Together - English Copy by Cartrefi Conwy

Summer 2014

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Leading the Way on Fire Safety Cartrefi & NWFR Service team up with a new initiative to improve your Fire safety Cartrefi Conwy have teamed up with North Wales Fire & Rescue Services from 1st April to jointly fund a brand new role within North Wales Fire and Rescue Service that will be dedicated to helping Cartrefi Conwy communities and tenants to stay safer in their homes. Last year, Cartrefi Conwy tenants called on the services of NWFR 35 times to help deal with an emergency fire in their homes. When a fire takes hold it can be a scary experience and if you are lucky enough to survive a fire, your home and possessions usually won’t be.

Gwyn Jones of NWFRS said “Cartrefi Conwy has been working in partnership with us for a number of years now to improve fire safety in their homes, but this initiative is the first of its kind in North Wales and makes our partnership even stronger and shows how important Cartrefi Conwy’s homes and communities are to them.” “A fire in the home can be a real life changing experience and so disruptive and unsettling for our tenants, neighbours and the community around; our goal with the new partnership is to help our tenants understand what they can do to prevent fires in their homes and keep themselves, their families and their neighbours safe.” said Wil Pritchard H&S Advisor for Cartrefi Conwy.

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TAKE A LOOK INSIDE

Ger y Mor environmental improvements

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If you want advice, or to check you’ve done everything you can in your home please call 0300 124 0040 now to book a home fire safety check with Chad Rogerson. For further information see page 2

Parent and Toddler Easter Art Event

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Rock on at Parc Peulwys

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ugust put the A th 7 2 4 1 0 ay 2 so Family Fun D ed volunteers e n e W . ry ia d t on date in your nteer to assis lu o v to e m ti ages if you have e planning st th g n ri u d r o team the day munications m o C r u o t c please conta 345 on 01745 335

Contacts

It’s back! Cart refi got’s tale nt. Lets mak biggest and b e it the est ever. No m atter your ag or old please e young entertain us with your tale out for more nt. Look information in the comin but put the d g months ate in your d iary today 27th August, 2014

Customer Service 0300 124 0040

enquiries@cartreficonwy.org

Beat the Loan Sharks - Bite Back!

page 7 Audio copies of this newsletter are available Call 01745 335345 to request a copy.

North Wales Fire & Rescue Service

Ashleigh’s 1st Cap Cartrefi Conwy tenant Ashleigh Mills aged 15 has received her 1st cap for playing in the Welsh Girls under 17's competition in Ireland during the first week of the Easter Holidays.

Hello, I’m Chad Rogerson from North Wales Fire & Rescue Service. I’m now working in partnership with Cartrefi Conwy on a 12 month secondment from North Wales Fire & Rescue. I’ve now been based with Cartrefi Conwy at Morfa Gele since April 2014. I will be carrying on my role of a Home Fire Safety Support Officer personally to Cartrefi Conwy and Cartrefi Conwy residents.

Ashleigh's mum Town Cllr Sharon Sadler said Congratulations she is so proud of her and is over the to tenant Lara Fox moon with Ashleigh's and the teams who has been short achievements. They are all looking listed in the Young Tenant forward to the formal capping of the Year category for ceremony which is taking place in May.

this year’s TPAS Cymru Participation Awards. Good Luck at the Awards

Over the Next 12 months I will visit many social gatherings & community events, I will be giving out advice and information on Home Fire Safety issues in the home. This is a great opportunity for tenants to receive advice and have home safety queries answered. One of my main roles is to undertake Home Fire Safety checks with you in your homes. It’s advisable that you have a Home Fire Safety check done at least couple of years as peoples circumstances change over time. Feel free to book your FREE Personal Home Fire Safety Check today! Please call Cartrefi Conwy Customer Services requesting a Home Fire Safety check, Stating your name address and contact details. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible of you very soon. Customer Services 0300 124 0040

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     

WORKING TOGETHER FOR A SAFER COMMUNITY

                                                                                                                                                                                    

1. Make Make a fire fire ac action tion pplan lan so that that everyone everyone in in your your home home knows knows how how to to escape escape ifif there's there's a fire. fire. 2. Keep exits its ffrom rom your your hhome that everyone everyone in in your your home home can can Keep the the ex ome clear so tthat hat ppeople eople can can escape escape ifif there's there's a fire. fire. Make Make sure sure that the keys keys for for doors doors and and windows. windows. easily find find the easily re iinn tthe he kit chen - ac cidents w hile cooking cooking account Never leave leave young young children children 3. Take care kitchen accidents while Take extra extra ca account for for over over half half of of fires fires in in homes. homes. Never kitchen. alone in in the the kitchen. alone eeded whe oking with with hot hot oil. oil. Consider Consider buying (if you you Extra care care iiss nneeded fryer which which is is controlled 4. Extra whenn co cooking buying a deep-fat deep-fat fryer controlled by by a thermostat thermoostat (if ddon't on't already already have have on one). e). Never candles rooms in rooms rooms where where children children are on on their their own. own. Make Make sure sure candles candles are in in 5. N ever lleave eave llitit ca ndles iinn roo ms tthat hat nobody nobody is is in in or or in from any any materials materials that that could could burn. burn. se cure hholders olders oonn a su rface tthat hat ddoesn't oesn't burn burn and and are away secure surface aw way from 6. Make sure cigarettes are stubbed out properly and are disposed of carefully, and never smoke in bed. Don't Remember plug 7. D on't overload overload electrical electrical sockets. sockets. R emember oone ne pl ug for for one one socket. socket. special care when drinking. Stay Stay safe saffe and Cook! 8. TTake ake sp ecial ca re w hen yyou're ou're ttired ired or or when when you've you've been been drinking. and don’t don’t Drink Drink & Cook! to keep keep a child's child's bedroom bedroom door door open, open, close close the the doors doors to to the the lounge lounge 9. Get iinto nto the the habit habit of of closing closing doors doors at night. night. IfIf you you want want to is a fire. fire. andd ki kitchen. an tchen. This This may may well well help help save save their their life life ifif there there is 10. 10. Within Within the the event event of of discovering discovering a fire, fire, please please never never ttry ry ttoo tackle tackle iit.t. Our Our advice advice is is to to get get out, out, Call Call the the fire fire service service a nd nd stay out out of of the property. property. the

To register for a free home fire safety check, phone the 24 hour hotline on 0800 169 1234 Or visit our website www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk

hest C y t i n u Comm

Urgent Update Update As of the 1st April 2014 the to total tal amou amount nt an application can apply apply for is £2,500 which must include minimum of 10% match match funding. funding. No match funding will be required if the grant applied for is under £500 under

In the Communities The Community Chest project aims to ssupport upport small-scale projects that will improve the quality of life for our tenants in local communities or were we have homes.

Externals improvements programme Over the coming months, we will be hitting the following areas with our external improvements programmeGlanrafon, Llwyn Morfa and Peel Street in Abergele; Maes Aled and Maes Creiniog in Llansannan; Parc Bodnant, Conwy Road, Maes y Cwm, Ffordd Elisabeth, Dolydd, Dyffyrn Road and Ffordd Dulyn in Llandudno This work may include roofing, rendering, replacements of guttering and fascias, along with other work to the outside of your house. Before any work is started you will be contacted by G Purchase’s Tenant Liaison Officer who will tell you what work you will be having done to your home and how it will affect you.

Cyclical improvements

The maxi mum grant a projec maximum projectt can apply for is £10,000. Over £80,000.00 has been awa rded in 2013/1 4. awarded 2013/14. Some projects that have benefited are: tt Dyffryn Amateur Boxing Club tt Cerrigydrudion Billiard & Social Club tt Chester Avenue Co mmunity Action Group Community tt Friends of Queens Park tt Colwyn Bay Football Club tt Llandudno Cricket Club

The next deadline deadline to to return return the application form is

30th 30th June June 2014

We aim to ensure that external paintwork on all Cartrefi Conwy homes is refreshed on a rolling five year basis . George Jones & Son Ltd is the chosen contractor currently undertaking this work for us. Their main task is to paint all previously painted surfaces where required, but the work plan also includes the washing down of PVCu surfaces on your home. In some areas we are painting the render to enhance the appearance of homes and protect the render or brickwork. If this is the case in your area you will be consulted on the colour schemes that would work best for your neighbourhood. Before the painting is undertaken on your home you will receive a letter from us and a Tenant Liaison Officer will make the rounds to let you know what is being done and the timescales.

For an application form please contact Sarah Jones on: Phone: 01745 335527 Email: get.invol get.involved@cartreficonwy.org ved@cartreficonwy.org

LATEST COMMUNITY CHEST GRANTS During the last 3 months over £2,300 has been awarded to sheltered housing groups. The Chataway group in Llanfairfechan received £720 to fund day trips this summer. The Orchard Club in Penmaenmawr were awarded £830 to purchase necessary equipment for their club as well as bus trips out. The Bryn Difyr group, Penmaenmawr have had over £840 to put towards improving the environment of the estate as well as a day trip out. Are you part of a group that could do with some extra cash? The Cartrefi Conwy Community Chest project aims to support small-scale projects that will improve the quality of life for our tenants in local communities or where we have homes. If you would like to apply for a grant please phone Nerys on 01745 335572, or Sarah Jones on 01745 335572.

Annual asbestos inspections Cartrefi Conwy is using the dedicated services of our expert asbestos consultant Environmental Essentials to do annual inspections of all homes where asbestos has been detected in the past. By undertaking annual asbestos inspections we can monitor the condition of the asbestos in your home and assess if any further action is required to help ensure that you are safe in your home. If we feel that any materials containing asbestos need removing following these inspections then we will be in contact with you to arrange for this to be carried out safely by competent contractors. The annual asbestos inspection is one of a variety of inspections that we undertake (such as Gas Safety checks) to make sure that you are safe in your home so we ask that when you are contacted by Environmental Essentials you set up an appointment to allow them to do the inspection.

Ger y Mor environmental improvements ‘’The wheelie bins were always being left in front of our windows or blowing into the road’’ was the comment from many tenants in Ger y Mor, Pensarn. After several consultation sessions a plan was agreed with tenants regarding improvements to their communal spaces- including wheelie bin enclosures, privacy fencing, paving on grot spots, scooter stores, and level access where needed. The programme of environmental improvements will soon be moving on to Maes Glas and Bryn Eglwys flats in Rhos on Sea, Cwrt Cae Mor in Towyn, and Maes Cwstennin in Llandudno Junction, amongst other locations.

Service Charges Your Questions Answered Answers to your most frequently asked Service Charges questions Below. When is the grass cut? – Large grassed areas that are cut by tractor type vehicles are cut 16 times a year between early March and mid-October. Areas of grass where tractor type cutting is restricted are cut by strimmer or hand mower 8 times a year, this will coincide with every other cut by tractor type mower and therefore ensure monitoring is easier. How is grounds maintenance monitored? – We have an agreed schedule from the contractor and the progress on the schedule is relayed to us around every 2 weeks. As well as neighbourhood inspections a number of residents are monitoring the service and will notify Cartrefi Conwy of any points regarding the service. Why isn’t all the grassed area cut at the same time? – This is an historical point. Contractors used to strim edges and use hand mowers 6 times a year which meant it was often out of line with tractor type vehicle cutting which occurred 16 times a year. This would result in grounds having a “partly complete” appearance. To reduce the contractor will, this year, provide 2 additional cuts and ensure that every other visit will consist of all grassed areas being cut at the same time.

Homelife Scheme The Homelife Scheme has been set-up specifically to support you when money is a little tight but you still want quality flooring. The scheme provides: • Practical, Hardwearing, Easy DIY Carpet Tiles • Rooms From £50.00 (supply only) • Payment Terms To Suit Your Budget • Low cost heat and sound insulation • Variety of colours and textures All our carpets are second life carpet tiles that have come from offices but offer unbeatable durability, are easy to fit and can be laid without the need for underlay or glues. “I have been in my property for 18 months and had no carpet down before this scheme. It has allowed my children to have some comfort in their bedroom & it has cut down on noise upstairs. I now feel a real sense of ownership for my home.” Mrs D from Beddau, August 2012 Contact: Crest Cooperative Ltd, Brierley House, Ferry Farm Road, Llandudno Junction, Conwy LL31 9SF • Tel: 01492 596783

What if it is too wet for the grass to be cut? – On occasions where ground conditions mean that grass cutting cannot take place there will CONGRATULATIONS be a temporary delay to service. When to Joan Pritchard, Gladys weather improves the next area scheduled to be cut will be cut, it is not a Morris and Ruth Richards case of an area being missed until the from Tan Y Graig who have next programmed cut. This may result in just completed their 10 week the programme of grass cutting being computer course at Glasdir. temporarily delayed but the contractor Well done, we look forward will provide additional time when weather to receiving emails from improves to recover to the programme timetable. you soon!!! How do residents know what is happening? – Our intention is to keep you up to date on how the programme is progressing. Details will be available soon, on our website and social media channels. Should you have any questions regarding grounds maintenance or other service charge issues please contact us by e-mail at servicecharges@cartreficonwy.org or by telephone on 01745 335346 and ask for the Service Charges Department.

Leaseholders Grounds Maintenance – There is an article under the Service Charges section which relates to grounds maintenance and answers a number of questions that have arisen. Please read the article as it is likely that most Leaseholders see grounds maintenance happening close to their properties. Estimated Statements – As you are aware we have issued estimated statements which should by now have been paid (either in full or by direct debit arrangement). This estimate covers the standard service charge elements and will be followed by an actual statement in or around the beginning of October which will contain major works , cyclical decoration and repair costs. As this is a new approach to Service Charge Statements a presentation will be made at the Leaseholder Forum on 4th June to explain in detail how this process will work and answer any questions that you may have. If you have any other points which you would like included on the agenda please contact us by e-mail at servicecharges@cartreficonwy.org or by telephone on 01745 335346 and ask for the Service Charges Department. Next Leaseholder Forum will be held at Conwy Business Centre, Junction Way, Llandudno Junction starting at 7.00pm on Wednesday 4th June 2014. As usual staff will be at the venue from 5.00pm should you wish to discuss any issues on a one to one basis.

Easter Art Event an Eggstra special success On Wednesday 2nd April children made their Easter art and craft competition entries for the Chester Ave Easter Art Competition that took place on 17th April at the Community House. Children submitted Easter themed Art work into a community art competition and took part in a Easter egg hunt in the community woodland. All children had a eggstra special afternoon and received Easter eggs. Adults were treated to afternoon tea with teas & coffee, and delicious hot cross buns and cakes. The event was sponsored by North Wales Police PACT funding and coordinated by Chester Avenue Community Action Group and PCSO John McLaughlin. The art competition was judged by PCSO John and Claire Shiland, Head of Neighbourhood Services, Cartrefi Conwy. Many thanks - Vicky Welsman Community House Development Manager, Cartrefi Conwy.

Churchmens Snooker Club Churchmens Snooker Club Old Colwyn is offering free taster session to Cartrefi Conwy tenants over 18yrs. The Colwyn Churchmens Club has provided a meeting place for members to play snooker, billiards and darts for over 100 years Contact Dewi Jones (Secretary) 01745 825412 or Bill Whale (Treasurer) 01492 515673 e-mail: churchmens@yahoo.co.uk to organise your free taster session.

Older Personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Press

Welcome again to our second edition of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Older Personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Our older tenants have been very active during the last three months, and hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little of what they have been up to: A group of 20 older tenants from around Conwy have been enjoying the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Passion for Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; programme at The Fron Community Centre, Old Colwyn. They are now half way through the course and have experienced 3 themed sessions. They have had guest speakers and interactive exercises around â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Health and Wellbeingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Safety in the Homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Social Networksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. As part of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Health and Wellbeingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; session participants enjoyed a chair aerobic taster session. A â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;First Aid at Homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; session was presented by the Red Cross and finally they had an interactive digital inclusion session. Ann Wright, a Cartrefi Conwy tenant of the Fron describes the sessions as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;brilliant.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; She said in a recent interview: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I really look forward

The golden age is before us, not behind us. William Shakespeare

to coming along as I get to meet new people and the inter-action is great. I am also learning new skills and important little things about home safety and security that I never realised, simple things that can make a big difference when it comes to keeping safe. Cartrefi Conwy will be rolling the programme out to different areas later this summer. If you are interested in taking part please phone Nerys on 01745 335572.

A pioneering scheme at the heart of our community Cartrefi Conwy is pleased to announce the name of its new enhanced sheltered housing development in Llandudno which was chosen by the tenants and residents of neighbouring Llandudno schemes. The new enhanced sheltered housing scheme at the site of the old Llys Seiriol and Llys Eryl will now be called Cysgod y Gogarth (Shadow of the Orme) and the four intermediate rent family houses will be called Tan y Gogarth (Beneath the Orme). The existing buildings are currently being demolished and preparation works undertaken for the foundation. It is anticipated that the actual building works will commence in June 2014. R L Davies, the main contractor on the development will also be working with the local schools to arrange visits from safety mascot â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ivor Goodsiteâ&#x20AC;? to highlight site safety around the new development and the dangers of construction sites. The lessons that the children will learn with the assistance of Ivor, will benefit them not only now but also later in life. A Steering Group of local tenants and residents has been established and will be meeting on a bi-monthly basis to discuss key issues relating to the development such as interior design, communications and proposed activities and events. We will continue to hold regular updates for tenants and residents of surrounding schemes but in the meantime, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like more information on the developments, please contact Eiry Lloyd Davies, Housing Projects Manager on 01745 335570.

Did you know that the Red Cross offers the following services to older people in Conwy?

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New hobby puts silver surfers in the picture A group of silver surfers are snapping up new computer skills by learning about photography. A group of 10 Cartrefi Conwy tenants are currently completing a 10 week digital inclusion and photography course at Venue Cymru. The group have been out on location taking photos in places such as the Happy Valley in Llandudno and the 1940â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festival in Colwyn Bay. They have also been learning photographic skills such as using light and shade, composition and Winner exposure techniques. The students have learned what to do with the of ÂŁ100 from images back in the Venue Cymru the Name the computer room. Tenant Brenda Robinson, 74, Scheme draw for the from Kennedy Court, Old new development in Colwyn, describes the course as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;absolutely brilliantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. She said Llandudno was G Griffith â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It has got us out and about of St Andrews Avenue, and taken me away from my flat. We have been learning but Llandudno also talking together, we have had such a laugh. I have made new friends and really enjoyed the experience.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work will be on display at Venue Cymru during August and will also be on view at the Older Personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day on the 1st of October.

Rock on at Parc Peulwys Schoolchildren visited a quarry to see the four tonne slab of limestone being used to create a stunning new entrance feature at the housing estate where they live. The massive boulder from the Aber Quarry in Moelfre, on Anglesey, will be polished and engraved before it is hoisted into place at the Parc Peulwys estate in Llysfaen, above Old Colwyn, The pupils from Ysgol Tan y Marian on the estate met with the quarry master to see the rock and where it was quarried from. The quarry operated by Anglesey Masonry provided the stone for Thomas Telford's masterpiece, the Menai suspension bridge, and is the last open grey limestone quarry on the island. The pupils have been researching limestone and how it was formed over millions of years and their interesting research facts are engraved on the stone to inform others for many, many, more years to come.

Calling on young people in North Wales! Do you want to make a difference in your community? Do you have a good idea for a crime prevention project that will help make your community a safer place in which to live? If so North Wales Police want to hear from you. Crimebeat is looking to support youth groups aged 5 to 25-years-old with grants of up to £500 to help make your idea come to life. 1. Think of a problem, such as such as bullying, vandalism, graffiti or other community issue and an activity you can do that will reduce it 2. Complete our simple application 3. Send your application by email to: enquiries@crimebeatnorthwales.co.uk The High Sheriffs Committee will consider your application and will let you know if you’ve been successful. If you are, the rest is up to you to make your project happen. Further information regarding Crimebeat is available via our website www.crimebeatnorthwales.co.uk

AWARD winning retail outlets are offering big discounts for Cartrefi Conwy tenants.

School Uniform Grant Having recovered from the demands of an expensive festive season we are well on the way to summer. This time of year can be extremely difficult for families with children who are moving up to secondary school in September. The cost of new school uniforms can be quite expensive and families on a low income may find it hard to find the funds to cover these expenses. Some families may qualify for a school uniform grant from Conwy Borough County Council. These grants are available to parents claiming certain welfare benefits to purchase school uniform for children moving up to year 7. If you think you may qualify for the school uniform grant and have access to the internet, you can download an application at www.conwy.gov.uk. This site also gives useful information on how to apply for free school dinners for your children. If you would prefer to apply by telephone, please call Conwy Borough County Council on 01492 574000. Some secondary schools offer a ‘swap shop’ service. This is where you can purchase second hand items of school uniform. The uniform is in good condition and you can save money this way. Speak to the secondary school your children are going to and they will be able to tell you whether this service is offered.

Keeping the kids entertained for less One of the problems that many families experience over the school holidays is keeping the kids entertained without having to spend a fortune. There are plenty of free activities if the weather is nice but we all scratch our heads when it comes to keeping the kids busy when it’s raining. There is lots of information on the Conwy County website just log on to www.conwy.gov.uk Before laying out lots of cash on brand new games or DVDs make sure you look in the second hand shops that are springing up around the area, you can save pounds buying a second hand game or DVD and take it back to trade in once the kids have completed or watched it. Have you got access to Facebook? Go on to the For Sale, Swap and Give away pages in your area, there are lots of ideas on these pages from people in the local area. You could also pick up a bargain while you’re searching for ideas.

Still Struggling for cash? Money Advice Service Please take advantage on the Money Advice Service website, there are plenty of online tools available there and plenty of tips on how to make your money go further. It’s a totally free service and very useful. www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk Money Made Clear Wales This website is designed to help you manage your money better by bringing together advice and guidance on savings, loans and how to manage any debt you may be experiencing. www.moneymadeclearwales.org Still feel that you would like some assistance with sorting out your finances? Feel free to give us a call. We will be able to help you and refer you for debt advice should you need it. Visits will be completed in your own home and all information that you provide is confidential. You can reach the financial inclusion/welfare benefits team on 01745 335625 or welfarebenefits@cartreficonwy.org.

Tenants are eligible for a 15% discount on furniture, electricals and clothing at Crest Co-operative’s retail outlets. The stores, which are based in Colwyn Bay and Llandudno, offer unique second life and quality new furniture, low cost electrical items, including washing machines, fridge freezers and nearly new clothing. With branded clothing for babies, children and adults from just £1, attractive furniture from only £5 and electricals from £50, Crest’s retail outlets offer something for everyone. Crest Co-operative won the Furniture Reuse Network (FRN), Reuse Organisation of the Year 2014. Due to Cartrefi Conwy and Crest Co-operative’s strong working partnership, tenants are already benefiting from big savings. To start saving and get your Crest Co-operative discount card, bring proof of your Cartrefi Conwy tenancy to Crest Furniture Reclaim, Douglas Road, Colwyn Bay, LL29 7PE (road opposite Theatr Colwyn) or Crest Community Store, Mostyn Broadway, Llandudno, LL30 1YL (behind Debenhams).

To find out more visit www.crestcooperative.co.uk or ask a question on Facebook by searching Crest Co-operative.

We understand that residents may, at times, wish to undertake works within our property. If you are intending to carry out major improvements to your home we would like to know about them first. You should contact your Neighbourhood Co-ordinator in the first instance prior to ordering any work or beginning any jobs. The reason for this is to ensure that it does not cause any ongoing repairing obligation to us as your landlord. It is also so that we can keep a track on any work being done in our property and decide whether we will allow the works to go ahead. Before ANY work commences you will need to complete a request form. You can request a form from your Neighbourhood Co-Ordinator or by visiting our offices. The form will ask you to provide us as with as much information as possible and return it to us for consideration. We will contact you within 10 days of receipt of your application. If we are unable to reach a decision within this time frame we will explain why and give you an approximate timeframe for a decision being reached.

PLEASE NOTE that you must obtain written permission from us before carrying out any major improvement or alteration to your home. This is a requirement within the terms and conditions of your tenancy. If you don’t ask for permission we might ask you to remove an appliance for instance, if we have to carry out any works connected to your improvement, you might be recharged for any costs we incur. You do not need to ask our permission for minor works such as decorating, or having fitted bedroom cupboards but you will need to ask our permission if you are proposing items such as carrying out works to the • gas, electricity or water supplies to your home • Carrying out internal structural alterations e.g. turning two rooms into one • Installing an alternative form of heating e.g. a log burner

BEAT THE LOAN SHARKS – BITE BACK! If you’re finding it hard to make ends meet, whatever the reason, the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit (IMLU) is warning local residents not to make the mistake of turning to illegal lenders – male or female. IMLU was set up by central government at the end of 2007 to search out and prosecute loan sharks throughout Wales, and operates as part of Trading Standards. These illegal lenders operate without a consumer credit licence, and prey on people who are vulnerable – whether because of poverty or debt, or difficulties in their lives such as addiction or health problems. Loan sharks will rip off borrowers by charging extortionate interest (IMLU says that 150,000% APR is not unheard of!) and adding on penalty payments as and when they want. “Sharks don’t give you paperwork explaining the terms of the loan, and you have to keep paying them back until they decide you can stop. They may appear friendly when they offer the loan, and when you pay - it’s when you can’t pay that you see the other side of them”, the IMLU team explains. IMLU warns residents to make sure that anyone offering to lend money has a consumer credit licence. If you are a loan shark victim, or think there may be a shark operating nearby, phone IMLU on the 24 hour Hotline: 0300 123 3311. You can phone anonymously if you want.

WANTED! TENANT NOMINATIONS FOR TPAS CYMRU MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE TPAS Cymru is a Wales wide organisation and the geographical spread and diversity of our membership reflects this. We would also like to mirror this in our Management Committee and encourage nominations from traditionally less well represented groups, and from all parts of Wales. IF YOU ARE / KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE TPAS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE FURTHER INFOMRATION THEN PLEASE CONTACT LAURA THOMAS ON 01745 335347 BY FRIDAY 27TH JUNE.

• Garden improvements such as a shed or decking/patio area • Installing CCTV We will not unreasonably withhold approval of your application; however, there may be conditions that will apply if we allow your request. We will discuss any conditions with you so that you can make a decision whether or not to go ahead with the work. Any work you carry out on our property should be carried out by skilled tradesmen and we would want copies of any relevant certificates following completion of any work, we’ll also want to come and inspect the work so that we are satisfied that the work has been done correctly. If you would like to discuss the procedure around improvement requests, or if you have a project in mind, you can contact your Neighbourhood Coordinator or Glyn Jones, Neighbourhood Manager on 01745 335359.

Cartrefi Conwy’s Board of Management The Board is responsible for setting and leading the direction of Cartrefi Conwy’s business and ensuring that its vision is achieved. The Board is made up of 15 members. Five of those people are tenants, Five are nominated representatives of Conwy County Borough Council, and Five are independent recruits. The Board makes important strategic and financial decisions, monitors our performance and develops plans that contribute to addressing housing need and community regeneration in the County of Conwy. Vacancies arise from time to time when a Board member resigns and each year a Congratulations number of the Tenant Board members to Sure Group on and Independent Board members winning Social Housing must step down, but can apply to be re-appointed if they wish to Contractor of the Year at continue to be involved at this the Association of Gas level. Safety Managers Awards We’re always willing to speak to anyone interested in taking up a position on the Board of Management, so that we can explain what’s involved and help them in developing business knowledge, personal skills and confidence ready for making a formal application for any vacancies that may arise. We want to ensure that the members of the Board represent a full cross section of the community. At this particular time we are keen to encourage interest from tenants with knowledge and time to commit to helping us address the housing needs and challenges of those living in the more rural areas of the county and our younger tenants and their families. We currently have a vacancy for a Tenant Board member position, so we’d like to hear from you if you’re interested in following this up. What you will gain from this; • Greater understanding of the way the Association works in support of it tenants and maintaining homes to the welsh housing quality standard • Knowledge and skills that can be applied in other situations (workplace, community, personal) • Access to training to support your personal development For further information please telephone 0300 124 0040 and ask to speak to Laura Thomas or Sandra Lee in the Governance Team or email us: enquiries@cartreficonwy.org

Working in Partnership to tackle ASB Jan Jones, Cartrefi Conwy’s Senior ASB Officer, was recently asked by North Wales Police to give a presentation to new Police Officer’s to explain the meaning and purpose of Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions (ASBI’s) under the Housing Act 1996. Jan’s presentation included: • Powers available to social landlords and local authorities to deal with matters of anti-social behaviour • Examples of anti-social behaviour that an Injunction will help to address

In the spotlight with Wesley Rowland-Jones What does your job involve? All aspects of plumbing and heating How would you describe yourself in 3 words? shy, quiet, funny What did you want to be when you were younger? Fireman

• Examples of the types of conditions stipulated in an Injunction • The advantages of using an Injunction But things are changing with the introduction of the new ‘Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014’ which will come into force later this year. The new Act will bring a number of changes to the tools and powers available to social landlords, local authorities, Police and all other agencies involved in tackling ASB, and Jan has been invited back to give the Police an update later this year. By working in partnership with North Wales Police we can further develop our partnership processes to tackle all forms of Anti-Social Behaviour and ensure all our tenants can enjoy their homes and a good quality if life.

What is your favourite quote? You only live once (YOLO) What would be your dream car? BMW M5 Do you have any hobbies, if so what are they? The gym. Powerlifting If you won the lottery what would you spend money on first? Car What’s your favourite food? Pasta What was the last movie you watched? Saving Private Ryan

Rechargeable items at your property What are they? • Repairs resulting from tenant damage or neglect. • Removal of fixtures installed by a tenant. • Removal of ‘improvements’ undertaken by tenant where per mission has not been granted or do not meet Cartrefi Conwy’s standards. • No entry for gas servicing and associated legal costs. • Household and garden clearance. • Missed appointments within the Building Maintenance Unit. • Damaged or lost Telecare equipment. • Any further items identified and agreed with the tenant. Common rechargeable repairs

Costs

Lock changes/gain entry

£96.26

Replace internal door

£73.03

Replace standard external door

£383.91

Reglaze up to 1 Sqm

£90.00

Reglaze over 1 Sqm

£180.00

Replace toilet seat

£30.49

Replacement door fob

£26.10

Internal property clearance

Minimal £100 Maximum £2000

External property clearance

Clear Debris £30.64 Clear Exceptional Debris £91.91

For full rechargeable item details contact 0300 124 0040

Report your damage repair request by contacting Customer Services on 0300 124 0040 Advance payment necessary – we will not repair damages without receiving payment first.

Take care of your home and garden as it costs you for damage repairs, clear ups and time wasting.

Who is your favourite celebrity and why? Tom Hanks because he does some good films What is the most memorable moment of your career to date or your greatest accomplishment? Passing my NVQ level 2 Who is your greatest inspiration or role model and why? Chris Gethin (bodybuilder) because he’s a good motivational speaker If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be & why? Australia because it’s a nice place to go beautiful places/scenery Name one thing not many people know about you I’m scared of spiders

Conwy Housing Solutions Conwy Housing Solutions is a new partnership between Cartrefi Conwy and Conwy County Borough Council. It is a one-stop-shop for Landlords and Tenants alike. It is the launching pad of a new lettings agency which offers a professional and competitive service to Landlords. We are able to offer 3 different rental products to landlords – from the fully-managed property service to the property matching option. The fully managed property service allows landlords to tap into the experience of a housing association currently managing 3,800 homes and the full use of Cartrefi Conwy’s infrastructure which includes a 24 hour emergency repair line and the use of Cartrefi Conwy’s fully trained electricians, joiners and gas engineers for your property repairs. Landlords are able to further reduce their rental worries by having the peace of mind that Conwy Housing Solutions can keep a firm hand on any rent account through proven experience in managing rental income. We are also offering landlords vouchers for money off any rented property repairs for a short time as part of our fully managed service. Please contact Conwy Housing Solutions on 0300 124 0050 for more information or visit our website at www.conwyhousing.co.uk