Tenants Times | Spring 2014

Bin collection days are changing! SEE PAGE 17 FOR MORE

tenants’ times

News for tenants of Ipswich Borough Council - Spring 2014

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Rents - Rents are increasing from April by an average £4.40 a week. The increase represents a rise of 5.5% - in line with the Government’s guideline figure. Changes in housing benefit for those on low incomes also come into effect from April. While any additional outlay is unwelcome the new rents continue to offer very good value.

They are assessed as ‘social rents’, distinct from the Government’s preferred ‘affordable rents’ which are based on a percentage of rents charged on privately-rented homes which are much higher.

Insulation - In the last Tenants’ Times I mentioned insulation work being carried out to many council

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housing matters

houses to make them more energy-efficient, saving resident heating bills. Regretfully the Government has since changed the rules affecting such improvement programmes stopping much of the proposed work.

Mike Lloyd - Mike Lloyd, Tenant Scrutiny Panel’s Vice Chair has resigned due to personal commitments. Mike has been a first-rate tenant representative. His energy and enthusiasm made an enormous contribution on behalf of tenants. Thank you, Mike.

Councillor John Mowles Housing Portfolio Holder

Front cover shows Dundee House tenants donating a giant cheque to Suffolk Air Ambulance representatives

Housing matters

2

Join an Area Housing Panel

12

Tenant Scrutiny Panel

3

Services online

13

Rent and Account changes

3

Saving with the Credit Union

14

Hundreds more Council homes

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Community Speed Watch

15

Tenant Awards

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HEARS

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Looking back to festivities

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Bin day changes

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30 years of caring

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Live Well Suffolk

18

Gardening Glory / Noise Action week 8

Update your details form

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Have a go at gardening

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Voting slip

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Spring into action

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Useful Contacts

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Measuring up

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Tenants’ editorial panel Angela Griffiths, Pamela Pamment, Brian Laffling and Derek Rusher

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Updates

www.ipswich.gov.uk

TENANT scrutiny P A N E L

Dear fellow tenants, The scrutiny report on the Caretaking Service was presented to the Council at the Housing Working Group in December. The report summary and the Council’s response will appear in the next Tenants’ Times.

We are checking on the performance of the Kitchen & Bathroom Refurbishment programme since our report last year.

Clare Lovell, Operations Manager for Housing Development, met the Panel to update us. We have conducted a survey of tenants who recently had refurbishments. Thank you to everyone who replied. We are now starting our scrutiny of Customer Services. If you would like to share your experience of either service please email enquiries@tsp.outlook.com In February, Panel members attended the East of England Learning Exchange at

Stoke-by-Nayland to share ideas with residents and officers across the region.

Four places on the Scrutiny Panel are up for election so please cast your vote for a candidate by contacting the Tenant Participation team on 01473 433291 or email: tenant.participation@ipswich. gov.uk Derek Rusher Tenant Scrutiny Panel Member

IMPORTANT Council bank account is changing!

Your new rent Council rents will be increased from 7 April by an average of 5.5%, which equates to an average of £4.40 per week. You should note that this is an average figure and that some tenants’ rents will be higher than the average and others will be lower.

You will be receiving a letter from the Council letting you know the details of the rent increase for your property shortly.

The Council will be switching banks from the Co-op to Lloyds Bank on 1 April 2014. If you pay your rent, council tax or any other bills to the Council by internet banking you will need to use our new account details: The account name remains:

Ipswich Borough Council Income Account Sort code: 30-94-55 Account no: 04900414 If you pay by direct debit or standing order you do not need to do anything as the details will be automatically updated.

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e r o m s d e r d Hun

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council homes

Tenant Kimberley Turrell and her son, Mason, got a Mayoral welcome to their new Coltsfoot Road home from Councillor Hamil Clarke and the Mayoress, Mrs Daisy Weekes, along with Borough Councillors John Mowles and Jeannette Macartney.

Theirs is among the first of at least 300 new council homes proposed by Ipswich Borough Council over the coming years.

Seven families have already moved into the first council houses to be built in the town for more than 20 years at Coltsfoot Road and Whitton Church Lane.

Another 100 homes are set to be given the green light on Ravenswood and Ulster Avenue and proposals for a further 74 homes in the Bramford Road area are to follow.

The Bader Close development in south-east Ipswich included in the last edition has already been given planning permission for 108 homes. When work

starts at Bader Close in the Spring it will be the first major scheme in Ipswich for half a century.

Digging in for spring clear-out at Beaufort Street A significant redevelopment is starting near the town centre at Beaufort Street. Unused garages and sheds are being cleared away to provide more accessible parking and landscaped open spaces. The old garages had become a source of nuisance with rough-sleeping, street drinking and discarded drug paraphernalia. The new open development will enhance the look of the area while also discouraging anti-social behaviour.

The Capital Environmental Improvement Fund has financed this substantial work and Council Surveyors will be working with the building contractor Brookes & Wood. The project is expected to be completed for summer 2014.

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Awards for

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our tenants

The Tenant Awards were presented by Mayor Cllr Hamil Clarke and Mayoress Daisy Weekes in the Mayor’s Parlour on 10th December 2013.

They recognise council tenants’ commitment to the local community in three categories; tenant representative, tenant and young tenant of the year.

Pamela Pamment was awarded Tenant Representative of the Year for her work on behalf of tenants, volunteering with the Chantry Youth Development Initiative and unstinting support to her neighbours. Runners-up were Angela Griffiths for commitment to community projects and this newsletter and Graham Bennett for his work with the Scrutiny Panel. Pamela Graham and Gina Hancock jointly won Tenant of the Year for their green-fingered contribution to their communal gardens. Joint runners-up were Vera Towler and Pauline Latimer for their kind hearted support of an elderly neighbour in need.

(H)air raising

Leon Porter won Young Tenant of the Year for volunteering at the local library, helping improve options for young people in his area. Ellie McLellan was named runner-up for volunteering for the youth group through her local church.

Cllr John Mowles, Housing Portfolio Holder presented the winners with shopping vouchers.

Congratulations and thanks to everyone shortlisted.

Dundee House residents have raised money for Suffolk Air Ambulance. On 21 January they presented £1,103.80 to the charity’s volunteers, Mr and Mrs Lynch.

For more than 20 years fund raising organiser, Diane has offered weekly hairdressing to residents. After her grandmother collapsed a few years ago and the air ambulance came to her rescue she began a collection. Hairdressing donations go into the pot as does money raised from coffee mornings. Congratulations to the residents for helping support the work of this vital charity.

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s e i t i v i t s e f o t k c a b g n i k Loo

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Maidenhall residents joined together for a Christmas quiz at the Bourne Vale Social Club organised by local housing officer Helen Towers supported by Tenancy Services’ own Christmas elf Kelly Hayes with Santa Claus Nana Agyemang.

Residents won Regent tickets, leisure cards, food and drink. Thanks to the South West Area Housing Panel for funding this fun evening for the local community.

On Friday 13th December, more than 30 Walton House residents enjoyed a Christmas meal. One resident said “An excellent spread, the food looks like it’s out of those glossy magazines”.

The lounge was decorated with a magnificent Christmas tree and festive lighting. The staff and residents joined in wearing festive hats for the day.

Dundee House’ Christmas party had extra sparkle with the Karaoke Singalong who entertain many senior citizens clubs, residential and sheltered homes and at “difficulty-in learning” centres.

They make no charge and donations go to a different charity annually. This year’s charity was Woolverstone Wish Fund.

You can book the singers through Bill Flurrie on 01473 429895

There for the community Chantry Residents Association is a charitable group based in the Community Shop on Lavender Hill.

They aim to offer support, companionship and a community meeting space to local residents. They also run the ever popular Lark in the Park in Gippeswyck Park as well as subsidised bus trips. If you are interested in volunteering please call 01473 683680 or why not drop in to the shop for good quality used clothing and household items.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

10 am - 2.30 pm 10 am - 2.30 pm 10 am - 2.30 pm 10 am - 2.30 pm 10 am - 2.30 pm 10 am - 1.00 pm Closed

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g n i r a c f o s 30 year

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e s u o H m a i l l i W

William House Sheltered Scheme, named after Prince William, entered its 30th year before Christmas and tenants celebrated with a tea party.

The party was funded by money tenants raised through a variety of social activities including coffee mornings, cards nights (strictly no gambling!) and Friday games nights including darts, table tennis and pool.

Money raised from social activities and garden sales has over the years paid for a host of garden furniture and hobby equipment as pictured above.

Tenants keep gardens attractive with flowers and hanging baskets and the greenhouse full of vegetables. Over the years tenants have won three silver and one bronze award for Ipswich in Bloom. All of this commitment to the life of the scheme makes for a ‘friendly atmosphere’.

Tenant Christine Sullivan said “I can say from all of us at William House that we are pleased to live here and look forward to celebrating the next milestone”

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y r o l g g n i n e d Gar

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If you are a keen gardener or you know a tenant who is - why not enter our garden competition this summer?

Many tenants toil the communal gardens as well as their own garden, making a leafier, more colourful neighbourhood for everybody. This competition is a chance to recognise the greenfingered heroes in your street. A prize for the winning garden and communal garden in each housing area of the town; North West, South West and East is up for grabs.

Entries will be open until 30 June, judging will be in July and all winners will be featured in the September newsletter if they wish. Now is the time to get planting, good luck!

To nominate a garden please email: tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk

South West Ipswich will host a week of activities to help tackle noise nuisance from 19-25th May

A big thank you to KEEPMOAT, who is kindly helping to sponsor the week.

Noise Nuisance is a big problem: Environmental Protection UK research found 2:5 people are affected and the Council received almost 1,000 noise complaints last year. During the week borough and county councils will be working with schools, police and others to promote consideration and noise reduction tips in the local community and helping people to report noise complaints. There will be activities in schools and the community, leading to a fun day in Bourne Park on Saturday afternoon, 24 May. Alongside useful information there will be games to play, prizes to win, music, entertainment and food.

Come along for a great day out!

If you have a noise nuisance problem, call Environmental Services team on 01473 433019.

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. . . t a o g Have a

www.ipswich.gov.uk

gardening Come and buy garden plants - have a go at gardening - at the People’s Community Garden, Halifax Road, Maidenhall on Wednesday 9 April 11am-2pm.

Staff and volunteers will be on hand to show you how to take cuttings, prune fruit and sow seeds.

Organisers hope to have demonstrations by Suffolk County Council Master Composters, with tips on how to get the most out of your garden while being kind to the environment. There will be plenty of activities for children too, including paper pot-making and pond dipping. Find out more about the People’s Community Garden by phoning ActivLives 01473 261112 or visit activlives.org.uk Come and join in the fun!

Pet care outside ...

As Spring approaches people will spend more time in the garden. Many cleaning products, lawn fertilisers, pesticides, weed killers - even mulch for flowerbeds - can be poisonous to pets.

Remember - pets can’t read warning labels.

Make sure you follow instructions on how long to wait before allowing your pets outside - always put lids on containers.

Prevent unwelcome guests

As days warm up fleas arrive. They are usually picked up by a pet brushing against long grass or from wooded areas, leaf piles and areas of high animal populations. A flea outbreak begins with an animal being exposed to a single flea which then feeds continually on the host, laying eggs. Larvae hatch from the eggs, feed, grow, cocoon and hatch into adult fleas. The cycle takes 15 days and the outbreak usually shows around five days, commonly by constant scratching.

Temperatures between 21-30oc are ideal for fleas to multiply so it is important to protect your pet as the weather warms and throughout the summer. Your vet can advise on the best products to use.

If you are unlucky enough get a flea infestation in your home you need to firstly treat your pet, then treat surfaces as fleas can live in small cracks, upholstery and carpets.

If you need professional help Environmental Health can assist but there will be a charge. Call 01473 433019 for more information.

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n o i t c a o t n i g Sprin

www.ipswich.gov.uk

Simple lifestyle changes will lead to long term results where fad diets and endless workouts can leave you feeling exhausted and demotivated. Try these changes to get in shape for summer.

Exercise Nutrition You only need 30 minutes high intensity interval Start your day with a high protein training (HIIT) three times a week to dramatically breakfast! Think outside the cereal change your body shape. A HIIT circuit box ... try to include more incorporates legs, arms, core and cardio within 30 of these in your daily diet: minutes. Complete each for 45-60 seconds, rest for as long as needed and repeat 4 times.

Chicken & turkey Tuna & salmon Jumping Jacks | Squats | Crunches Eggs Press ups | Lunges | Plank | Dips Nuts and seeds Oatmeal To get the most from a healthy lifestyle try to get Sweet potato enough sleep (7-8 hours nightly) and drink Brown rice sufficient water (2-3 litres daily). You will soon Vegetables feel more energetic and alert. Keeping up with Fruits regular exercise and healthy eating will let you get and maintain the body shape you want.

For further health and fitness advice, chat to a Remember ... you don't have to be great to start member of the Profiles Team on free phone 0800 but you have to start to be great!

0371 371 or visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport

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L E V E L T I R I P S

T E T N D I G G E R B

A T N O N A I L S B U

E S S I E I S N R H I

T C U T L P T I A C L

O A R A A B C M E D D

E F V D I K M M Y N I

E F E N S E E U R A N

Y O Y U R N E G L S G

E L O O T P A E I P L

A D R F T R O W E L R

spirit level, foundation, plumb line, building, scaffold, surveyor, digger, bricks, cement, trowel, hammer, spade, nails, sand

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p u g n i r u s a e M www.ipswich.gov.uk

update on housing performance

November 2013January 2014

Tenancy

ALLOCATIONS Average number of working days to process housing application Target 20 days or fewer 16.7 days✔ Average number of days a property is empty between tenancies Target 15 days or fewer (year to date cumulative average)

17.2 days

Current arrears as % of total rent for the year

2.17%

RENTS

HOME IMPROVEMENT % of houses rated 'Poor' and 'Fair' that improved a rating by the end of the period

6.4%

Neighbourhood and Community ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Total number of tenants evicted for ASB

2

COMMUNITY CARETAKERS % minor repairs in communal areas completed on time within period (target 95%) 98.6%✔

Empowerment

COMPLAINTS Full response within 20 working days or fewer 100%✔ CUSTOMER SERVICE % of calls answered (contacts) Target 90% or more 90% ✔

Home

GAS SERVICING % of stock with annual gas service at end of July.

Target 100% 99.64% REPAIRS % of repairs completed on target within period Target 98.5%

98.3%

These statistics are a measure of how we are performing against the Local Standards: The Offer. Our promise of how we will deliver housing services to all of our tenants

TENANT Q+A

“Who decides what needs doing for planned maintenance? Derek Rusher IBC Tenant Facebook

group Replacement of roofs, windows and doors form part of the Housing Asset Management Strategy. As part of that strategy, the Council Business Plan allows key components of the housing stock to be replaced in cycles eg. replacement of roofs are on a 50 year cycle, replacement windows 40 year cycle and properties are externally decorated every 7 years. Before the Annual Programme commences each year individual properties are assessed by surveyors to help plan the works required.

If you want to have your housing questions answered here or join our Facebook group then please email: tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk

The Ipswich Furniture Project is a charitable organisation offering a collection service for household items of furniture, metal and electrical appliances. Items such as fridges, freezers, washing machines and cookers can be collected as well, even if they don’t work - they will be repaired or recycled!

Please don’t dump them!

Arranging a collection is easy, Ipswich Furniture Project can be contacted by ringing 01473 404004 or emailing service@ipswichfp.org Please note all soft furniture donations must have a current fire warning label still attached.

Further information available at www.ipswichfp.org/donate

Ipswich Furniture Project Don’t Dump It, Donate It!

Have your say on what matters Join an Area Housing Panel

The Area Housing Panels give a chance for you to talk directly to Councillors and housing staff about housing issues in your area and check up on how we are performing as a landlord and delivering value for money.

There are only four meetings a year, and money is available for local projects and improvements.

There is training available and other ways to get involved if you are interested.

We help with travel arrangements and other costs. We are keen to welcome proactive tenants who want us to do better.

If you are interested in joining call the Tenant Participation Team on 01473 433291 or email: tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk

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f o n o i t c e l l o Free c s m e t i d e t n unwa

www.ipswich.gov.uk

Doing it online is quick, easy and convenient On our new look website www.ipswich.gov.uk you can do anything from making payments, reporting a problem, completing a benefit claim application or bidding on the Housing Register.

Ipswich Borough Council are committed to continuously improving access to our services online for all our customers and more online forms and information are becoming available.

There are several PCs available to use at the Customer Service Centre.

Trained staff will help guide you online.

The friendly team can assist you with using the website and point you in the right direction, so that in future you can access services from the comfort of your home.

Direct Debit

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s e c i v r e s e n i More onl for you ... www.ipswich.gov.uk

makes life easier

Paying regular council bills such as rent and council tax by direct debit will save you time and make life easier. You can also pay some regular invoices too. Just give your bank or building society one simple instruction. They will transfer the money automatically from your account to the Council's when it is due. You will be notified in advance of payments and their due dates, and you can query a payment should you feel it is wrong, or stop it altogether; you can obtain a refund if an error is ever made.

Easier and quicker: • no cheques to write or letters to post; • no queues; • your bank/building society does the work - you stay in control.

To pay your rent or council tax by direct debit visit our website www.ipswich.gov.uk/ content/direct-debit for further details or ring 01473 433370.

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g n i t e g d u b d Saving an

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n o i n U t i d e r C e with th

Its not too early to plan for Christmas. The Eastern Savings and Loans Credit Union (formerly called the Ipswich and Suffolk Credit Union) Lock It Away Account is a convenient way to start saving.

You choose how to pay in; standing orders or cash deposits using a Paypoint card, or walk into a local point. Funds are released from 1 November or later if you prefer saving right up to Christmas.

ESLCU has other savings accounts such as the Immediate Access Share Account and Junior Savers Account. Benefits of Credit Union membership include being able to pay in cheques at no charge and an optional prepaid VISA debit card which provides a safe way to shop online and for holiday travel. ESLCU can process payments from wages, tax credits and benefits. Some members use their Credit Union account for all their money management, some use it as a rainy day savings account - it’s your choice.

ESLCU continue to offer small loans up to £500 to new members with larger loans to people who save regularly before borrowing. Interest rates vary from 12.7% APR for long term members, up to 26.8% APR for new members.

Contents insurance

Loan example: £400 repaid at £12 per week over 37 weeks equals total interest of £44.11, so at 26.8% APR you repay a total of £444.11.

You can join on-line or at our community points in Austin Street, Queensway, Dickens Road, Clapgate Lane and Maidenhall, or phone for an application pack to be sent by post.

Eastern Savings and Loans Credit Union Ltd 63 Austin Street, Ipswich IP2 8DF t: 01473 690690 e: office@iscu.org.uk www.iscu.org.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No 213756

Ipswich Borough Council reminds all its residents to take out household contents insurance. You can do this either through the Ipswich Borough Council scheme or by making your own private arrangements. Many residents believe their landlord automatically insures their furniture, belongings and decorations against fire, theft, vandalism or water damage such as burst pipes. This is not the case.

Unfortunately some residents only realise this after damage has been done.

We make it easy for you to insure your belongings under a special household contents insurance scheme arranged with Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc. which is available only to Ipswich Borough Council tenants. For further details please contact Tenancy Services on 01473 433370.

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h c t a W d e e p S y t i n u m m Co

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Community Speed Watch makes a valuable contribution to road safety within the Ipswich district and seeks additional volunteers. The Police provide enforcement and reassurance but officers cannot always carry out regular speed checks in every location that wants them.

Are you concerned about road safety for young children?

Do you have pets that may wander around your neighbourhood?

Do you want to reduce the speed of vehicles in your community?

Can you spare an hour a week?

Why not get together with like-minded members of the community and use speed detection equipment to monitor traffic speeds in your community. This will help raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and help improve the safety of your community.

So if you can spare a little of your time and are interested in joining, please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. Details can be found at: www.onesuffolk.co.uk/safersuffolk or telephone 101 and ask for Anna Stout, Community Safety, Suffolk Constabulary

Suffolk Housing Survey 2014

You may soon receive a Housing Needs Survey through the post. We want to explain what it is about so you can help shape the future of housing in your town.

What is it?

This is your chance to tell us about you, your housing and, if you want to change your housing, what you would like the options to be. It asks about care needs, travel and work too.

It is the first joint housing survey by all local councils in Suffolk. The survey will go to more than 80,000 households selected at random. If you are not selected for a postal survey you will still be able to complete the survey online.

What type of household will take part?

The survey is equally likely to be posted to any household where someone is registered to vote.

It is not only for council tenants.

When can you take part?

The survey will be open for just over a fortnight from 24 March. Watch the press, radio, council website and our noticeboards for news.

As a ‘thank you’ one lucky householder in each district who fills in and returns the survey by the deadline will receive £100 of ‘Love to Shop’ vouchers.

By filling in the survey you will help influence local housing for generations. We want there to be homes for you at a cost to suit every pocket.

See our website www.ipswich.gov.uk for more details or follow the survey on Twitter and Facebook

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www.ipswich.gov.uk

d n i m f o e c a e p s Hears give Home Emergence Alarm Response Service enables people needing support to live as independently as possible in their own homes, for as long as they are able and wish to. It’s all about peace of mind, knowing help will come and it costs as little as £2.50 a week.

The best support for Ipswich HEARS comes from a survey of its customers: 100% of them would recommend the personal alarm service. More than 350 customers completed the poll. The main reason for a HEARS alarm was because they lived on their own, many said they were “not as mobile as I used to be”. The

HEARS service supplies an alarm pendant, worn around the neck or wrist. Most customers wore the pendant to “feel safer” and they also felt the service gives their “family peace of mind”.

The HEARS service is run by Ipswich Borough Council from its 24-hour control room. The HEARS team has served the Ipswich area for 20 years. If you have family or friends who would benefit from HEARS please let them know and give peace of mind to you and them. For more information about HEARS please visit: www.ipswich.gov.uk/hears or call the 24-hour control team on 01473 433236.

You can bank on recycling

Thanks to funding from the Central Area Committee two new glass recycling banks have been installed at Tower Ramparts bus station.

Now residents can hop off the bus and pop their glass bottles and jars in the glass recycling banks.

The new banks are for mixed glass so there is no need to separate the different colours. Please remember to remove lids, caps and corks.

Last year almost 1,500 tonnes of glass was placed in the glass banks and red glass bins in Ipswich.

This is an incredible achievement! Hopefully with this new site it will be even higher this year!

The glass recycling banks are NOT for: Light bulbs Cookware Drinking glasses

The glass recycling banks are for: Green, brown, clear wine, beer and spirit bottles Jam, pickle, coffee and cooking sauce jars Marmite jars

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n i b r u o y o t s Change collection

www.ipswich.gov.uk

1 April 2014 will see the biggest change in refuse and recycling collections since the launch of the scheme.

Collections will take place over four days, Tuesdays-Fridays, removing the need to change collection days during bank holiday weeks (except over Christmas and New Year).

Most residents will have their bin collected on a different day but there is no need to worry about these changes. A letter detailing new collection day and pattern will be sent to every household during March ready for the start on 1 April. There will also be information on our website www.ipswich.gov.uk/binchanges and in The Angle.

Planned maintenance April 2014 - March 2015 Ipswich Borough Council is continuing its Planned Maintenance to Council owned properties. Typical works include the replacement of windows, doors, roofing, guttering, chimneys, rainwater downpipes, and decorating and refurbishment to brick areas and property pathways. Over the next few weeks tenants in Greenwich, East area flats and parts of Chantry will be contacted by letter giving them information of the type of work being done to their homes.

Works cover all aspects to the property exterior and each affected property has already been surveyed.

Our Customer Relation Officers Chris Driver and Hyacinth Ankrah will be contacting tenants who will be in the first stages of the work programme.

You can visit the new Council web pages and see if your area is on the 2014/2015 programme. www.ipswich.gov.uk/content/planned-maintenance

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. . . y l i m a f r u Help yo

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re u t u f r e i h t l a e h eps towards a

take st

Are you concerned about your child’s weight? Would you like to encourage them to eat healthier and be more active? Then Live Well Suffolk can help.

Throughout the year Live Well Suffolk runs FREE courses for 2-18 year olds, providing them and their families with all the help they need to make healthier food choices and become more active. There are three main strands to the courses: healthy eating, physical activity, and diet and behaviour. The courses are backed by up to six months’ worth of free help and practical support through inter-active 90 minute workshops, which parents and carers are encouraged to attend.

Heather Osborn, a Live Well Suffolk’s dietician, said: “All our workshops take place in a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment. We will work with children and their families to set goals and targets that are important to them, focusing on small changes that are manageable and achievable. If you have any concerns about your child’s weight, or would just like advice on helping your family to eat healthier, please get in touch with us.”

The courses are run by trained advisors and cover things like understanding food labels, portion sizes, snacking, treat foods and the amount of sugar in food. They are also very practical activities include a supermarket tour and regular food tasting sessions to encourage children to try new foods.

Live Well Suffolk also helps families find ways to incorporate exercise into their routines - whether it’s walking to school, swimming at the weekends or playing games in the local park.

Each workshop includes 30 minutes of physical activity and families can also sign up to an additional multi-sports activity club.

For older children, there’s the option to take part in taster gym sessions. These courses are aimed at primary and secondary school age children and their families. The organisation can also provide free information and practical support for adults who want to lose weight, get more active or quit smoking.

Please call Live Well on 01473 229292 or visit their website at www.livewellsuffolk.org.uk to find our more.

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www.ipswich.gov.uk

Update your details and win a £50 prize We want to stay up-to-date with our tenants and see how we can best deliver a service that reflects their needs.

Please complete this form and use the Freepost envelope to return it to Housing Services by 31 March 2014. You will be in with a chance of winning one of three £50 love-to-shop vouchers in a free draw.

The details you give will be used in keeping with the Data Protection Act.

Title:

Surname:

First name:

Middle name:

National Insurance no: Date of birth:

Gender:

Marital status: Ethnicity: What is your preferred language: Do you require the services of an interpreter or translator?

Email:

@

Landline no:

Mobile no:

Do you consider yourself to have a disability:

Y/N

Y/N

Please let us know what your disability is: Do you have a bank account?

Y/N

Does it support direct debits?

Y/N

Are you confident in using a computer to complete online forms?

Would you need help to do so?

Y/N

Do you have internet access at home?

Y/N

Could you use a family or friend’s computer if you needed to?

✄

Thank you for taking the time to complete this form.

Y/N

Y/N

Tenant Scrutiny Panel Election The Tenant Scrutiny Panel is a group of nine tenants set up to check how the Council performs as a landlord.

They volunteer their time to examine how the Council plans its services to tenants, how well it delivers and whether services are value for money.

Four panel places are open for election this year.

You can vote for who you want to represent you by contacting the Tenant Participation team email: tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk or return this page with your vote, name and address using the Freepost envelope provided.

Brian has served as Chair of the TSP for two years and has many years experience on tenant panels. He is standing for re-election.

■ Brian Laffling

Paulo Ferreira

Shayne Pooley

Graham Bennett

Graham has served on the TSP for two years and has a keen interest in housing developments in Ipswich. He is standing for re-election.

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Paulo is a member of the North West Area Housing Panel and a Tenant Inspector. He is also head of the Portuguese United for Ipswich local resident association.

■ Shayne was raised in Ipswich and has been a retail and catering manager. He says: "I was proud to grow up in Ipswich and want to make sure my children and future generations feel the same" ■

Sandra Wilding

Sandra has served on the TSP for two years and has many years experience on tenant panels. She is standing for re-election.

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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

If you or anyone you know requires this newsletter to be provided in large print or audio format, please contact Tenant Participation email: tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk