

Dartmouth Crescent and Falmouth Crescent FlatsThe communal areas to these flats are mainly paved and grassed with washing lines. A number of residents have requested new drying areas, paving and seating. A scheme is currently being drafted in consultation with local residents and, subject to approval at the Area Housing Forums in November, will commence later in the year.

Estate Improvement works to be completed by March 2011

New car parking area at Westmorland Close -At present there is very limited parking for the residents of Westmorland Close. Grass verges are being damaged by cars that are being driven across them to gain access to the neighbouring properties. A number of residents asked if it was possible to remove the grass verges and create additional car parking spaces. A scheme is currently being developed with the support of the Sustainability Manager, however work cannot begin until planning has been granted.

Falmouth Crescent BungalowsResidents of the bungalows have asked if seats can be provided in the communal areas and that the drying areas are improved. The improvement works will include pathways, drying areas, flowerbeds and seats to make a more attractive amenity for the local residents. Anticipate completion by the end of January 2011.

2 East Area Housing Office Neighbourhood News Autumn 2010


Claire Rourke: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AREA COVERED:Clough Walk, Cornwall Crescent, Dartmouth Cresent, Dunton Green, Dunton Towers, Erith Close, Falmouth Cresent, Gardner Grange, Hampshire Close, Hampshire House, Hampshire Road, Harwich Close, Hereford Road, Hollow End, Hollow End Towers, Lincoln Green, Nottingham Avenue, Nottingham Close, Nottingham Terrace, Penshurst Road, Rainham Way, Shropshire Avenue, Suffolk Drive, The Clough, Trent Close, Westmorland Close and Westmoreland Drive.

EstAtE WAlkAbOuts

We saw... We did...

Untidy Gardens. Carried out a clean-up on Thursday 29 July 2010 and tidied up various gardens.

Various repairs to properties. Reported various repairs to the Repairs Contact Centre. The repairs have been completed.

Graffiti. Reported graffiti and repairs to paths and roads to Streetscene. The graffiti has been removed.

Damage to paths and roads. Reported graffiti and repairs to paths and roads to Streetscene. The repairs have been completed.

The Clough - Residents asked that the rear communal area (flats 58 and 60) be improved to provide a better amenity for them to use. Residents suggested that a patio be built to include a drying and seating area. A scheme is currently being drafted in consultation with the residents.

Lincoln Green - Cars and motorbikes are using Lincoln Green as a ‘cut through’ to Westmorland Drive. Residents asked if the green could be fenced off with gated access which will stop the vehicle and motorbikes from crossing over. Customers will be consulted to gain their opinions about having gates and fencing fitted with additional pathways being formed to create pedestrian access. The consultation will be completed by the end of November 2010.

Falmouth Crescent flats and bungalows - There are on-going Anti-Social Behaviour problems, caused by youths entering the communal areas and balconies. Following extensive consultation with the local residents, a scheme was agreed to install security fencing and fob operated gates. The work is currently in progress and will be completed by September 2010.


AREA COVEREDVictoria Park and Hall Street in Offerton, Tannock Road Estate, Hazel Grove, High Lane, Spring Gardens Estate, Tamworth Green; and properties in Offerton (not Offerton Estate).

Pam Pollitt: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

Improvement works and other initiatives

Sustainability Work:A consultation exercise was carried out in 2009 regarding the proposed sustainability work to the front and rear communal gardens to the studio apartments and maisonettes at 30 to 55 Victoria Park. The project was discussed at the Victoria Park Tenants’ and Residents’ Group meetings. The feedback from the customers was for the work to proceed, which included:• Wooden planters complete with shrubs• Formed drying area• Fitting of gates and railings• Garden seating The proposed work is currently out to tender. Planning permission has been approved. Work is anticipated to commence in September 2010.

Norwood Avenue, High Lane - Improvements to communal gardens to the front and rear of the bungalows and flats. This includes the provision of improved rear boundary fencing and communal gates. Further works include improved lighting to the car parking area outside the bungalows and replacement of the handrails to communal steps. Customers approached us regarding the poor lighting around the car park outside the bungalows. Their families also expressed concerns regarding the same problems. During an inspection of the area several of the customers asked about the rear boundary fence which was in a very poor state of disrepair. A consultation letter was sent to all the customers regarding the proposed improvements and all indicated they were in agreement for this work to be carried out. The proposal was submitted to the Area Housing Forum in July 2010 and was approved. The work will be completed by the end of March 2011.

Rectory Fields - Removal of large brick planters to extend the car parking facilities due to parking problems on Rectory Fields. Several of the residents contacted Stockport Homes regarding possible improvements to the car parking areas. A site visit was arranged with the residents to

discuss the issues in more detail. Following consultation with all residents, the majority of respondents were in favour of the removal of the planters. A scheme was agreed and approved at the Area Housing Forums in July 2010. The work will be completed by the end of March 2011 subject to planning approval.

Community Fund - £500.00 approved for customers at 22/24 Victoria Park for plants, planters and gardening materials to improve their rear communal garden.

Community Safety Budget - This fund has been used to complete a project at Carr Close, Offerton. The rear boundary fencing joining the local football pitches has been replaced after it was vandalised.

Carr Close - A metal access gate and side panels between two blocks, complete with padlock, has now prevented access by the general public and has resolved the following issues: dog fouling, litter and theft from the rear gardens.

AREA COVEREDVictoria Park and Hall Street in Offerton, Tannock Road Estate, Hazel Grove, High Lane, Spring Gardens Estate, Tamworth Green; and properties in Offerton (not Offerton Estate).

Pam Pollitt: Neighbourhood Housing Officer


Tamworth Green (Block 13-20) - Residents have requested that the rear communal area be re-designed and made more of an amenity that they can enjoy. Preliminary consultation has already taken place. Once plans have been drawn up customers will be consulted in more detail in order to finalise plans.

EstAtE WAlkAbOuts

We saw... We did...

Hampson Street – letter box plate missing. Arranged for a replacement.

Dial Park Road – builders rubbish on housing land. Has now been removed.

Tatton Court – abandoned vehicles. Reported to Area Conditions Officer to investigate and have now been removed.

Nangreave Road – Boundary fence into public highway missing.

Fencing has been replaced.



Nicola Payne: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AREA COVERED:Mottram Street Estate and Higher Hillgate Area. The patch consists of multi-storey blocks, low rise flats and maisonettes all situated near the town centre area.


Mottram Towers - After several stages of work and planning at the Piazza a new mural has been completed. The design has been agreed in consultation with local residents and the Tenants’ Association. The whole area has received much praise from residents and local councillors as well as the Audit Commission during their inspection of Stockport Homes earlier this year.

Ratcliffe Towers - The lift replacement work has now been completed providing a better service for our customers.

Mottram Towers - The car park at the rear has been extended to provide additional parking for residents. More disabled parking spaces have been provided on the car parks.


Bosden Close - Plans are currently being drawn up to consult with residents on proposals to improve the rear communal areas, to create a more attractive amenity for them to meet with neighbours and friends. Once a scheme is agreed with the residents it will be presented for consideration at the Area Housing Forum in November 2010.

Shawcross Street - A request has been made by a leaseholder to have a hand rail fitted near the car parking area. This work is currently out to quotation, we envisage that the handrail will be fitted Autumn 2010.

EstAtE WAlkAbOuts

We saw... We did...

Untaxed Vehicles. Have worked closely with the Area Conditions Officer to have untaxed vehicles removed from the car park. Some vehicles have been clamped and arrangements are being made for their removal.

Damaged notice boards. Notice boards replaced.

Rubbish at Shawcross Street. Estate clean-up carried out.

Missing floor tiles at Ratcliffe Towers. Ordered and replaced tiles.

Anti-Social Behaviour from resident in tower block. Legal action has been taken which has led to the resident acting more responsibly.

Extra recycling facilities requested. Liaising with Recycling Officer for extra facilities, some already now in place at Covent Gardens, more to follow before March 2011.


kevin lewis: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AREA COVERED:Bredbury, Woodley, Romiley - Cherry Tree, Compstall - Underhill.


Underhill, Romiley - Additional security gate and fencing at 25-41. This work has been implemented at the request of the residents to prevent unknown persons causing a nuisance late at night. It will also create a greater sense of security.

Ruskin Gardens, Bredbury - Rose bed replacement. The existing bed is in a poor condition and needs re-planting or re-stocking to return it to an attractive area for the local community. This work will be carried out in Autumn 2010.

EstAtE WAlkAbOuts

We saw... We did...

Damaged fencing. Renewed by Planned Maintenance Manager.

Street signage in poor condition. Arranged replacement of signage.

Pavements were in poor condition at Ruskin Gardens.

Maintenance work to pavements was completed in May 2010.


Romiley and Cherry Tree Estate - Kitchen and Bathroom replacement Programme to be completed by March 2011. This is in the early stages and a choice event will be held so that customers can choose their kitchen and bathroom from a wide range of colour and style options. Customers will be contacted by Tenant Liaison staff when a venue for the consultation has been agreed.

Underhill in Romiley - The re-roofing programme is currently in progress and due to be completed shortly. The work has made an impressive improvement to the appearance of the area, reduced spend on day to day repairs and many positive comments have been received from residents and visitors to the area. This work was identified due to a high number of repairs being reported by residents on a daily basis, including, holes in roofs causing leaks, blocked and broken gutters and leaking down spouts.

sustainabilityUnderhill; Romiley, Bernard Walker Court, Compstall; Birch Avenue, Romiley and Ruskin Gardens, Bredbury - Sustainability works to the communal grounds are proposed for these locations. We are looking to replace drying areas to include new rotary driers, improve walkways, supply and fit handrails. Also to improve the natural landscape. Anticipate completion by the end of March 2011.


Rob Mitchell: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AREA COVERED:Brinnington including: Ludlow, Brecon and Conway Towers, Blackberry Lane, Cawood Square, Dent Close,Grasscroft, Lapwing Lane, Middlesex Road, Moat Walk, Naburn Close, Naze Walk, Northway, Polletts Avenue, Rosslave Walk, Rutland Crescent and The Link.

have been made in stages. The first stage was to improve access for disabled customers and visitors. For the second stage customers were given plans and consulted on a number of issues, such as new paving, new road markings and improved shrub areas. The suggestions made by our customers were incorporated and this has lead to the appearance of the area being much improved.


Ludlow Towers - Garage customers are currently being consulted aiming to improve the appearance of the garages and vehicle access.

Northway - Internal improvements to blocks to be completed by the end of December 2010. Consultation is currently being carried out with residents to look at improvements. It is intended that the areas will be re-decorated and that new flooring will be supplied. Customers will be given a choice of colours.

EstAtE WAlkAbOuts

We saw... We did...

Large amounts of litter on the new play area at Moat Walk.

Installed extra bins and increased litter picks to three times a week.

Identified hotspots of Anti-Social Behaviour and vandalism.

Increase Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) and Ranger patrols in area.

Several external repairs to blocks and buildings. Reported through to repair centre and now complete.

Untidy / overgrown gardens. Visited a number of properties to encourage the residents to maintain. Follow-up visits were arranged. The gardens were tidied on the next mini estate clean-up with the help of the customers.

Identified abandoned properties. Served Notice to Quit and took possession of the properties.


Brecon, Conway and Ludlow Towers -Kitchen and bathroom replacements continue.

Ludlow Towers - Works are almost complete and the other blocks will follow. Customers have been invited to choose the design and layout of their kitchen and bathrooms from a range of products and positive comments have been made by the residents.

Brecon, Conway and Ludlow Towers - External Areas of the multi-storey blocks improved through the Sustainability Budget - The improvements

Jen burnside: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AREA COVERED:Hazel Grove, which consists of mainly family homes and flats including 18 low rise blocks; Marple, which includes many age restricted properties and Marple Bridge.

Bramhall Moor Lane - Disused land has been changed into a customers’ car park responding to customer requests who have always had parking problems due to local hospital staff and visitors parking near to their homes.

Marple and Marple Bridge - Decent Homes improvements continue, including new kitchens, new bathrooms, rewiring and heating replacements. Customers took part in choice events in the local areas.


Catherine Street - Residents are currently being consulted about their communal areas to include revised car park markings, seating areas, new washing areas, improved refuse areas and cutting back overhanging trees. Once the consultation is complete, a revised plan will then be discussed with local residents to determine their local priorities.

Ernocroft Road - Project to improve security and visibility for the residents when answering their doors. New gates and railings are also being considered. This work was initiated by the Crime Reduction Police Officer due to bogus callers in the area.

EstAtE WAlkAbOuts

We saw... We did...

Dead Tree. Reported to Parks and Recreation department and the tree has now been removed.

Faded street sign. Reported to Stockport Direct, replacement sign has been provided.

Pothole in road. Reported to Stockport Direct and the pothole is now repaired.

Overgrown garden. Letter sent to the occupier requesting garden be maintained. Garden now tidy.


Bosden Hall Road - Landscaped Communal Gardens. Residents now benefit from improved gardens, with seating and drying areas.



Jackie Heapy: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AREA COVERED:Bredbury, Woodley and Brinnington including: Brinnington Road, Brindale Road, Essex Road, Mayorlowe Avenue, Monton House and the Mount.

Oldham Drive, Woodley - Re-design of large rear communal area with new rotary dryers, tarmac, paving, seating and grassed area. This re-design is taking place as the existing tarmac area has been lifted by large tree roots and is a hazard. Plans are currently being produced and residents will be consulted to agree on a scheme.

Bankfield Road, Woodley - Redesign of communal drying area including paving, benches and planters. This was identified by the Neighbourhood Housing Officer to provide a more attractive area for the elderly residents to sit out and socialise. The area currently has old tarmac surfacing and is covered in washing lines. A scheme is currently being discussed with local residents.

sustainability Works

Monton House, Brinnington - Construction of a raised flower bed adjacent to the garages, two new benches, a brick built barbeque, timber trellis to cover bins, remove paving slabs to front of Monton House and re-tarmac area and replace main front door. This work is in addition to current sustainability works and has been requested by the residents to finish the scheme. The plans are currently with the residents for consultation.


Capital WorksMonton House / The Mount, Brinnington - Refurbishment of all internal areas, re-plastering and decoration to walls and doors - This work has been carried out at the request of the Neighbourhood Housing Officer to improve the poor appearance of the internal communal areas. This work follows sustainability projects carried out over the last year externally to improve the blocks overall.

Oldham Drive Estate, Woodley - Security lighting to rear of all properties on a rolling programme of works is being provided after consultation at the Oldham Drive Tenants’ and Residents’ Association Meeting and concerns raised over poor lighting and security at the rear of all properties on Oldham Drive Estate. It was agreed that Oldham Drive would be completed first and that other roads adjoining would be included on a rolling programme of works to be finished by 2012.

Provision of metal security gates to stop crime towards elderly residents have been fitted as requested by residents, on an individual basis, where there have been incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour or garden items stolen.


Parrymead, Woodley - Replacement of defective paving to rear of flats, general tidy up of existing landscaping and provision of new washing lines. This work was requested by several residents after the removal of many large conifers to the rear of the flats. Open landscape now created and suitable drying areas are needed for residents. Plans being produced and consultation will take place with all the residents prior to the scheme being presented for approval at the Area Housing Forums in November 2010.


Jackie Heapy: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AREA COVERED:Bredbury, Woodley and Brinnington including: Brinnington Road, Brindale Road, Essex Road, Mayorlowe Avenue, Monton House and the Mount.

EstAtE WAlkAbOuts

We saw... We did...

Fire hydrant cover on footpath missing. Reported to repairs hotline to replace cover and the new cover is now in place.

Fly-tipping on housing land. Removed fly-tipping

Graffiti on lamp posts, bike restrictors and walls. Graffiti removed.

Untidy rose beds. Referred to Greenspace Manager for attention by Glendale (Grounds Maintenance Contractor) and the beds have now been pruned and tidied.

The Mount, Brinnington - Plans include removing existing concrete paving slabs to front of The Mount and replace with paving and grass, remove some trees from the front bed, form tarmac path from Brinnington Road to the entrance, install new metal perimeter fence to the front of both blocks, provide handrails to

steps leading to paved area, provide new bench to paved area, decorate existing pedestrian barriers and replace main front door. This work is in addition to current sustainability works and has been requested by the residents to finish the scheme. The plans are currently with the residents for consultation.


sara Maw: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AREA COVERED:Offerton Estate.


Blaze Moss Bank and Ashway Clough North - Two sites identified on landscaping. Both sites were play parks many years ago but the equipment has been removed and they are just concrete now. These areas were identified by residents on a recent consultation as being considered “ugly” and a priority for development.

Long Grain Place - A large shrub bed where overgrown shrubs and trees are planted has been identified for landscaping. Improvement scheme currently being designed. Following completion of plans, full consultation with local residents will be carried out to identify whether residents are happy to proceed.

EstAtE WAlkAbOuts

We saw... We did...

Litter around Withens Green. An estate clean-up with skip and litter pick with the Area Conditions Officer.

Litter at the new communal play area at Stansbury Place.

Placed three litter bins in the area and arranged for weekly litter pick on site.


Offerton Estate - Participatory Budgeting Event Saturday 24 July – “You say We pay” took place at Dial Park School – Stockport Homes contributed £2,000 to the overall budget of £20,000. Community Groups on Offerton bid for a share of the money and 11 groups were successful in gaining funding. All activities funded will range from fun days for the whole community to residential retreats for the youth forum.

Stockport Homes, Manchester and District Housing, Neighbourhood Renewal and Youth Services came together to provide an “Offerton in Bloom day” where residents were provided with the raw materials and plants and flowers to make their own hanging baskets. It was a fun day with a BBQ and garden games. Neighbourhood Renewal asked residents what they liked about Offerton Estate and what they wanted to see improved and this information will help form a shared action plan with partners for the estate.


Dee Ellis: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AREA COVERED:Lenham Towers, Romney Towers, Lantern Close and Brinnington.


Lenham Towers and Romney Towers - Benefiting from new kitchens and bathrooms. Consultation with residents was carried out in March / April this year regarding colour choices and individual design layout. Work is now in progress with completion expected by the end of December 2010.


Northumberland Road - Improvement works to landscape the front of the flats. This is to include the removal of hedges and replace with iron railings. Customers are currently being consulted on the plans and if agreed, the work will be completed by March 2011.

Romney Way - Landscaping to rear of flats 24-32. This will include the installation of fencing to the rear, which will improve security to the block. This was requested by residents as the block backs

EstAtE WAlkAbOuts

We saw... We did...

Security light not working at Truro Avenue. Lights now repaired.

Grid covers missing on Truro Avenue. Covers now replaced.

Passageway to side of Police station full of litter. Clean-up arranged for area.

Various letter box plates missing on properties. All missing plates reported now repaired.

Graffiti to cycle barrier leading to Reddish Vale. Graffiti removed.

Northumberland Road Garage site has lots of fly-tipping.

Fly-tipping removed.

Overgrown foliage to various passageways on and around Foliage Crescent.

Foliage cut back.

on to Reddish Vale. The addition of a separate drying area and paving will enhance the garden for residents.

Romney Way - Landscaping and new fencing to rear of 59-51. Residents are unable to let their children play safely in their own garden due to the communal area being unsafe and open. This project, although only small, will enhance the lives of the residents and their children.

On a beautiful Saturday evening in late March, Brinnington’s streets filled with candlelight and laughter for the annual lantern parade.


Dee Ellis: Neighbourhood Housing Officer

AREA COVERED:Lenham Towers, Romney Towers, Lantern Close and Brinnington.

brinnington fun day

Dee Ellis attended the fun day and engaged with young people to get them involved in community activities which took place in August 2010 as part of the ‘Bring it on Brinnington’ project. 24 young people will be involved in clean-up events and planting flowers in beds in the grounds of some sheltered schemes.


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’.

East Area Housing Office1 Berwick ParadeNorthumberland RoadBrinningtonStockportSK5 8LQ

Tel: 0161 474 4372Fax: 0161 406 8377Text: 07624 808314Email: [email protected]: www.stockporthomes.org

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This newsletter gives you information about the work of the East Area Housing 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.

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east area neighbourhood news autumn 2010

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