Tenants Times | Summer 2014

News for tenants of Ipswich Borough Council - Summer 2014

Noise action week

tenants’ times SEE PAGE 10

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www.ipswich.gov.uk

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housing matters Building new homes

… and improving existing ones

Ipswich Borough Council is progressing with its plans to build new homes for rent in the next three years. Further sites for new council houses have been agreed: • Ulster Avenue - 22 homes to be provided on the former garage site at the back of the shops, building expected to start early next year • Ravenswood - some 90 homes • Bramford Road - about 75 homes on land backing onto railway line

Work on improvements such as re-roofing, better insulation, new bathrooms and kitchens is due to start in June to 127 Tarran bungalows (prefabs) in Inverness Road/Humber Doucy Lane/Sidegate Lane.

Meanwhile, building 106 new homes at Bader Close will start as soon as environmental work and archaeological excavations are completed.

These bungalows are very popular and, like all two-bedroomed homes, are in great demand.

Councillor John Mowles Housing Portfolio Holder

Front cover shows

Housing matters

2

Lark in the Park

12

Tenant Scrutiny Panel

3

Half Marathon

13

Tenant car park solution

3

Sheltered Tenants News

14

HEARS

4

Tenant Q+A

15

Swapping homes

5

School Litter Poster Competition

16

Looking back to festivities

6

Brown Bin use is growing

17

Commit to be fit

18

Caretaking Services Report

6& 7

County Court fee increased

8

Recipe & Puzzles

19

Enforcement Agents

9

Measuring up

20

Noise Action Week

10

Useful Contacts

20

Big Ideas

11

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, I am Adrian Ricketts and represent sheltered housing tenants on the Tenant Scrutiny Panel. We welcome Shayne Pooley on to the Panel and congratulate not only him but also all re-elected members. Thanks to everyone who voted. Below are some of the panel members (myself, Alan Sparrow, Graham Bennett, John Wragg, Leah Jordan and Shayne Pooley).

The panel have been working hard; the Caretaking Service report is published, the summary is on pages 6 and 7 or the full version is on www.ipswich.gov.uk. We are working with tenant inspectors on our Scrutiny of Customer Services and have been following up on kitchen and bathroom refurbishment.

It has been a busy time at the sheltered housing sites with two get-togethers, a new club, fundraising quiz and darts marathon.

If you would like to know more or tell us about your experiences, you can contact us on our new email address tsp.enquiries@gmail.com Have a great summer

New Mayor & Mayoress

The new Mayor is Councillor Bill Quinton, who served as Mayor in 1988-1989. He has held several senior posts, including Chair of the Planning & Development Committee. His wife, Barbara, is the Mayoress, they are pictured above. The former Mayor, Councillor Hamil Clarke is now Deputy Mayor.

Election results: To find out about the Ipswich Borough Council election results on 22 May go to www.ipswich.gov.uk or look in your latest copy of The Angle newspaper

Adrian Ricketts

Tenant car park solution

Tenant Scrutiny Panel Member

Unused land at Beaufort Street has been transformed into a car park for tenants.

The unused site contributed to anti-social behaviour in the area. There is now additional parking for local residents as well as a landscaped open space which enhances the look of the area.

This project was funded by the Capital Environmental Improvement Fund and developed by building contractors, Brookes & Wood.

The Ipswich HEARS personal alarm response team have new branded vans to get them to customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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peace of mind

The Borough Council-run service helps vulnerable people keep their independence by offering two options: a full response monitoring service or monitoring only prices start from just £2.30 a week.

If you want peace of mind - or you know someone who does - please get in touch to join the HEARS ‘family’ or to find out more about the service.

Call 01473 433236 (24 hours) or visit the website www.ipswich.gov.uk/hears

Empty homes brought back to life

Empty homes in Ipswich have been brought back to life and provide affordable homes thanks to a partnership scheme between Ipswich Borough Council and Orwell Housing Association.

The scheme offers eligible homeowners willing to lease their empty properties, a grant of up to £14,000 to bring the empty homes back into use.

Orwell Housing will renovate, maintain and manage the properties for a fixed term and provide much needed affordable homes. Two properties have been restored and a third is under way, taking properties from a poor condition and giving them a full renovation, which could include new bathrooms and kitchens, installing central heating and an electrical re-wire.

Any owner with a home that has been empty for more than three years and would like to take advantage of the scheme should contact: Greg Dodds, Orwell Housing Association t: 01473 228648 e: gregd@orwell-housing.co.uk

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? s e m o h g n i p p a sw Are you hoping to move?

How about a mutual exchange?

Mutual exchange is when social housing tenants swap houses and tenancies. If you are looking to move and are in a low-priority banding for Choice Based Lettings an exchange may be a good option for you.

Come along to the Key Café, 15 St. Margaret’s Plain, Ipswich IP4 2BB on Monday 23 June between 2-7pm to see people in Ipswich looking to swap homes. Key Café is at the entrance to Christchurch Park, two minutes walk from Tower Ramparts.

For further information on this event please email: tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk Key Café 15 St. Margaret’s Plain Ipswich IP4 2BB Monday 23 June between 2-7pm

We are working with other Ipswich landlords to get the best choice for everyone; Flagship Housing, Orwell Housing, Suffolk Housing and Sanctuary Housing tenants are all involved.

There will be help to register on House Exchange, a national exchange site, and advice from housing and benefits staff on how best to move.

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www.ipswich.gov.uk

L E N A P y n i t u TENANT scr report on

E C I V R E S G N I CARETAK

Tenant meetings and outside discussion found some concerns about the Council’s Caretaking Service.

fly-tipping, minor repairs and safety checks of communal areas such as stairways, bin areas, and gardens.

Some tenants felt they received no Caretaking Service at all! We decided to look into it …

The afternoon visits include; • sheltered schemes plus minor repairs for individual flats • community works ranging from erecting greenhouses at sheltered schemes to installing bollards restricting parking on verges • installing key-safe boxes as part of the HEARS service • anti-social behaviour patrols in the evenings during most of the year • maintaining noticeboards in communal areas

Research To begin our research we met Richard Laughlin, Senior Housing Maintenance Manager. He gave a presentation on the service history and plans for the future. We shadowed caretakers going about their normal routine and were given information including expected standards, a check-sheet and questionnaire. We spoke with tenants about the Caretaking Service, asking them to complete a survey. Later we met Emmanuel Lynch, Caretaking Manager, to discuss our initial observations.

The service The service visits 525 sites and 15 sheltered schemes. It receives £433,000 from rent collected and charges to sheltered schemes and leaseholders. Neighbourhoods are assigned service levels; weekly, monthly and bi-monthly depending on demand. The Caretaking Service only visits properties with communal areas.

The team has 11 full-time and three part-time staff. The move to Hadleigh Road Industrial Estate has improved access to materials and training and has enabled the remote reporting system.

Caretakers work in pairs over a set area. A mobile device tracks jobs and report problems, jobs are allocated with priority given to health and safety or emergency. Having completed the job, a caretaker posts a response card at each home.

The caretakers’ morning involves maintenance which consists of litter-picking, cleaning, reporting

Our tenant survey Generally caretakers’ work was rated as good or satisfactory. Most people who observed the caretakers felt they attended less frequently than was recorded. The maintenance of the grass and plants belonging to another service caused some confusion.

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www.ipswich.gov.uk

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS PASSED TO THE COUNCIL The Caretaking Service is operating efficiently and effectively and represents value for money.

The main challenges were: • fly-tipping • discarded drug needles • dog fouling • misuse of communal areas for storage The caretakers’ remit is not well understood among tenants. Fly-tipping fines should be larger than the cost of bulky refuse collection.

Other means of disposal should also be more widely promoted.

Regular free skip days could discourage fly-tipping.

Photographs of furniture during property inspections would help trace dumped sofas and chairs.

Review of time period between observed fly-tipping and clearance of items, including those in gardens.

Caretakers’ clearing up needles does not provide solution to the problem affecting too many communal areas. Greater multi-agency work to tackle causes would be better.

Storage is an issue for tenants.

Buggies/bikes stored under stairwells and on landings present fire safety hazards. Bikes taken upstairs left marks and damaged stairwells.

Under-stair spaces fitted with fire doors and a code lock could provide safe buggy storage, reducing damage and fire risk.

Installing cycle storage behind bin stores would help tenants and reduce damage to stairwells Introducing tenancy conditions prohibiting dog walking in enclosed communal gardens and responsible pet ownership should be considered. Articles in Tenants’ Times promoting responsible pet ownership could also help.

A lot of the caretakers’ time is spent clearing up behind a few thoughtless tenants, enforcing greater responsibility could make it possible to extend the service.

Lack of action on some problems is partly due to communication between service areas and partly lack of clarity of responsibilities.

Information should be better shared across the Council. Tenants and staff should be encouraged to observe and report all matters to the Council.

EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE

The standard County Court fee for rent arrears possession cases has risen from £100 to £250.

When possession proceedings are commenced against a tenant, costs are initially met by Ipswich Borough Council. However, when a Possession Order is made it is usual for the court fee to be awarded to the Council. This means a tenant would have to pay costs of £250 in bringing the action.

Possession action is a last resort. We recognise many people have problems making ends meet from time to time. This might be for a variety of reasons, such as losing your job, ill-health or unexpected changes in your circumstances. If you fall behind with your rent, it is important you

Tenants win prizes

Three tenants won £50 Love2Shop vouchers after updating their details with the Council using the form in the last edition of Tenants’ Times.

Pictured receiving their vouchers are: Ms Willard of south-east Ipswich with Simon Lanning of our Tenant Participation Team

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contact us as soon as possible before the debt becomes too difficult to manage and you risk losing your home.

Your Housing Officer will be able to offer advice and assistance and also direct you to appropriate support where necessary.

Peter Hancock of Westgate with Natalie Wilcox, Scheme Manager and Robin Gray of Maidenhall with Helen Towers, Housing Officer Thanks to the many tenants who took the time to update their details with us.

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s t n e g a t n e Enforcem

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PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS BAILIFFS From 6 April new regulations regarding the enforcement of debts by Enforcement Agents has changed.

The Enforcement agent must send a Notice of Enforcement giving a minimum of seven clear days that a visit will take place to take control of goods.

Enforcement agents cannot force their way into your house. It is still illegal for them to break anything, put their foot in the door or push past you to get in. They can still use force to enter when they’re collecting criminal fines or tax debts from HM Revenue & Customs, but they will need to ask a judge for permission first.

Enforcement agents won’t be allowed to climb through windows now and the law stops them coming in if only children or vulnerable adults are in the house.

Agents are prevented from taking basic household items, eg. cookers, fridges and washing machines. Essential items for disabled people and children can no longer be taken. The new law allows the agent to clamp cars on any public road and tow them away after two hours. Cars required for a disabled person to get around cannot be taken.

There are new fees which are easier to understand although more expensive. Fees are as follows: Stage 1:

Compliance Stage Fee

£75

Stage 2:

Enforcement Stage Fee

£235 (+ 7.5% of the value of the debt that exceeds £1,500.00)

Stage 3:

Sale Stage Fee

£110 (+ 7.5% of the value of the debt that exceeds £1,500.00)

This new law will ensure the enforcement agents are working to a strict standard and the whole process should be easy and more transparent.

The Council is always happy to discuss any amounts that are in arrears. It is never too late to ask for advice, you may be entitled to a reduced bill, help with your payments or the council may be able to come to a payment agreement with you.

If you need further advice or would like to discuss your account please contact the Council on 01473 433955 or visit our website at www.ipswich.gov.uk

For free, independent financial advice contact Citizen Advice Bureau on 01473 219777 or Ipswich Housing Association Group on 01473 213102.

For more information on laws surrounding Enforcement Agents please see www.legislation.gov.uk

Noise Action Week is a national initiative raising awareness of nuisance noise and the help available.

Ipswich is above the national average for people affected by noise.

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k e e w n o i t c a Noise

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vironmental “Did you know that En ound a thousand Services received ar ise last year alone? “ complaints about no

Between 19 and 24 May, the Council worked with Police, schools, and local organisations to help get the message out that there is help available.

The week finished with a fun day at Bourne Park where there was music, entertainers, food and games for local families to enjoy as well as hearing tests and advice from local agencies.

If you are affected by noise disturbance from a commercial or residential property please contact Environmental Services on 01473 433019 for advice. If you are affected by outside noise disturbance contact the Police on 101.

Summer - keep the noise down

During the summer noise complaint can soar along with the temperature. Tenants might have problems from their neighbours playing loud music and late night BBQs. Summer is a great time to relax outside with friends but please consider your neighbours.

Tips for the summer: • If you plan a BBQ or party, talk to neighbours before or invite them along. If you give a finish time stick to it, neighbours are less likely to complain • If you open windows to keep cool remember noise travels more easily so keep the volume of music or television low, especially at night • Personal headphones allow you to enjoy your music without disturbing anyone, cordless ones mean you can still move around. Be careful not to enjoy your headphones too loud, you could cause long term hearing damage • Avoid activities such as DIY or washing machines spin-cycles in evenings or overnight.

If you are affected by neighbour noise you can contact your housing officer for advice/assistance or ring Environmental Services on 01473 433019 to raise any complaints.

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? a e d i g i b r u o y s ’ t a h W

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r e t t e b t s e W h to make Nort

The Eastern Enterprise Hub is proud to be working in conjunction with UnLtd to provide funding and support to people in Ipswich who have big ideas for their local communities.

If you live in Castle Hill, Whitehouse or Whitton and have an idea to positively change your community why not apply for a “Try It”award and make a difference?

“Try It” Star People award The “Try It” Star People award can receive up to £500 in funding, as well as personal support and advice on how to become a local entrepreneur, making a real difference in your community. You can progress at your own pace and could move on to a larger project with the ‘Do It’ award of up to £5,000.

Maureen Clark set up the Double L Club, a lunch club for retired people living in north-west Ipswich. She said: “The funding from UnLtd has enabled me to invest in technology that helps to enhance the lives of the club members. I now have a DVD player for the armchair exercises and laptop to teach IT skills.” Pictured are lunch club members.

To qualify, you must show you are passionate about improving your local area and live, work, volunteer or have an established business in Castle Hill, Whitton or Whitehouse and have a good idea for an innovative project. Whatever the project idea we want to hear about it.

Please contact Amy Bramwell at amy@eehub.co.uk or call 01473 527100

Westgate community funding on offer Community First Neighbourhood Matched Fund is an initiative that provides local communities with the money to address their own priorities. It is now available to fund community projects in areas around the country, including Westgate ward.

People are encouraged to give time, expertise and resources towards the projects they identify in their areas. For every £1 of in-kind donations (donations of cash, services, free products or volunteer time) the fund can offer £1. This means if you are involved with a project in the area or you have a good idea for one you could double your funding.

If you are interested please contact Carl Murton e: carl.murton@ipswich.gov.uk t: 01473 433506 or Claire Prosser e:Claire.prosser@suffolk.gov.uk to find out more.

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. . . k r a p e h Lark in t

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Chantry Resident Association fun day returns and it is bigger than before …

The event at Gippeswyk Park will be on Sunday 22 June from 11am - 4pm.

There will be lots happening - the Silver Spinners Majorettes, donkey rides and bouncy castles, children’s rides and a merry-go-round.

Bring your dog along for free micro-chipping, which means you can be reunited if it goes astray.

The event should be a great family day out thanks to all the Chantry Residents’ Association volunteers and the year 10 students from Suffolk New Academy.

What’s on this summer

This is going to be a great summer for events in Ipswich don’t miss out ...

JUNE

20 JUNE - 13 JULY THE IPSWICH ARTS FESTIVAL

22

LARK IN THE PARK

Gippeswyk Park

5

OPEN AIR CINEMA

Christchurch Park

6

MUSIC DAY

Christchurch Park

12

GLOBAL RHYTHMS

Christchurch Park

FREE

26

BIG GARDEN PARTY

Halifax Road

FREE

Waterfront

FREE

JULY

13

Great Gatsby

INDIAN MELA

AUGUST 15-17

23

31

MARITIME FESTIVAL

Christchurch Park

PARTY ON THE GREEN Kelly Road Green Space

MULTICULTURAL DAY Alexandra Park

FREE

£7 (£5 conc)

FREE (£1+ donations please) FREE

FREE

FREE

Best kept garden

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n e w o G g n i k Lar n o h t a r a m f l ha

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The sixth annual Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon is on Sunday 21 September, and entries are well under way. The race will start and finish in the iconic Christchurch Park and promises being even bigger than previous years.

There are plenty of ways to get involved - as a participant, supporter, volunteer or by taking part in the free Fun Run. The race supports the Ipswich St Elizabeth Hospice and East Anglian Children’s Hospice.

The Half Marathon is sponsored by leading chartered accountants and business advisors - Larking Gowen and is organised jointly by Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich JAFFA Running Club. Be sure to give yourself time to train for this event. If you are thinking about entering or supporting you can find out more at www.ipswichhalfmarathon.co.uk

Big Garden Party Saturday 26 July The grand allotment event, led by the Maidenhall People’s Community Garden will have wildlife-themed fun for all the family.

There will be a bird of prey display, jitterbug dancers, a colourful array of stalls, music and entertainment, from 11am-3pm.

Maidenhall Residents’ Association will be putting on a good show in the bowls pavilion, while the allotments team will have tables groaning under the weight of vegetables, jams and cakes.

This is a good chance to look around this innovative community project, which offers volunteering and training opportunities in gardening and horticulture, as well as diverse workshops and courses on subjects ranging from permaculture to botanical art.

There will be live music throughout the site, and an array of stalls, food and activities for all the family.

It’s all happening at The People’s Community Garden, Maidenhall Allotments, Halifax Road or to get further information on this event ring 01473 261112

Entries are open until 30 June for the Best Kept Garden Competition.

If you are a keen gardener or know a tenant who is - why not enter them for the chance to win £30 and feature in the next Tenants Times’?

The winning tenant’s garden or communal garden in each housing area can win a £30 Garden gift cards which can be redeemed at Victoria Nurseries, Westerfield Road. Victoria Nurseries will also donate a small gift to each winner.

This competition is a chance to recognise our green-fingered heroes who make a leafier, more colourful neighbourhood for everybody.

Please contact tenant.participation@ ipswich.gov.uk

d e 8 v i t o m s t e g

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All Hallows

www.ipswich.gov.uk

All Hallows sheltered housing tenants have set up a new group ... All Hallows Motiv8 ... with help from manager Heidi Gooch. They plan to run social activities for residents in east Ipswich.

Residents took over a garden area by the communal lounge, supported by the Council’s East Area Housing Panel, they purchased tools, pots and flowers and have planted up ready for summer. For information on Area Housing Panel funding in your neighbourhood contact tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk

Charity darts marathon at Stratford On 28 April Stratford Court sheltered darts team took part in a darts marathon to raise much needed funds for children with Cockayne Syndrome.

The event was organised by residents, food and hot drinks were provided throughout to keep everyone going. A grand total of £483 was raised.

Rene and Shirley said: “We would like to say a big thank you to all that played, supported and donated towards the event”.

If you are in sheltered accommodation and would like to join in the fun while helping the community, please contact tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk.

Dart games are held every Monday.

Age UK Suffolk improving later life Age UK Suffolk (formerly Age Concern Suffolk) offers a local service for older people and those that care for them through help centres, shops and services throughout the county.

The Ipswich Help Centre, based at the Age UK charity shop, 41a Upper Brook Street is open from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday or telephone 01473 257039 to make an appointment to see someone.

Find out about the variety of services on offer: Advice workers on benefits, dementia and independence will visit older people at home, talk over any problems and assist in finding solutions to staying independent and safe at home; Befriending service has carefully selected volunteers who provide friendship to socially isolated older people by offering a regular visit or telephone call;

Home-help service helps with housework, laundry and shopping (there is a charge for day centre and home help services); Community Links Team supports local community volunteers who provide activities for older people such as gentle exercise groups, computer clubs, lunch and social clubs. More information is available at www.ageuksuffolk.org

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TENANT Q+A

www.ipswich.gov.uk

“Is there any particular reason why parts of the parks are not being mown? Is this to encourage wildlife? Brian Laffling (Chair of TSP) Yes. In 2012, after consultation, Parks & Open Spaces increased the amount of land it managed for wildlife. The action involved changing the mowing regime of grassland sites. Some areas are cut once per year to maintain a long grass habitat (good for insects and small mammals). Other areas are deliberately left unmanaged for nature to take its course and will gradually turn into woodland. Finally, some areas have been planted with trees. Together these areas link up existing wildlife sites and improve the ability of flora and fauna to travel around the town. “I have read in the newspaper that some councils are collecting bins every four weeks. Are there any plans for the Council to do this? From Pamela Pamment (South-West Area Housing Panel Member) There are no plans to introduce monthly bin collections. Ipswich Borough Council operates an alternate week collection where residents black bins are emptied one week and their blue bins are emptied the following week.

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

Fun learning for Ipswich teens The Fresh Pack programme combines education with fun activities to give young people a better understanding of healthy living, drug and alcohol misuse, basic first aid, healthy relationships and sexual health.

Twenty nine teenagers (13-16 years old) took part in a successive pilot at Jerwood Dance Studios delivered by The Matthew Project, Terrence Higgins Trust, Live-well Suffolk, CSV Media, Suffolk New College and British Red Cross.

They had the chance to join in a dance session, learn how to mix music, make smoothies with pedal power and have beauty treatments inbetween learning about the dangers of smoking, alcohol and legal highs, how to administer basic first aid and guidance on sexual health.

Everyone who took part left with a Fresh Pack of useful information, contacts for support organisations and fun freebies.

Sally Tynan, of Ipswich Borough Council, is working with Suffolk County Council to extend the programme.

Ring 01473 432703 to find out more.

TFP

The fresh pack

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h c i w s p I r e n a e l c r o f s r e t s o p s l o Scho Ipswich primary schools were invited to take part in a poster competition for litter awareness.

The Borough’s Waste Services staff gave a presentation to almost 1,700 children at participating schools. The children were asked to help raise awareness of littering and dog fouling issues by designing a colourful poster and slogan.

The shortlisted designs were displayed at Council offices and staff voted for their favourites ... all from Britannia Primary school!

Abigail’s winning litter poster was displayed on the side of a refuse collection vehicle which visited the school playground on Monday 28 April. Owen’s dog-fouling poster was first runner-up. Both posters will be used in streets, parks and open spaces across Ipswich to deter littering and dog-fouling.

creativity and enthusiasm for keeping Ipswich cleaner.

Congratulations to our winners. Waste Services received hundreds of entries showing great

Glynis Wood, from Waste Services, presented the school with two litter and recycling bins.

Police work with dog owners A Paw on Patrol is a police initiative through your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

If your dog is vaccinated, micro-chipped and wears a named collar, cleaned up after and kept from annoying your neighbours then you could get discounts in local pet stores.

By signing up to the scheme you receive a membership card entitling you to discounts. On the reverse of the card are numbers you need to report community issues to the Police and Council. You can also get police notifications about issues in your area.

Just call 101 to find out more and to get an application form from your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

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e s u n i b n Ipswich brow growing

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is

Almost 46,000 Ipswich properties have brown bins and around 10,000 tonnes of garden waste, vegetable peelings, apple cores, tea bags and coffee grinds were processed between April 2013 and March 2014.

Brown bin waste is taken to Anglian Water at Cliff Quay where it is turned into compost and re-used locally.

You can pick up pre-bagged top quality soil improver for £1.50 at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre.

If one bin isn’t enough you can also take garden and organic waste to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre or for £44 per year the Council will provide a second standard 240 litre brown bin to be collected on the same day as first. If you live in a flat with shared bins and don’t already have one, you may be able to have a brown bin too. Get in touch with Waste & Recycling team on 01473 432099 for more information or visit www.ipswich.gov.uk

You can bank on recycling Don’t just throw away old or broken small electrical appliances: green Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) bins have been installed at: The Woolpack, Tuddenham Road Waitrose, Crane Boulevard Vinnicombe Court, Cambridge Drive Ipswich Borough Council has joined forces with local charity the Ipswich Furniture Project to empty bins and recycle or reuse what they can. By using these bins you will be helping the environment and supporting a local charity. Small electrical items such as irons, hairdryers, phone chargers and kettles are wanted. For large items such as televisions or fridges use your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre or contact Ipswich Furniture Project on 01473 404004 who can collect some large electrical items for free - even if they are broken.

For further recycling advice visit www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk or phone 01473 432099

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It’s nearly summer time so let’s start with some easy and fun exercises such as cycling, swimming and aerobics. You can join your local gym or dance classes.

Take friends and family members with you to dance lessons, swimming and water activities.

Cycling: have you considered taking up cycling, it is great for you.

Cycling every day keeps the body slim and fit.

If you cycle 2-3 kilometres daily, you will see the difference in a month. If you are interested in taking up cycling as exercise you can contact Ipswich Bicycle Club (01473 741335), Suffolk Cyclist Touring Club (01473 716771) or Wolsey Road Club (01473 4201363) Aerobic dancing: Join dancing classes if you are not able to do other exercises. Vigorous dancing can help burn up to 250 calories an hour.

Water activities: Water exercise like swimming, rowing, rafting are great cardiovascular exercise. Profile Gym in Ipswich has a membership promotion with access to Crown Pools for all your water activities.

Zumba: This exercise engages muscle groups and tones up abs. Zumba classes are held at Gresham Sports & Social Club Tuddenham Road, Felixstowe Leisure Centre and Trimley Sport & Social Club

FITNESS CLASSES Around 90 classes a week with great value monthly memberships and no lengthy contracts www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport for details of all our classes.

www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport

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www.ipswich.gov.uk

Creamy pasta and spicy chicken bake Recipe by Shayne Pooley of Gainsborough. Give it a try and send us photos on how you got on.

Submit your photos and recipe ideas to tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk INGREDIENTS 150g Chicken 100g Grated cheese 5g Flour 7 Cherry tomatoes 40ml Milk 1 Small red onion 250g Pasta Olive Oil 15g Chillies Pinch of Tex-mex or 30g Spinach cajun seasoning, 120ml Cream oregano, salt/pepper Drizzle olive oil in a pan on medium heat, add finely chopped onions, chillies, and diced chicken. As the chicken cooks add the chosen spice mix, (I’ve used Tex Mex but anything similar is fine).

Add cream to the pan, stir occasionally. Make a paste using a little milk and flour in a cup, add the rest of the milk and stir. Pour into the pan adding a quarter of the cheese.

Boil a pan with water, add pasta. Once boiling, simmer.

Times vary on pasta so check packet, tortellini, penne, fusilli or similar is fine.

Once cooked drain pasta and turn off sauce. Preheat oven to 180c.

Add pasta to the sauce and mix gently. Transfer into an ovenproof dish and sprinkle cheese on top.

Place dish in oven for 20 minutes until cheese starts to brown.

Dress tomatoes in olive oil and place in oven for four minutes. Ready to serve

Puzzle corner largest sport provider in Ipswich

Can you find the 16 hidden word which are associated with summer?

Words can be found backwards, forwards, up, down and horizontally.

AEROPLANE BARBECUE BEACH BUCKET CAMPING HOLIDAY ICECREAM ICE LOLLY

SAND SEASIDE SPADE STRAWBERRIES SUNGLASSESS SUNTAN SWIMMING WIMBLEDON

p u g n i r u s a e M

update on housing performance Tenancy

ALLOCATIONS Average number of working days to process housing application Target 20 days or fewer achieved 20 days Average number of days a property is empty between tenancies achieved 15.3 days Target 15 days or fewer (year to date cumulative average)

RENTS

Current arrears as % of total rent for the year

achieved 2.22%

HOME IMPROVEMENT (for year ending 2013-2014) % of houses rated 'Poor' and 'Fair' that improved during the year achieved 7.1%

Home

GAS SERVICING % of stock with annual gas service at end of April achieved 100% REPAIRS % of repairs completed on target within period Target 98.5%

achieved 98%

April 2013-March 2014 Empowerment COMPLAINTS Full response within 20 working days or fewer achieved 94.12%

CUSTOMER SERVICE % of calls answered (contacts) Target 90% or more achieved 87%

Neighbourhood and Community

ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Total number of tenants evicted for ASB 7 COMMUNITY CARETAKERS % minor repairs in communal areas completed on time within period (target 95%) achieved 99.6%

ANNUAL REPORT AVAILABLE ONLINE FROM 1 JULY 2014 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