winter home news

10 Top TIpSTo SAVE ENERGYCHILDREN’SCENTRESCLEAN up SERVICE NEw Look VANS www.warwickdc.gov.uk

www.warwickdc.gov.uk/homenews

KEEPING YOUINFORMED

ISSUE 69 – WINTER 2011YOUR WDC HOUSING MAGAZINE

www.warwickdc.gov.uk

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Published by Housing and Property Services, Warwick District Council (WDC), Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Royal Leamington Spa CV32 5QE. Tel: 01926 410 410.

Designed by The Media Room, WDC Managing Editor (WDC) Fiona Walsh 01926 456 447. Editor Nicki Hughes 01926 456 120.Photography Some Photographs by: www.siobhanelizabethphotography.com

The virgin fibre used in the paper for this product has been derived from sustainably managed forests. This product is fully recyclable.

welcome to the winter issue of Home News

with Christmas fast approaching, take a look at our page about making sure you manage your money at this time of year and remember to pay your rent first. There are also top tips for saving energy and money during the winter months. And a few scams we have been alerted to from Trading Standards.

With the New Year in mind, perhaps your resolution is to quit smoking? If so you can find out about the free help and support you can get from the NHS. There’s also information about Healthy Start vouchers and a new drug and alcohol dependency support service, now available in Leamington Spa.

It might also be the right time of year to think about insuring your belongings in your home? You can read about our insurance policy arranged with Aviva, especially for our housing tenants.

Hear about our tenant conference and how well it went. We are hoping to organise another next year, to keep you up to date with what’s happening in housing. You will also hear from the tenant panel and find out how you can get involved with their work.

We have come up with a few ideas for places to go over the festive season - and they’re free! And if you prefer to stay indoors, then why not try your hand at our winter warming curry and hearty casserole?

Seasons Greetings from all the team in Housing & Property Services.

Do keep in touch with us and if you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact: [email protected]

2 wELComE 3 CLEAN up SERVICE CHRISTmAS opENING TImES 4 ALL I wANT foR CHRISTmAS mANAGING YouR fINANCES 5 LETTERS To LISA 6 TENANTS pARTICIpATIoN 8 TENANT pANEL upDATE 9 LEASEHoLDERS NEwS LET’S TALk RubbISH 10 10 Top TIpS 11 wATCH ouT SCAmS AbouT 12 HELp wITH ALCoHoL ADDICTIoN HEALTHY START 13 STop SmokING IN 2012 14 CHILDREN’S CENTRES 15 pACkmoRES 16 How ARE wE DoING? 17 ANTI-SoCIAL bEHAVIouR 18 LIfELINE DREAmING of A GREEN CHRISTmAS 19 fIRE SAfETY IN CommuNAL AREAS 20 wINTER wARmERS 21 LookING foR SomETHING To Do 22 NEw Look VANS oLYmpIC ToRCH 23 wINTER wISHES woRDSEARCH

Where possible, information can be made available in other formats, including large print, CD and other languages if required. To obtain one of these alternatives, please contact 01926 456447

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The Council’s Contract Services and Housing and Property Services have combined to provide two teams offering a rapid response to cleaning up areas that they’ve been told about by members of the public.

Councillor David Shilton, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services, said:“This is an excellent use of resources to help tackle customer complaints and provide residents with a much more efficient service.”

One team will carry out the scheduled cleansing/clearing of council owned alleyways across

the district, allowing the second team to respond to issues relating to blocked refuse chutes, incidences of fly-tipping and local environmental quality in a timely and efficient way.

Graham Folkes-Skinner, Waste Performance Officer, says: “We often get calls about alleyways and how overgrown they can get, these are cleaned as part of the first teams schedule and often require return trips to complete the job satisfactorily. While we respond to your calls rapidly, the actual clear up of overgrown alleyways can take time and require more than one trip.”

RApID RESpoNSE CLEAN up SERVICETwo Community Cleansing teams will now concentrate on cleaning up council owned property and land to provide a faster, more efficient clean up service.

(L-R) Cllr Norman Vincett (Portfilio Holder, Housing & Property Services)and Cllr Dave Shilton (Portfolio Holder, Neighbourhood Services) seal the deal with members of the clean up team.

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xmAS opENINGCustomer Service CentreMon 19 – Thurs 22 Dec8am-7pmFri 23 Dec – ClosedSat 24 Dec – ClosedSun 25 – Tue 27 Dec– ClosedWed 28 –Thur 29 – 8am-7pmFri 30 Dec – 8am-6pmSat 31 Dec – ClosedSun 1 – Mon 2 Jan – ClosedTues 3 Jan – 8am-7pm

warwickshire Direct Shire Hall warwickMon 19 – 8am-5.30pmTues 20 – 8am-5.30pmWed 21 – 8am-5.30pmThurs 22 – 8am-5.30pmFri 23 – 8am-5pmSat 24 – 9am-2pmSun 25 – ClosedMon 26 – ClosedTues 27– ClosedWed 28 – 9am-5.30pmThurs – 8am-5.30pmFri 30 – 8am-5pmSat 31– 9am-2pmSun 1 – ClosedMon 2 – ClosedTue 3 – 8am-5.30pm

warwickshire Direct kenilworthMon 19 – 9am-7pmTues 20 – 9am-5.30pmWed 21 – 10.30am-5.30pmThurs 22 – 9am-7pmFri 23 – 9am-5.30pmSat 24 – 9am-4pmSun 25 – ClosedMon 26 – ClosedTues 27– ClosedWed 28 – ClosedThurs 29 – 9am-7pmFri 30 – 9am-5.30pmSat 31– 9am-4pmSun 1 – ClosedMon 2– ClosedTues 3 – 9am-5.30pm


and don’t forget you can contact us by Twitter @warwick_dc


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mANAGING YouR fINANCESThis guide is packed full of information you need to help you manage your money at home.

It focuses on your priority bills, looking at how much you spend and the various payment options available to you.

It gives you ways to look at how much money you have coming in versus how much you spend on a weekly or monthly budget. This will give you a clearer idea of what you are spending your money on and help to prevent you from falling into debt.

It is a free booklet, available to all Warwick District Council Tenants and Leaseholders. You can pick up a copy at Riverside House, our One Stop Shops, or by contacting our Income Recovery Officer Lisa Crossland by email; [email protected], or telephone 01926 456454.

If you prefer, you can download a copy from the website.

HOME NEWS

No Rent No Home

Get your

RENTwrapped up first!

Contact the Income Recovery Team on 01926 456239 or 456438 or visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk

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ALL wE wANT foR CHRISTmAS...we all want to have a “Happy Christmas”, but don’t underestimate how expensive this time of year can be. You must remember to keep money aside to pay your rent.

It is very easy to get carried away over the festive season, buying presents and treats for the family, as well as extra food and new clothes for all those parties, but don’t forget to pay your rent on your usual day of the week or month.

If you do not pay your rent, then Warwick District Council will apply to the Court for Possession of your home, which would result in the bailiff attending and the locks being changed, and you and your family would be homeless. And nobody wants to have to face that in the New Year, just for a few weeks of over spending!

Don’t let this be the start of your new year! Contact the Income Recovery Team as soon as you get into difficulties and they will be able to help you by:

• Setting up an affordable payment agreement• Making a referral to the Money Advice Worker at the

Citizens Advice Bureau• Referring you to our Financial Inclusion officer, or sign

posting you to other agencies who may be able to help.

Managing your financesA guide to the cost of running a home | 2011

HOME NEWSHOME NEWS

LETTERS To LISA

My circumstances have recently changed, and my new partner is moving in, do I have to tell anyone about this, if so why?

Yes, you need to tell us immediately if your circumstances change. The law says you must tell us if there is any change to the information we have used to decide whether you are entitled to housing benefit or council tax benefit, or both. You may need to claim as a couple instead of a single person.

I have recently started working part time, and I am a single parent, I am worried that I will lose my benefits, can you help?

Extended payments of housing benefit & Council tax benefit can be paid for an extra four weeks after you come off Income Support or Income based Jobseekers allowance. If you qualify for these extended payments, they will pay the benefits at the same rate as before you started work, regardless of how much you earn in your new job. You will need to submit the new income details and you will also need to inform Tax credits. An assessment can be carried out when you start your job and this will tell us approximately how much housing benefit, council tax benefit and tax credits you will get, when the 4 weeks extension ends.

My current council tax benefit does not cover my full charge and I cannot afford to pay the difference, is there anything extra I can claim?

In this instance you should contact your local benefit department to find out more.

why not pick up a copy of our ‘managing your finances’ booklet.

You can get further help by contacting your local Citizens Advice bureau on 0844 855 2322.

I have been really struggling lately with debts, they are mostly small loans, and I can’t keep up the repayments, and meet all my other expenses. I am scared that I will lose my home, and I am unsure what is most important to pay, can you help?

There are priority debts and non priority debts. Your priority debts are rent, council tax, Court fines, gas, water, electricity, phone and child maintenance. Non priorities are credit/store cards, overdrafts, unsecured loans, catalogue debts, doorstep loans. You need to sit down and look at your income and expenditure. Ensure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to, and then look at what you are able to offer to each creditor.

My son has just left school, and has got himself a part time job, he only earns about £60 a week but I am worried this will affect my benefits, because I received a letter from you saying something about a “non-dependant” deduction.

A non-dependant is someone who normally lives with the housing benefit claimant such as an adult son, daughter, relative or friend. The money the non-dependant earns is not counted as the housing benefit claimant’s income. Instead a fixed deduction is made from the claimant’s entitlement to housing benefit, which is £9.40 per month, this can vary depending on the individual situation. To find out more contact your local benefit department.

our Income Recovery officer, Lisa Crossland, takes us through some of the letters and emails she has received from tenants. Hopefully her answers might help you if you have any similar concerns. please get in touch if you have any other questions or concerns you would like answered, by email at [email protected] or by calling 01926 456454.

Lisa

Managing your financesA guide to the cost of running a home | 2011

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TENANT PARTICIPATIONHOUSING AND PROPERTY SERVICES

There were displays and talks from many of our partners and contractors including Baxi, NHS, Heateam, EM&I, Ian Williams, Seddons, the Fire Brigade, as well as our teams from Housing & Property Services, Recycling and the Tenant Panel. Many of which were kind enough to hand out a few freebies!

You found out all about their role in the maintenance of your homes and what it means to them to work with Warwick District Council. Many of you took the opportunity to ask your own questions, and you could also find out about the progress of any jobs outstanding in your own homes - and those have been followed up on your behalf.

based on your really positive feedback, we are hoping to make this an annual event – so that we can keep you up to date and involved with your housing service. If you have any suggestions for next year’s event and what you’d like to find out about, then please share them with us at; [email protected]

Town Hall – 12 october

TENANT CoNfERENCE

About 80 tenants joined housing staff, contractors and partners for our very first Tenant Conference, which we held at the Town Hall in october. many of you came along to find out more about the work done by the teams that come to your homes and provide your housing service.

“We were really pleased to see so many of our tenants attending our Conference.

I personally found it a really enjoyable evening, with a good atmosphere. I hope the tenants who attended enjoyed the opportunity to ask lots of questions and meet with the housing and property services team. And if you didn’t get the opportunity to attend this time, I hope you will be encouraged to do so next year!”

Head of Housing, Jameel Malik said,

www.warwickdc.gov.uk 6

January 2012Thur 12 packmores, Lyttleton Road 10am - 12noon

Thur 12 brunswick Residents meeting, The Healthy Living Centre, 7 - 8pm

Tue 17 Tenant panel meeting, Town Hall, 7 - 9pm

february 2012Tues 14 packmores, Lyttleton Road 10am - 12noon

DRop INCome along and join us for a coffee and a chat at one of our drop in sessions. You can report repairs, or other housing issues, find out what’s going on in your area and also bring along your old clothes for recycling!

7 www.warwickdc.gov.uk

Town Hall – 12 october

TENANT CoNfERENCE

wHAT You SAID

“It was really nice to meet everyone”

“It was good to hear fromthe Head of Housing”

“The staff came across as really helpful and friendly”“Brilliant!”

“The whole evening was really informativeand useful”

“I really enjoyed myself!”

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TENANT HOUSING AND PROPERTY SERVICES

A woRD fRom ouR CHAIRmAN

I thought it was about time I put pen to paper and updated

you all on developments with the Tenant Panel. Having

survived the first year as Chairman, I am now looking forward

to my role as Chairman once again!

This past year has been a huge learning curve for all of us

on the Tenant Panel. I personally joined the Panel, because I

saw it as a unique opportunity to get things done and make a

difference. I didn’t have any background with housing, other

than having been a tenant for a good many years, so I wasn’t

too sure what to expect.

But I have to say, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it! I’ve met a great

bunch of people on the Tenant Panel and in the Housing

team and been involved in a number of events including

those at Crown Way and Fallow Hill. I’ve been on all kinds of

training – something which I must say I was very unsure of,

but everyone was the same as me – scared witless! And we all

finished our courses feeling better for it, we knew more about

what was going on in the council and we were working with

like-minded people. And the courses were nothing like school,

they were very informal and no-one was expected to speak out

or join in unless they wanted to!

Going forward, we have a few more challenges ahead of us this

year, with benefit changes and changes to how they’ll be paid

and new legislation, but I feel as if the Tenant Panel is starting

to make a real difference now and if that continues, I’ll be

very happy!

We just need more tenants to give us their support and

help us to get things done, so if like me you want to make a

difference, just get in touch with Margaret Allen and she’ll tell

you all you need to know!

You can also contact me via Margaret

and I’ll be happy to answer any

questions you might have about the

work we are getting involved in.

Regards

Rob Harris,

Chairman, Tenant Panel

SECRETARY’S upDATE The tenant panel has now been up and running for just over 12 months. Although we seem to have achieved some things, we still have a way to go before we become empowered in our roles as scrutineers. Mostly, I have enjoyed being instrumental in setting up the Estate Walkabouts which you will have been reading about in previous issues. I feel that this is a great way of getting tenants and WDC together at ground level in order to find out where problems lie and address issues which are important to all tenants. We have covered several areas so far and plan to revisit those areas after a few months to check in and see that works have been carried out and any problems are being chased up and resolved. All tenants are welcome to come and join in and point out any known problems. The tenant panel are the voice of tenants. This is where we get to have our say on the service we receive and can be a kind of critical friend in order to improve the service that we all receive. We welcome the views of all tenants, the more the merrier, so if you would like to be involved and put your views forward then please join us by contacting Margaret Allen, Tenant Participa-tion Officer. I look forward to updating you on what we’re doing in future.

Emma Baylis.

A woRD fRom THE VICE-CHAIRI promised you an update on the comments we made in the last issue of Home News.

It has been a busy few months, but we can report that we are still investigating the waiting times and abandoned calls at the customer service centre, as there has been no real improvement yet.

One thing we can share with you - it is better to call the customer service centre on a Friday than a Monday! Waiting times are less and you should find it quicker to get through. We have no updates this issue for the general communication issues I mentioned, or the Supporting People’s Review. We will keep you posted in the next issue.

Tim Eden.

PANEL

If you would like any more information, please contact Margaret Allen, Tenant Participation Officer on: tel – 01926 456 451 mobile – 07810 654 669 email – [email protected] web – www.warwickdc.gov.uk/tp


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LET’S TALk RubbISH!we all want to live in an area that is rubbish and litter free and the council provides plenty of ways for you to keep your local environment clean and tidy; there are different types of rubbish collection depending on where you live; we clean the streets on a regular basis and will take away unwanted large household items.

But we can’t do all of this without your help, here are a few dos and don’ts for you;

Do not leave any rubbish or unwanted items on communal landings/areas.The council has legal powers to remove these items and recharge you for any cost incurred in their removal. Do not dump rubbish - it is both dangerous and illegal. Any fly-tipping, or rubbish dumped improperly carries a fine of up to £50,000, it is also a breach of your tenancy agreement. Do dispose of your household rubbish correctly, for example using the refuse chutes in multi-storey flats, placing rubbish in communal refuse bins, or leaving it outside your property on the correct day for refuse collectors.

Do contact Warwick District Council if you have bulky items you want to dispose of, by calling 01926 412 464 – there is a fee for this service.

Cleaning up fly-tips, blocked chutes and inappropriately placed rubbish costs the District Council huge amounts of money each year, which could be used on other services, so please follow our dos and don’ts.

HOUSING AND PROPERTY SERVICES

LEASEHOLDERS NEWSCommuNICATIoNSThe Leaseholder Action Group (LAG) was set up in 2003 by Leaseholders. The aims of the group are:-• To represent and promote

the views and wishes of leaseholders

• To work with the landlord (WDC) to ensure that, through partnership, the aspirations of leaseholders and landlords are met

• To keep leaseholders informed of developments that may affect their leasehold and housing interests

• To provide a forum where the views of leaseholders can be heard

To undertake these aims we need to ensure we have good communication, which we now provide by:-• General Meetings at the

Town-Hall every 3 months, where leaseholders hear from the LAG Committee and ask any questions

• Leaseholders can now provide information and ask questions by email at [email protected]

We have direct and frequent communication with senior WDC staff and can feedback any updates to leaseholders by email.

We would like to see more of you attending our General Meetings.

You will receive a copy of the “Leaseholder” which contains information on current issues and details of the next and future meetings.

QuESTIoNNAIREYou will have recently received a new LAG Questionnaire, which follows up the last one sent out in January 2009.

This one enables you to reply by internet as well as by completing and sending back by Freepost.

Once we have analysed the replies, we will report our findings in the next Home News, the next Leaseholder and on the LAG Website.



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TAkE CoVER!Hopefully winter won’t be as harsh as it was last year, but we can expect at least some cold spells. Have you thought what would happen if you get a burst pipe during a chilly spell? warwick District Council will repair the burst pipe but what if your possessions were damaged by leaking water?

Many tenants believe that the council insures their home contents for them - this is not the case. Warwick District Council does not insure your furniture, belongings or decorations against theft, fire, vandalism or burst pipes.

The council is responsible for carrying out repairs that are reported and within a reasonable timescale; but not for compensating for any damage to your belongings or decorations after a burst pipe for example. This needs to be covered by your own contents insurance.To protect yourself, your family, and your belongings against the unexpected we strongly recommend thatyou arrange your own home contents insurance. To make it easier for you to insure your belongings Warwick District Council offers a special scheme for tenants only. The scheme is arranged through Aviva,the largest insurance group in the UK.The premium is collected weekly along with your rent,so it is easy to pay and budget for. The cost depends on the value of your possessions.

If you’re over 65 the weekly cost starts at just 72p for insurance cover up to £6,000! If you are under 65 it starts at 96p a week for £8,000 of cover. Up to £25,000 worth of cover can be provided. You don’t pay any more because you have a particular postcode — our rates are the same wherever you live. There’s no excess charge so you don’t have to pay the first portion of any claim yourself.

Don’t lose it all!

Call the team on: 01926 456 408 to find out more or ask for a quote.

Keep the oven door shut as much as possible. Every time you open it, nearly a quarter of the heat escapes.

Give your clothes a day in the sun and give your tumble drier a break. Clothes dried in the fresh air feel great, and there are some drying days in winter, too!

Food in the oven cooks faster when the air inside flows freely, so avoid putting foil on the racks.

Don’t leave your phone on charge all night. It only needs three hours and try not to leave the TV and other gadgets on stand-by.

Be a friend to your freezer. Defrost it regularly to help it run more efficiently.

Catch ‘em young! Encourage your children to switch off electric toys and lights that they’re not using. They’ll soon get the hang of saving energy.

When boiling water, only fill the kettle with as much as you’ll actually use, but make sure you cover the metal element at the base.

Wait until you have a full load before putting on a wash. Two half-loads use more energy and water than one full load.

Make sure all the lights are turned off when you go to bed, or use a low wattage night light if you do need to leave one on.

Put your fridge in a good spot. Somewhere the air can circulate behind it, but not next to a cooker or radiator.

If you have any tips you’d like to share with us, just email them in to [email protected]

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wATCH ouT!THERE ARE SCAmS AbouT!we have heard of a couple of scams which are typical for this time of year – when you might be looking to borrow money for those extras and also expecting presents and parcels to be delivered. Read on and find out more.

LoansIf you need to borrow money, beware of unexpected/unsolicited approaches from ‘businesses’ offering loans.

We have had information from a consumer who was looking for a loan on-line and then received a phone call unexpectedly from someone telling him that he was eligible for a loan of £1500.

They then asked the consumer to send a payment of £155 via a voucher payment system to cover the first month’s repayment. The consumer did this, but was then asked for a further £450 in several payments over a short period of time, all of which the consumer sent, using the voucher system.

They were then told that the vouchers were invalid and that their credit history was not good. The consumer was asked to send a further £170 which he refused to send. At no time did the consumer receive the £1500 loan.

This is an increasingly widespread scam, largely perpetrated by criminal gangs and often from abroad. And even if you are finding it really difficult to obtain a loan, you should never agree to such approaches or send money.

Advice on credit and debt is available from:National Debtline -www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/Citizens Advice Bureau - www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_money/money_management_index_ew.htmFinancial Services Authority - www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/yourmoney

parcels and presents deliveredThis scams works on the assumption that many of us expect parcels and presents to be delivered during the festive season, so a card for a missed delivery would not be unusual.

A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 661 1911.

This is a premium rate phone number so DO NOT call it. If you do call the number and you start to hear a recorded message, then you will already have been charged £315 for the phone call as this is a scam originating from Belize.

If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655.

for more information on scams visit the trading standards website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams

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Healthy Start is a government scheme which offers free vouchers to spend on fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, infant formula and milk each week.

Women and children eligible for Healthy Start food vouchers will also receive vouchers to exchange for vitamins. The vitamins are specially designed for pregnant women, breast feeding mums and babies from six months depending on feeding regime, to be given until children reach 4 years.

You can swap your vouchers for vitamins in any of the Children’s Centres as they all accept vouchers and keep a stock of vitamins, or you can ask your midwife or health visitor for more details.

You could qualify for vouchers if you are claiming benefits, or if you are pregnant and under 18.

If you want to apply then all you have to do is:

Ask your midwife or health visitor for an application formPick up a form from your Doctor’s surgery – lots of surgeries stock themCall the Healthy Start Helpline on 0845 607 6823 and ask them to send an application form to you by postContact Lisa Crossland, Financial Inclusion Officer, Warwick District Council on 01926 456454


from 1 December 2011, if you have a drug or alcohol problem, then

you will now have access to a

new treatment service, the Recovery partnership. The Recovery Partnership, based in Leamington Spa, will offer treatment for an extra 1,000 people living in Warwickshire and Coventry affected by drugs and alcohol every year. It will build on the good performance of current providers by reducing the harm to individuals and communities, and improving the support available to those wanting to become,and remain free from drug and alcohol dependency.

Services available from The Recovery Partnership will include drug and alcohol advice and information, needle exchange services, a range of treatment options including prescribing, detoxification and structured day-care and aftercare, as well as training and support for those going through the criminal justice system.

The Recovery Partnership is available across Coventry and Warwickshire, provided by Addaction and Cranstoun, two national substance misuse charities, who between them operate over 100 specialist services. They were awarded the contract to deliver this new service following a competitive tender process led jointly by Warwickshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team and Coventry Community Safety Partnership.

In Warwick District, The Recovery Partnership will be based at 16 Court Street, Leamington Spa, with additional access available at a number of locations.Contact The Recovery Partnership at 01926 885000, or visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/drugs for more information.

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How much would you save? A 20 a day smoker can spend up to £2,370 a year (based on £6.50 per pack).

Just think about it, you could pay off some Christmas debts and still have money for a holiday, new shoes, or treats for the children!

There are around 4000 chemicals in cigarettes! 69 of these are cancer causing toxins and roll-ups are no safer than any other type of cigarette. Chemicals include arsenic – a powder used in insecticides, ammonia – used in toilet cleaner, carbon monoxide – a poisonous gas and formaldehyde – used by morticians.

If you are worried about your health, then stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve it.

You will have more energy to play with your children or grandchildren, without getting out of breath. And you stop any further damage that smoking does to your teeth and skin as well as all the other diseases caused by smoking.

If you’ve tried to stop before and not succeeded - then make a fresh start in the New Year.Don’t worry, most smokers take several attempts before they stop for good and when you are ready to try again call 0800 085 2917 for a friendly informal chat with a Warwick based advisor.

You will receive advice and information on where to get help and the different types of products you can use to help you quit, all on prescription (free if you don’t pay prescription charges).

STop SmokING IN 2012 wITH wARwICkSHIRE

STop SmokING SERVICE

If you are thinking about stopping smoking in the New Year, then you can get fREE help and support from your local stop smoking service. And you are 4 times more likely to stop smoking successfully if you use this service than if you try on your own.

Call fREEpHoNE - 0800 085 2917www.smokefreewarwickshire.orgText ‘LIfE’ to 80800

Bringing up a child is often a tricky business – even though you enjoy them and want the best for them, they can sometimes worry and confuse you and they are pretty expensive!

Children’s Centres provide a friendly place for you to bring your babies and children under 5. They welcome parents, grandparents, childminders, aunts and uncles. Just come along and have fun, play and learn and get the information you need to give your child the best start in life.

With a wide range of activities, all free of charge, you will be able to ask for advice throughout your pregnancy and after your baby is born; about your child’s health and development, money issues, adult learning and your own health and wellbeing.

There are also children’s centres in Kenilworth and Warwick, and they too have a team of staff who are skilled and experienced in matters relating to young children. Don’t miss out - why not call in for a cup of tea and find out what is going on?

To find out more about your local Children’s Centre,

• Tel: 01926 337506 • www.leamingtonandwarwickwestchildrenscentres.org • Family Information Service: 0845 090 8044 local rate• Text phone: 01926 736327

“I don’t know what I’d do now without the Centre, I love coming - I hardly knew anyone before and now I’ve made friends. I think it’s helped the children too, as they can mix, and learn to share. Their Dad comes to the centre because he is on short time, the Children’s Centre has been good for the whole family” Emma 22

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CHILDREN’S CENTRES

SomEwHERE To Go, SomETHING To Do, SomEoNE To TALk To AND IT’S ALL fREE!!

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foR bAbIES, CHILDREN uNDER 5 AND THEIR fAmILIESLillington l kingsway l whitnash l

Sydenham l milverton l westgate

& Newburgh

“ComE AND JoIN THE fuN!”

THERE’S muCH moRE oN AT pACkmoRES foR pACkmoRES RESIDENTSNew craft group?

We would like to hear from local residents who are keen on arts and crafts and who would like to set up a new group in the New Year.

Happy families

Starting on Wednesdays in January, these small informal, group sessions will look at families and the challenges you face with children and life in general. Aimed at parents who have babies or children less than 10 years, they will look at sharing ideas and experiences. Ring the Centre number below or call in for more details.

weight management Club

This has been a successful group for 2011 and the new year will bring a new 12 – week programme starting on Monday 16 January from 1.30 – 2.30pm. The Club offers free, friendly advice and support, ideas and information around eating and exercise as well as a free portion plate and bowl for each member.

fresh food Co-op

Pop in and discuss how you can get your fabulous fruit and Veg bags to start in the New Year!

packmores Events planning Group

Would you like to see more things happening locally? If so come along and join the residents who plan and organise activities and events throughout the year for everyone to enjoy. No qualifications required – just bring ideas and enthusiasm! Ring or call in to see Kath or Linda at Packmores Centre for more details.

for information on any of the above please call packmores Centre, Lyttleton Road, warwick Tel: 01926 492488 or Linda on 07776 164599, or kath on 01926 883910.

HOME NEWS


Packmores opened in April 2008 for local residents to use.

How ARE wE DoING?HOME NEWS


please help by giving access to Heateam for gas servicing. It’s really important for you and your family’s safety.

In october 2011 it took 21.3 days between one tenant moving out of their home and the next one moving in. The quicker we can re-let our properties, the less time you have to wait to move into your new home.

How long does it take to re-let our properties?

I’m off!TO LET I’m the new

tenant

NEW HOME

GAS SERVICINGwarwick District Council as your landlord has a legal responsibility to carry out gas servicing.

As of 2 December 2011 4892 homes had a valid gas service and only one property had a gas service that had expired. This means our performance to date is almost 100%. we need to maintain this level every month.

Residents in the local area had reported to the Police and the Housing Department incidents of anti-social behaviour

including; noise nuisance, the defendant openly urinating in the street, and intimidation. The order

now prevents him from using or threatening violence against residents or properties close to where he lives in Warwick.

Failure to comply will result in an arrest by the Police and him being brought before the Courts. This order stays in place until 1 November 2013.

In a second case, an Interim anti-social behaviour injunction was successfully sought against a tenant living in Leamington Spa.

The order prevents him acting in any way which causes or is capable of

causing a nuisance or annoyance to any person living, visiting or carrying out a lawful activity in

or within the area of where he lives in Leamington Spa. Housing & Property Services attended Warwick County Court in November 2011 and successfully prosecuted for two breaches of the Interim Anti- Social Behaviour Injunction.

The tenant was sentenced to 28 days imprisonment for contempt of court, suspended for 12 months, for causing a noise nuisance on two separate occasions after he had been served with the injunction.

The Council will continue to take appropriate enforcement action to tackle anti-social behaviour when there is sufficient evidence to do so. If you are suffering from anti-social behaviour, please

contact your Housing Officer.

we have been successful in obtaining an anti-social injunction with power of arrest attached in relation to a housing tenant living in warwick.

2 SuCCESSfuL ANTI-SoCIAL bEHAVIouR INJuNCTIoNS

at Covent Garden car park

So, you can take all the time you need, without watching the clock!

For more information about parking visitwww.warwickdc.gov.uk/parking

Safe, Secure, Convenient.

HOME NEWS

£3


PARKINGALL DAY

17

There will be no change to your planned collections this Christmas. However, if the weather turns bad then sometimes collections can change or be suspended. This decision is made after roads and paths have been assessed for safety.

LIfELINE wARwICk RESpoNSE

Most of our customers are older people who feel vulnerable or isolated in their homes. Their families are reassured that they can call for help at the touch of a button whenever they need it and wherever they are in their home. But Lifeline is just as beneficial for younger people who are vulnerable or have health problems, but don’t want to rely on their parents or carers.

All you need is your own telephone line and the Lifeline will dial through to our control centre which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are running costs and you would need to discuss this with our Support Team.

for more information, please call 01926 456405 or visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/lifeline

A Lifeline is invaluable at times of need. You can dial straight through to our control centre at any time of the day or night and reach a friendly voice who will talk you through what you need to do next, or get help to you if it’s an emergency.

HOME NEWS


Knowing there is someone there gives me

peace of mind and makes me feel safe in my own home.

I’m 73 years old Lifeline saved my life in

February this year after my fall. I was in hospital for

5 weeks.

I’m 26 and have a learning disability. Lifeline allows me to live independently.

wE’RE DREAmING of A GREEN CHRISTmAS!

You should still leave your bins/bags out for collection on your normal day, but expect them to be collected as soon as possible and this might not be at the usual time. You can sign up for email alerts to receive the latest information about your collection at www.warwickdc.gov.uk/emailalerts.If you want to recycle your Christmas cards, then you can put them in your red bag, or take them to our special recycling bins located at the following Warwickshire Direct locations:

• Lillington Library, Valley Road• Shire Hall, Market Square, Warwick• Whitnash Library & Information Centre, Franklin Road• Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Leamington Spa

Also remember that if you are having a clear out over Christmas and the New Year, then we will collect all your old jumpers, slippers and dressing gowns in any condition! Just leave your textile recycling out with your red/white bins and bags. The additional income we make will be used to support the training and development of guide dogs.

www.warwickdc.gov.uk/christmasrecyclingemail [email protected] 01926 412464

Fizz!Fizz!St uf f i ng

Sage &Onion

18

19

HOME NEWS


As a tenant or leaseholder you have a responsibility to keep communal areas, such as hallways, stairwells, landings and basements, clean and free from any obstructions and flammable materials:

Do not leave refuse sacks, bicycles, children’s buggies, plant pots, doormats, washing or other obstructions in communal corridors or walkways. Do not wedge open fire doors in the corridors. Do not store anything on balconies that could easily catch fire. For residents who have a mobility scooter that is currently stored in the communal area, please contact your Housing Officer urgently so we can discuss possible solutions. These items also present a health and fire safety risk that must be managed.

Banning some of these items may seem unfair, however:

Warwick District Council has worked carefully to strike a reasonable balance between our resident’s needs and the level of risk that must be addressed. This is why we have worked in partnership with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services and expert independent fire safety assessors.

We are adopting a firmer approach to removing obstructions in our communal areas:

Our Housing Officers have been asked to ensure that any obstructions that may affect safety are removed. So the best way to look after your possessions is to keep them in your own property. Housing Officers will contact residents and arrange the removal of obstructions if necessary. We have already started issuing warning letters and removing items. On occasion we might ask for the Police or Fire Brigade to visit with us to discuss the matter further.

Your Tenancy or Leaseholder Agreement also asks that you:

Promptly notify the council of any disrepair or defects within communal areas that may present a fire risk. Repairs Hotline: 01926 412 828 Gain written consent from the council before carrying out any alterations to your property that may affect fire safety. This includes the front door to your flat which must provide 30 minutes fire resistance. It is also your responsibility to keep the smoke alarm we have provided in good working order and regularly test it. Please let us know if it requires repair.

Remember a No Smoking policy in all common areas must be adhered to.

Should you have any questions or concerns relating to this notice, please contact your Housing Officer on 01926 412828

Fire Safety in Communal Areas


HOME NEWS

20

winter warming Stew900g (2lb) of good stewing beef

25g of butter3-4 tablespoons of olive oil

A large onion, finely chopped

2 or 3 celery sticks chopped into 1cm chunks

1 large carrotQuarter of a swede or a large parsnip

175g (6oz) bacon cut into small pieces

2 tbsp of flour seasoned with salt & pepper

425-600 ml (3/4 - 1 pint) beef stock

bouquet garni or a teaspoon of mixed herbs

225g (8oz) mushrooms chopped

Salt & black pepper.

Melt the butter & olive oil in the pan, lightly

brown the onions, and then add the rest of the

vegetables except the mushrooms. Transfer to

the casserole.Add more olive oil to the pan and cook the bacon

on a high heat until it starts to go crispy -add to

the casserole.Roll the beef in the seasoned flour and cook in

the remaining olive oil in the pan until it is brown

on all sides, then add to the casserole. Add the

left over flour; it thickens the sauce up nicely.

Pour the stock into the pan and bring to the boil,

scraping the pan to get all the juices out. Pour

this over the meat in the casserole and add the

bouquet garni or mixed herbs, season with salt

and pepper then cover with the lid and simmer

on a low heat (gas mark 2/ 150C or 300 f) for 2 -

3 hours.Fry the mushrooms in a knob of butter and add

to the casserole about 20 minutes before you are

ready to serve once the meat is cooked.

Serve with baked potatoes, rice or crusty bread.

Enjoy!

what better way to spend a cold winter’s night, than enjoying a good hearty stew with your family and friends?

We share Emma Baylis’ beef stew, which is quick and easy to make and Margaret Allen share’s her butternut squash curry which is a really tasty alternative!

wINTER wARmERS

butternut Squash Curry

This is a lovely, vegetarian alternative to the beef

casserole using butternut squash – there are plenty of

them around at the moment.

• Serves 4

• Prepare 10 mins

200g Basmati Rice Brown/White

1tbsp olive oil

1 Butternut squash diced

1 red onion diced

2tbsp mild curry paste

300ml vegetable stock

4 large tomatoes roughly chopped

400g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

3tbsp Greek Yoghurt

Small handful coriander chopped

Heat the oil in a large frying pan and cook the

butternut squash for 2-3 mins until lightly browned.

Add the onion and the curry paste and fry for a further

3–4 mins.Pour in the stock then cover and simmer for 15–20

mins or until the butternut squash is tender. Add the

tomatoes and chickpeas, then gently cook 3–4 mins

until tomatoes slightly soften.

Take off the heat and stir

through the yoghurt and

coriander. Meanwhile

cook the rice in boiling

salted water, as per

packet instructions.

Serve with the rice.

• Cook 40 mins

• Can be frozen

21

HOME NEWS


LookING foR SomETHING To Do?blow away those cobwebs with the Duck Race at Abbey Fields in Kenilworth, on Monday 26 December, organised by the Kenilworth Lions. All you need to do is buy a duck from local shops before the day and all proceeds are distributed to good causes. Then go along to the ford at 12noon and watch them being released.

Get out and about and take your kids out to the park, there are so many in the district! You could feed the ducks in Jephson Gardens, or take a stroll by the river in St Nicholas Park. Or just let them play for a couple of hours – take a ball, kite, skateboard or bike and you’ll find nothing beats the winter blues than a blast of fresh air on a chilly day.

How about a bit of culture?If you’ve not visited the Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, then this is a great time to go and find out about a well known local artist. There is an exhibition of James Edward Duggins’ work on display until

12 February. He was born in Cubbington in 1881 and his work is based on his love of the Warwickshire and Cotswold countryside. And with the children’s gallery and various activities to do – you could enjoy a very relaxing couple of hours! Based at the Royal Pump Rooms, just call 742700 for opening hours. Admission is free!

And if you enjoy an exhibition, the Spa Centre has a number of free photography exhibitions on during January. Just call the Box Office on 334418 for opening times.

what about a new goal or interest for the new year?If you have a bit of time on your hands and want to get into a group that makes a difference and gets things done, then why not sign up to your Resident’s Group, or the Tenant Panel, you could even pop along to your local Community Forum and have your say? Just contact Margaret Allen for details on 456451 or email [email protected]

www.warwickdc.gov.uk 22

we have teamed up with Ian williams to roll-out 10 new vans with both our names on.

This is to make sure you know who is working in your home, and to show our commitment to working together.

Ian Williams has worked on our responsive repairs since 2007, and has worked with Warwick District Council on other contracts for around nine years.

And did you know that Ian Williams donates £1 to the charity, Shelter, for every questionnaire that you return to them?

If you would like to find out more just visit www.shelter.org.uk

Every year thousands will be donated to support Shelter, as a result of customer repairs satisfaction returns from various contracts.Ian Williams became an official supporter of Shelterin 2005.

NEw Look VANSYou will soon notice Ian williams’ smart new repair vans driving around the district!

warwick District Council is delighted to announce that the London olympic 2012 Torch Relay is coming through warwick District on 1 July 2012.

Warwick, Leamington and Kenilworth are three of over 1,000 villages, towns and cities announced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympics Games (LOCOG) through which the Olympic Flame will be carried by Torchbearers during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

We want to hear if you and your local groups or clubs are planning for this once in a lifetime event.

Send your ideas through to us so they will form part of our overall plan for the towns. Email: [email protected] news and updates will be posted onto our website at www.warwickdc.gov.uk

HOME NEWS


THE oLYmpIC ToRCH RELAY wE’RE oN THE RouTE!

HOME NEWS

One word from the word bank is not in the puzzle. If you can find it, complete the form below and post it to us before 13 January 2012. In the event of a tie, first out of the hat wins.

Name: .............................................

Address: .........................................

...........................................................

Tel: ...................................................

The missing word is:

...........................................................

SEND YouR ENTRIES To:Fiona Walsh, Housing Services, PO Box 2175, Warwick District Council, Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Royal Leamington Spa, CV32 5QE

wo

RD

b

AN

k CaringfriendshipHappinessHarmony Health

kindness LoveLuckpeaceSecurity

Successwarmth wealth

woRDSEARCH CompETITIoN

wIN a £40 ASDA Gift card or one of four runners-up prizes of a £5 ASDA Gift card!

wordsearch winnersCongratulations to mr bolt of Leamington Spa! He was the winner of our Autumn wordsearch Competition; he wins a £40 Tesco gift card to treat himself for Christmas!

our four runners up prizes of £5 Tesco gift cards go to:

The missing word was LENTIL

mrs Rawlings, kenilworthmr Straker, Leamington Spa

mr Lovatt, warwick ms Steven, Leamington Spa


wINTER wISHESH w D T A H V T I G N EY A T S E T S H N o C EH R p L E S o I S A I NT m C p E w R o E E E ST T R C I A E p I V T oL H C o C N E A o I f HL u C k C A E L L I f ES D A N o T R S G T T AS E C u R I T Y S E H LE o S b T H o N o u A Tf R I E N D S H I p E HH A R m o N Y E A S H T

Warwick DistrictHomeChoice

Warwick District Council’s register of social housing covers all Council and Housing Association homes across the district. Properties become available every fortnight.

To bid for any of these properties, you must be registered on the council’s HomeChoice scheme. For further details see our website www.warwickdc.gov.uk or telephone 01926 412828.

iPhone Android

Homechoice bidding is now live on mobile phone and Digital TV.For instructions visit: www.warwickdc.gov.uk/housing

HOuSINg REPAIRS 01926 412 828HomeChoice and Housing Officer enquiries 01926 412828

Council Housing Estates Supervisors Eileen McKeoghChristine Ledger Square .........07866 609 655John Lamb - Fallow Hill/Stamford Gardens/Binswood Street (grounds maintenance only) ...................................................07866 609 674Andy Smith - Kennedy/St Paul’s Square ...................................................07866 609 657Ant Collins - New Brook Street/Radcliffe Gardens/Westbrook House/Dell House/44 Clarendon Square (grounds maintenance only) .........................................07866 609 656James Baker - Senior Estates Supervisor .........................07979 486 617/01926 456 444

Disabled Adaptations.........(01926) 456 405

garagesApplying for a garage – Mrs Darlison/Mrs Leech ..................................(01926) 456 424/5Garage Repairs .....................(01926) 412 828

Housing Advice, HomeChoice and Homelessness ......(01926) 456 427/428/359

Home News Fiona Walsh ...........................(01926) 456 447

Overdue gas Servicing.......(01926) 456 035Sue Sweeney ........................ (01926) 456 434

Tenancy Enforcement ...........(01926) 456 419Corporate ComplaintsFiona Walsh ...........................(01926) 456 447

Leaseholder Enquiries ................................................(01926) 456 420

Refuse & Recycling ............(01926) 412 464

Rentsproblems with paying your home rent. Guy Greenland/Yusaf Ramzan/Mark Herbert ..................................(01926) 456 438/457/435problems with paying your garage rent Kathy Lewis ............................(01926)456 239Rent Direct Debit, Eva Nicholls ................................................(01926) 456 409Rent Allpay CardsSatnam Sangh .......................(01926) 456 408pay your rent by phone............................FREEPHONE 0800 028 3377managing Your financesLisa Crossland ......................(01926) 456 454

Tenant Involvement(Area Panels & Residents groups) Margaret Allen .......................(01926) 456 451

Tenants’ Contents Insurance SchemeSatnam Sangha .....................(01926) 456 408

Warwick Response (Lifeline Service)24 hour number .....................(01926) 339 577Supporting People Services Manager Joan Hicks .............................(01926) 456 405

If you prefer to write, our address is: Housing and property Services, warwick District Council, p.o. box 2175, Riverside House, milverton Hill, Royal Leamington Spa, CV32 5QEIf you prefer to email:Housing Register & [email protected] [email protected] Queries – not for reporting [email protected] Housing Officers & Estate [email protected] Arrears [email protected] & Moving [email protected] [email protected] Control [email protected]@warwickdc.gov.uk

winter home news

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new year

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winter months

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