Tenants Times Summer 2015

East Ipswich event fosters young talent READ MORE ON PAGE 19

tenants’ times News for tenants of Ipswich Borough Council - Summer 2015

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www.ipswich.gov.uk

Our commitment Whatever the future holds for local government, Ipswich Borough Council remains committed to providing a quality service for existing tenants and building council homes to meet a growing need. Providing new homes remains one of our top priorities.

New homes The building of much-needed new homes for rent at Bader Close is progressing well, with more tenants set to move in. Meanwhile, the development at Ravenswood has been delayed and an Inquiry is to be held later this year.

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housing matters

Tenancy Agreement The Council is looking to review its Tenancy Agreements for secure and introductory tenants of its council homes.

The aim is to bring the agreements up to date and make them more comprehensive. I am pleased that tenants will be given the opportunity to have an input, individually as well as through the Area Housing Panels and Housing Working Group.

Councillor John Mowles Housing Portfolio Holder

Housing matters

2

Events

12

Tenant Scrutiny Panel/New Mayor

3

Summertime events

13

Rent collection survey

4

New look Holywells

14

In the red

5

Suffolk Pita Festival

15

We need your help

5

Do it online

16

Deliberate fire

6

Recycling milestones

17

Ipswich history

7

Lark in the Park

18

Wildlife habitat

8

Health fair

19

Area Committees

9

Measuring up

20

Loans and Credit Union

10

Useful Contacts

20

Keep the noise down this summer

11

Front cover: Performers and exhibitors at the East Ipswich youth opportunities event - read more on page 19

I have been a member of the Tenant Scrutiny Panel since its formation three years ago. I have thoroughly enjoyed our hard work.

Our reports on kitchens/bathrooms refurbishment and the Caretakers Service have been published and the Council has taken on board some of our suggestions. Our latest scrutiny project is on the Customer Services Centre (CSC).

We had a visit from the Operations Manager explaining what the team does and have received answers to a Customer Services questionnaire.

Some members visited the CSC and also interviewed some advisors and team leaders about their job roles and training. We will send out tenants’ questionnaires soon to find out

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l e n a p y n i t u Tenant scr

www.ipswich.gov.uk

about your experiences when ringing the Council.

If you receive a questionnaire please take the time to complete and return it so we can include your views in our report.

We are planning further scrutiny of Council services in the future to help them to give you the best service they can. Please contact us through the Tenant Participation team on 01473 433313 with any areas you would like us to consider.

We recently held a panel election and regrettably have had to say goodbye to John Wragg who will be sorely missed. We say hello to newly elected members Jo Mays and John Steward. Thank you to all tenants who voted.

Sandra Wilding Tenant Scrutiny Panel Member

New Mayor and Council leadership

The new Mayor of Ipswich is Councillor Glen Chisholm, who was elected to office at the Annual Meeting of Ipswich Borough Council. The Mayor’s consort is his 18 year-old son, Clinton.

“I am very proud of my home town and I am passionate about equality and showing respect for others and would like that to be the theme that runs through my year,” said the Mayor, who is a Councillor for Stoke Park Ward.

The Mayor has chosen two local charities to support in his year of office - Suffolk Mind and Ipswich Hospital's Sunrise Appeal.

The outgoing Mayor, Councillor Bill Quinton, is now Deputy Mayor.

David Ellesmere has been elected as Leader of the Council and has chosen his leadership team. The following Labour Councillors will serve on Executive Committee: Councillor Bryony Rudkin (Deputy Leader), Martin Cook, Carole Jones, Neil MacDonald, Sophie Meudec, John Mowles and Philip Smart. Conservative Group Leader Nadia Cenci has accepted an invitation to serve on Executive as a member without portfolio.

Following the election on 7 May, Ipswich Borough Council has 31 Labour, 15 Conservative and two Liberal Democrat Councillors.

The new Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group is Councillor Inga Lockington.

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n o i t c e l l o c t n Re

www.ipswich.gov.uk

e r u t u f e h t g shapin

Earlier this year Tenancy Services sent tenants questionnaires to gauge the effectiveness of how we collect rent and arrears. We also conducted this survey online.

Of 2250 questionnaires sent out, more than 10% were returned. The survey was based around your experience of contacting us, our contact with you and help and advice given. Results are as follows: Payment methods offered We offer a variety of ways to pay your rent.

Paying cash at the Post Office received the highest satisfaction, followed by online and telephone payments by debit card. Currently, 20% of tenants pay rent by direct debit. We would like to promote payments by direct debit and asked what would encourage you to switch to direct debit. The clear message was we need to increase the number of direct debit payment dates available. Currently, we offer monthly direct debits on 1st and 15th of each month. We aim to introduce additional dates this year.

Customer Contact Centre This is the Council’s’ point of contact for all telephone enquiries. 74% who responded were satisfied with their experience of contacting the Customer Contact Centre, 80% were satisfied with the ability of the Customer Contact Centre to resolve their rent enquiry. To enable you to manage your account more effectively, we will be introducing ‘self serve’, to allow you to log in and view your rent balance online.

Tenancy Services contacting tenants Letter is still the preferred contact method followed by telephone. Many people prefer email and text message, so we are looking at improving use of email and text messages.

Rent arrears letters and rent statements 77% were satisfied with letters regarding rent and arrears. 74% were satisfied with the content of the rent statement. We are currently reviewing both letters and statements to ensure they are clear and easy to understand. Following comments received, Housing Services will be sending quarterly rent statements to all tenants in arrears this year.

Help and Support Paying your rent is important - it should always be your first priority as you could lose your home if you do not pay. We are here to help if you are having problems and will ensure arrangements are affordable. 84% were satisfied with Housing Officer advice when discussing arrears and 78% were satisfied with the help they were given to make an arrangement to pay.

Thank you to those who responded. We will use the feedback to shape our services. Several people who responded indicated they would like to be part of our new Rent Focus Group and we will shortly be holding our first meeting. Contact our Tenant Participation Team on 01473 433313 or e: tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk if you would like to get involved.

People returning questionnaires had a chance to win a three-month sports iCard. The winners were Mr and Mrs Maciuvienna of Gannet Road who received their prize from Cllr John Mowles.

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h c u o t n i t e g . . . d e r e h t In

www.ipswich.gov.uk

The majority of our tenants pay their rent on time, every time.

Thank you.

Paying your rent is important. It should always be your first priority as you might lose your home if you do not pay.

During 2014/15 we had to evict 37 households across the town but eviction is always the last resort. We are continually reviewing how we work with our tenants to resolve any problems before commencing possession proceedings.

If you have any difficulty paying your rent, you should contact us immediately. Don’t be afraid to do this. Our aim is for you to stay in your home and help you find ways to pay your rent. If you have a problem we can help. For further help and advice on problems paying your rent or debt please call Tenancy Services on 01473 433370 or visit the moneyadvice services.org.uk The following organisations offer free, impartial support and advice to anyone in debt, worried about debt or facing bankruptcy.

Citizens Advice Bureau Debt Advice Foundation National Debt Line

01473 219777 08000434050 08088084000

We need your help

Payplan StepChange debt charity

08002802816 08001381111

also ask for some additional information such as an email address.

We are doing this because: • we want to make sure that everyone has fair access to the services we provide; • we want to reduce unnecessary cost; • we want to find out how you would like us to contact you.

If you receive a phone call or a visit, please spare a few minutes of your time.

Over the next few months, Tenancy Services staff might contact you to check the details we hold about you are accurate and up-to-date. We might

Any information provided will be held securely and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. For more details about the Council’s privacy policy visit ipswich.gov.uk/content/privacy-policy

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t a e f i l d l i w r o Boost f Defoe Road

www.ipswich.gov.uk

As summer is here, we need to look after our wildlife friends who will now bring about new life.

The Defoe Road Orchard is an area of housing communal land which has been developed to support wildlife by local tenants and Tenancy Services working together.

It is a great place for animals such as hedgehogs, bats, birds and squirrels, especially with the long grass and trees. Three hundred pounds was raised from North-West Area Housing Panel to assist the next stage of the project. We have used this to make and supply different kinds of animal housing. The task now is to put up this housing for our new friends to use.

To join your Area Housing Panel and help improve your neighbourhood contact the Tenant Participation team on 01473 433313 e: tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk

Arson prevention Since June 2013 there have been more than 20 reported incidents of arson in south-west Ipswich. While many of these involved damaged trees or hedges, any of them could have resulted in more serious damage had the fires spread.

Suffolk Police and Fire Service are working closely with partner agencies to prevent further incidents and to prosecute those responsible.

• Keep gardens clear of rubbish/overhanging vegetation.

• If possible keep bins behind a locked gate in the rear garden. Do not pile up rubbish.

• Shut and lock all downstairs windows at night.

• Have at least one working smoke alarm on each floor of the house.

• Make sure everyone in the house knows how to get out in the event of a fire.

• If you work in retail and notice anyone buying suspicious amounts of accelerants/petrol lighter fluid/matches let the Police know.

• If you see anything suspicious call 999 and ask for Fire or Police.

For any further questions about fire safety please contact Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service on 01473 260588.

Ipswich history

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www.ipswich.gov.uk

Arthur Saunders VC

article researched by Andrew Beal, Town Sergeant Arthur Saunders (born Ipswich 23 July 1879; died Ipswich 30 July 1947) won the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Arthur Saunders trained for the Merchant Marine and joined the Royal Navy, serving for 15 years and reaching the rank of Petty Officer (2nd Class).

Leaving the Navy, he worked for Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries. While at Ransomes, he joined the territorial element of The Suffolk Regiment, the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion. At the outbreak of war, he joined the regular Army as a duration-only soldier in a service battalion.

His award came as a result of the Battle of Loos on the Western Front in September 1915. His battalion was supporting the advance of the Cameron Highlanders. He was 36 years old and a sergeant in the 9th (Service) Battalion, Suffolk Regiment when the following took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 26 September 1915 near Loos, France, "When his officer had been wounded during the attack, Sergeant Saunders took charge of two machine-guns and a few men and, although severely wounded in the thigh, closely followed the last four charges of another battalion, giving them all possible support. Later, when the remains of the battalion which he had been supporting was forced to retire, he stuck to one of his guns and in spite of his wound, continued to give clear orders and by continuous firing did his best to cover the retirement."

He was recovered by stretcher bearers from the Scots Guards. Common belief states that the wounds to his leg meant it was amputated when he reached an Advanced Dressing Station. However, this is inaccurate. After medical attention and a period of convalescence his leg was 3� shorter therefore he wore a medical boot to aid his walking.

In the Second World War he served in the Home Guard.

To honour his courage, the town granted him Freedom of the Borough in 1920 and raised money for him to buy a house.

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t a t i b a h e f i Wildl

www.ipswich.gov.uk

Whitton Primary School has a new wildlife nature area for pupils, their families and the local community - thanks to funding from the Big Local Trust (BLT) and the Borough Council’s North West Area Committee and hard work from the Friends of Whitton School and other volunteers.

They cleared the area, applied for funding for a pond, raised sensory area, plants, canopy, bug houses, shed and other features.

Read more on area committees on page 9 or visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/areacommittees

Whitton project

Support for young mothers in Suffolk Are you a young mum, looking to set up your own business or to get back into employment?

The Eastern Enterprise Hub’s (EEHub) Back to Your Future Programme supports young mums who are looking to take the next step back into work by helping to improve their confidence. It’s free, too.

If you want to join the programme, starting in October 2015, call 01473 527100 or email: kim.trotter@ eehub.co.uk

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a e r a r u o y n i d Get involve

www.ipswich.gov.uk

Area Committee-funded projects

Ipswich Borough Council’s Area Committees give you the chance to influence decision-making, share your opinion and contribute to positive changes in your community. As a resident, this is your opportunity to say what you would like to see improved.

Ipswich is divided into five areas, each of these is split into wards. Three Borough Councillors per ward represent you.

Councillors work with residents, businesses and community groups at these public meetings to discuss how money can be spent and how the area can be improved.

Recent projects funded by Area Committees: DATES FOR JULY MEETINGS: Central Thursday 30 July at 7pm Ipswich County Library Northgate Street, IP1 3DE South West

Thursday 16 July at 6.30pm The Avenue Theatre, Gippeswyk Hall, Gippeswyk Avenue, IP2 9AF

South East

Wednesday 15 July at 7pm Alan Road Methodist Church, Alan Road, IP3 8EZ

North East

Thursday 23 July at 7pm St Johns Church Hall, Cauldwell Hall Road IP4 4QE

North West

Tuesday 28 July at 7pm Whitton Baptist Church 209 Highfield Road IP1 6DH

If you can’t attend an Area Committee follow our live Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/ areacommittees or visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/areacommittees

North West: Refurbishment of toilets in “The Meeting Place” Community Centre South East: Funding improvements to play equipment in Landseer Park South West: Funding to improve fencing on Selwyn Close to reduce anti-social behaviour Funding to ActivLives to support their project in Chantry Walled Garden Improvements to parking arrangements and safety in Whinchat Close Central: Temporary CCTV cameras in Westgate Ward to reduce anti-social behaviour Funding towards restoration of a WWII bench in Broomhill Park Funding to support St. Margaret’s Toddler Group with purchase of new toys North East: Funding to support Survivors in Transition’s work in north east Ipswich.

Replanting shrubs/roses on Arundel Way Gardens

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y a d i l o h r u o y r o f y d a e r t e G

www.ipswich.gov.uk

with Eastern Savings & Loans Credit Union Eastern Savings & Loans Credit Union offer great exchange rates on foreign currencies with 0% commission. Currencies available are euros and US dollars - it’s easy to get your travel money at a time that suits you.

Unlike many providers, there is no minimum transaction so reserve your currency online to collect in branch or buy direct from our Westgate Street branch. By using “click & collect” you guarantee an exchange rate for two days after your order arrives. If the exchange rate reduces, you still get the same great rate when you booked, however if the rate increases by the time you collect, the new better rate is used. It is a win-win situation. Receive email and text updates when your order is ready for collection.

Currencies are normally ready for collection within two days; some currencies can take up to seven days.

We buy back most left-over currencies at 0% commission - regardless of where you bought them.

A fair alternative to pay day loans North West Ipswich Big Local Trust is joining forces with Eastern Savings & Loans Credit Union to promote a new, better way to keep money safe and allow borrowing at affordable rates.

North West Ipswich Big Local Trust (NWIBLT) is investing £25,000 in the Credit Union to enable them to lend to members. “We would encourage north west Ipswich residents to become members of Eastern Savings and Loans” said Ron Impey, Chair of NWIBLT Partnership Board “People are fed up with the traditional banking system which seems to put profits before customers.

Credit Unions are owned by their members and run for community benefit.

That is why we are keen to work with them”.

Eastern Savings and Loans (ESL) recently opened a new Ipswich office in Westgate Street for advice on savings and borrowing. “We want to make our services more accessible to the local community,” said Sally Chicken of ESL “Although we are not a bank, we provide many of the same services”. We are distributing postcards in north west Ipswich about savings/lending schemes available and look forward to welcoming lots of new members.

There are concerns changes to pay day lending rules will make borrowing more difficult and result in loan shark activity. North West Ipswich Big Local

Trust has contacted the illegal money lending team and will be undertaking promotions to deter doorstep lending and loan sharks.

“Unaffordable debt is damaging to people’s lives,” said Press Officer Lorraine Ganuszko. “We want to provide Whitehouse, Whitton and Castle Hill residents with a real alternative to managing their finances by joining Eastern Savings and Loans Credit Union.”

this summer

Summer is a time for BBQs and enjoying the sunshine with friends. It is also a time when noise and anti-social behaviour complaints increase.

We all have a responsibility to be a good neighbour which means respecting your neighbours and not doing anything that might cause upset. Most neighbour problems come from a lack of communication and inconsiderate behaviour.

Some tips for a great summer in your community: • notify your neighbours if you are having a party or BBQ • be mindful of music or television if your windows are open or you are in the garden • avoid activities such as DIY or washing machine spin cycles in evenings or overnight • treat your neighbours as you would like to be treated yourself If you have a noise complaint contact the Council’s Environmental Health team on 01473 433115 or for an anti-social behaviour complaint contact the Housing ASB team on 01473 433325.

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n w o d e s i o n Keep

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www.ipswich.gov.uk

Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking is a great way to improve your strength, balance and heart health as well as a fantastic opportunity to socialise with others.

Join ActivLives for coffee and chat afterwards.

MAIDENHALL ALLOTMENTS IP2 8RE Thursdays 18/25 June & 2 July @ 10am-11am 3 week Learn to Nordic Walk course Meet at CRESS Pavilion HOLYWELLS PARK IP3 0PG Thursday 30 July @ 10.30am-11.30am International Womens Group Taster session Meet at Visitors Centre HOLYWELLS PARK IP3 0PG Weekly drop-in sessions Tuesday 4 August @ 10am – Noon 1 hour tuition/1 hour coffee morning Meet at Visitors Centre Places and equipment are limited so please call 01473 345350 or visit www.activlives.org.uk to book in advance £5 per session (poles supplied) or £3 per session (with own poles)

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Ipswich summertime www.ipswich.gov.uk

Don’t miss a minute ...

19 June-13 July

Ipswich Arts Festival has something for everyone this summer, including the fabulous Ipswich Music Day in Christchurch Park, the UK’s biggest one-day free music festival.

Sure to draw huge audiences are the Indian Mela and Global Rhythms.

Madcap comedy team the Pantaloons are offering performances of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice in Christchurch Park and Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing in Holywells.

A first this year is the Ipswich Jazz festival, 10 days of live music performances, films, art and workshops. Many events are free.

Shakespeare in Suffolk, set in Christchurch Mansion, sees the Bard’s touring company arrive in Suffolk in 1596. Plague, spies and playwrights!

For the first time, a skateboarding competition will let youngsters show off their talents, guided walks and circus workshops add to the fun.

For classical music fans, the Ipswich Orchestral Society will perform in the Corn Exchange and there is a Classical Picnic in the park. An open-air film day at ITFC, street markets and bags of performance and visual arts treats are included.

Ipswich Armed Forces Day on 28 June in Christchurch Park will celebrate the anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day and commemorate the Battle of Waterloo. Attractions include a climbing wall, assault courses, music, dance and re-enactments.

Maritime Ipswich

Maritime Ipswich is coming to the Waterfront on 15-16th August.

We can promise you a summer treat with a nautical flavour and a fireworks finale to what is one of the biggest weekends in the Ipswich calendar.

The Waterfront will be buzzing over the weekend with wartime re-enactments, historic vessels of different sizes, fabulous food, a special market along with musical entertainment and river trips to keep the biggest landlubber ship-shape.

Sporting holiday fun

A summer holiday kids treat with an all-inclusive sports, walks, parks and museums offer. It’s great value and will keep them amused for the whole holiday. See www.ipswich.gov.uk/ schoolholidays.

Ipswich Wheels

On Sunday 19 July classic and modern cars, buses, motorbikes, bikes, fire engines and trucks will line up on the Waterfront as thousands of visitors are expected to celebrate the new FREE Ipswich Wheels event.

Velo City!

Ipswich streets will be closed to traffic as thousands of people celebrate Sky Ride Ipswich on Sunday 23 August. The Crafted Classique timed cycling challenge returns to the Waterfront on Saturday 22 August. Top international women riders will speed through Ipswich on the first stage of the 2015 Women’s Tour of Britain on 17 June. The world’s top male riders cycle into town at the end of the penultimate stage of The Friends Life Tour of Britain on 12 September. www.ipswichcyclingweekend.co.uk For more information on Ipswich Summertime visit www.ip-art.com

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s l l e w y l o H New-look

www.ipswich.gov.uk

A £3.5m “Parks For People” refurbishment has transformed the Old Stable Block into a visitor centre and café.

The former Orangery has dropped its cloak of corrugated iron to become a stunning meeting place. The refurbishment project was largely funded by the National Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery, with contributions from the Borough Council and the Friends of Holywells Park.

Holywells is hosting a series of Wednesday family fun days: 29 July: 5 August: 12 August:

TENANT Q+A

Wildlife Day Family Fun Day Active Day

19 August: 26 August:

Petting Zoo Day Movie Day

Contact tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk if you have a question we can answer here so other tenants might benefit, however we cannot print private information.

I have recently received a letter about arrears on my accounts but I have made full payment what do I do?

(Dennis) Depending on how you made your payment, it can take a few days to reach your account. If you have received a letter from us but recently made payment to bring your account up-to-date then you do not need to contact us.

I am receiving Housing Benefit but my circumstances have changed. What should I do? (Sophia) It is important we know as soon as possible about any changes as any delay could seriously affect the amount of help you receive. You can notify us online or by ringing 01473 432700.

My neighbour’s dog barks throughout the day. What can be done about this? (John) Constant barking or whining from a dog can be disturbing and annoying. The noise from a barking dog can be classed as a statutory nuisance which means the Council can decide to serve a noise abatement notice to the owner. The dog’s owner could try using an anti-bark collar. This is often good for dogs that are left outside. These are available from pets shops or veterinary surgeries can also provide advice on their use.

Write in to the Tenant Participation team to have your housing questions answered or join our Facebook group. Email: tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk or ring on 01473 433313

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Suffolk Pita Festival

Never too late ... to say I do

The Bangladeshi Support Centre (BSC) organised its annual Pita Festival at Suffolk New College.

This was the fourth annual festival which attracted people from diverse backgrounds.

Earlier this year Broke Hall sheltered housing residents Susan Catling and John Harvey got engaged. John fell in love three years ago when Susan first moved into the scheme. The couple described their romance as being like teenagers all over again. “We had so much to talk about from the first day I moved in,” recalls Susan.

This year outstanding achievement community awards were given out to individuals who did well at their GCSEs, A Level with minimum of 2 As and community members with first-class degree.

The event had different stalls who displayed traditional Bangladeshi sweets, savoury food, jewellery and children’s entertainment. Most of the stalls were selling to raise money for various charities. To find more about Ipswich and Suffolk Bangladeshi Support Centre visit www.bscentre.org.uk or ring 01473 400081.

John admitted they are both happy to have found each other, they spend more time together and he sends Susan flowers every week. The couple intend to marry later on.

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e n i l n i t i a w Don’t

www.ipswich.gov.uk

e n i l n o t i o d . . .

Did you know you can use the Council’s website to find out about services and benefits available to you?

BENEFITS Calculate You can calculate your entitlement to benefit to determine eligibility or the number of bedrooms for which benefit will be paid.

Apply for: • Housing Benefits • Council Tax Reduction • An Overlap (benefit on two homes) • Discretionary Housing Payment • An additional bedroom allowance or an overnight carer Report A change in circumstance that may affect your claim.

Limited mobility?

COUNCIL TAX Apply for: • Single Occupier discount • Carer discount • Student discount • Disability reduction Tell us: • About your change in address • You’d like to set up a Direct Debit instruction • About occupation of your annex

SHOPMOBILITY offers FREE use of a wheelchair or battery powered scooter to get you around the town centre

Call in and see us at IPSWICH SHOPMOBILITY at the Buttermarket shopping centre on the lower ground (LG) car park level* Monday - Saturday 9.15am-4.15pm *two hours free parking for Shopmobility users

www.ipswich.gov.uk/shopmobility t: 01473 222225

Over the coming year the Council will develop more online services.

To find out more visit https://www.ipswich.gov.uk/online-services

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s e n o t s e l i Recycling m

www.ipswich.gov.uk

Hi, it’s Bernie the bin- man here again to tell you what a brilliant job you have been doing with your recycling.

You can now recycle aerosols, Tetra-pak drinks cartons, metal pots, pans, trays and books in your blue bin.

Those bins are getting really full; you are definitely recycling more.

From November 2014-March 2015 you recycled more than 18,500 tonnes.

That’s impressive and included: Six million cartons Fifty four tonnes of aerosols.

You can even recycle bagged textiles in your recycling bin, too. Just put them in the proper council bag with the green writing on it.

Leave space in the top of the bag so you can tie it up tight and keep contents clean, dry and safe inside.

Pop the bag in the top of your recycling bin for collection.

No loose textiles in the bin, please.

For more bags e: textiles@suffolk.gov.uk or ring 03456 039412 or collect from the Customer Service Centre, Gainsborough and Whitton Sports Centres or libraries.

Don’t forget to watch me in my adventure into space in my new video at www.suffolkrecycle.

k r a P e h t n i k Lar

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www.ipswich.gov.uk

The Chantry fun day returns to Gippeswyk Park on Sunday 28 June from 11am4pm.

There will be lots for everyone to enjoy: • live music • dance displays • donkey rides • bouncy castles • stalls and refreshments • children’s rides • merry-go-round.

The event should be a great family day out, thanks to all the Chantry Residents’ Association volunteers and Year 10 students from Suffolk New Academy, which will be known as Chantry Academy from September.

Courgette Frittata Recipe

by Nicki Baker, Housing Officer

For a perfect frittata cook over a low heat, allow mixture to set slowly without stirring.

Too high a heat will burn the base before the egg is set sufficiently to finish under the grill.

225ml (8 fl oz) semi-skimmed milk 3 tablespoons olive oil Half a green pepper, seeded and chopped 3 courgettes, cut into thin slices 1 small red onion chopped 2 cloves garlic (whole) 6 mushrooms, chopped 5 eggs Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1. Preheat the grill 2. Prepare and chop the vegetables 3. Put the olive oil in the pan, cook courgettes, peppers, mushrooms & onions until soft 4. Beat milk, eggs, salt & pepper together, add to the pan 5. Cook on a low heat until the eggs are firm 6. Sprinkle parmesan over the top, place until grill until golden brown - mind the cheese doesn’t burn 7. Cool for five minutes before cutting into wedges and serving

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East Ipswich Youth Opportunities Event The Council teamed up with the Prince’s Trust (Talent Match) to deliver an exciting event for 18-30 year old residents. On Saturday 23rd May young people were welcomed to enjoy live music from local bands at Scout Hut on Hogarth Road. At the event young people were able to talk to representatives from local organisations offering skill and development opportunities. Participating organisations included ActivLives, MyGo, Princes Trust, Ipswich Borough Council Community Engagement Team and Suffolk Constabulary. To find out more about local options for young people contact: Talent Match - Training and experience Community Action Suffolk MyGo - Employment development

07436582314 01473345357 01473 226060

www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk www.its-mygo.co.uk

p u g n i r u s a e M

Update on housing performance - Period covering April 2014-March 2015 COMPLAINTS

15 complaints about Tenancy Services. All received a full response within deadline of 20 working days. 3 upheld, 2 partially upheld, 10 not upheld.

ALLOCATIONS

It took 14.83 working days to process a housing application.

Target <20

RENTS

At the end of March ÂŁ673,076 in rent payment was outstanding which is 1.88% of the total due for the year. Target <2%

GAS SERVICING

At each month end all our properties should have an up-to-date gas safety certificate, at the end of January 2015 0 services were overdue.

REPAIRS

18,810 repairs were raised of which 98.5% were completed on target.

Target >98.5%

TENANCY

We averaged 15.99 days between a tenancy ending and the next one starting. Target <15 days

COMMUNITY CARETAKERS

2,824 pledge visits/4,023 minor repairs in communal areas were completed.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Of 75,984 calls made to Housing and Repairs 83% got through to an agent before ending the call. Target >90%

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

48 open anti-social behaviour cases at the end of March

Be sure to see the Housing Annual Report online. Visit: www.ipswich.gov.uk

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS You can contact us on

01473 433370

To report a repair or if you have a repair enquiry

01473 432100

(including out of hours emergency repairs) To order a gas repair or gas service

0800 533 5630 or 01473 835145

Environmental Health (for noise problems)

01473 433015

REUSABLE RECYCLING BAG Sort it, Store it, Recycle it! Do you live in a flat or share a communal recycling bin?

The handy reusable blue bag may make it easier to sort, store and carry your recycling out to the bin store.

Make sure your recycling is clean, dry and loose (only textiles need to be bagged) Please contact the recycling team to request a handy bag. e: recycling@ipswich.gov.uk t: 01473 432099