Tenants Times winter 2014

Council builds new homes for Christmas SEE PAGE 12 FOR DETAILS

tenants’ times

News for tenants of Ipswich Borough Council - Winter 2014

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Health and Wellbeing - There is much talk at present of the challenges faced by the NHS in meeting increased demands on the service.

Some of the discussion surrounds benefits that could be achieved through more integrated working between the NHS and Social Care. This, clearly, makes a lot of sense. Housing, too, is part of the picture.

It has long been acknowledged that housing conditions are a major factor affecting public health and the physical and mental health of individuals. Taking steps to help people remain in their own homes can often free up a hospital bed: making very good sense.

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housing matters

This is why I welcome a Housing and Health Charter being pioneered in Suffolk. It is early days but we are keen to ensure Housing is fully involved in efforts to achieve a more joined-up and effective service.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our tenants. Those with a special reason to have a good Christmas are those moving into their new homes as the first Bader Close houses are completed.

Councillor John Mowles Housing Portfolio Holder

Housing matters

2

Tenants’ Questions and Answers

12

Tenant Scrutiny Panel

3

Play bus Maggi

13

Tenant Conference

3

Drug-related Litter

14

Holiday Bin Collections

4

Don’t Let Thieves Spoil Christmas 15

Celebrating with tenants

5

At your service over Christmas

6

Big Local Trust/Quids In

7

Fitness First

Community Speedwatch

16

Empty Homes policy

17

HEARS

18

8

Chantry Fundraisers

19

Peoples Community Garden

9

Measuring up

20

Eat healthily

10

Useful Contacts

20

Caring about your health

11

Front cover shows John Richardson, Clare Lovell, Cllr Mowles, The Mayor, Cllr Bill Quinton, Cllr Ellesmere and Chris Throrgood (builder)

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 Tenants My name is John Wragg, a Tenant Scrutiny Panel member since it formed. Recently I was voted ViceChairperson, a position I accepted with trepidation as I didn’t know what would be expected of me!

The panel has been working extremely hard making sure your interests are being looked after.

Over the past three years we have attended many training events and meetings with Council officers and scrutiny panels countrywide to exchange ideas. We have completed two scrutiny projects (kitchens/bathrooms and community caretakers) and revisited one (kitchens/bathrooms) to check on progress.

We are now scrutinising Customer Services to assess their service delivery. If you receive a questionnaire asking for your opinion on the service you receive, please take time to fill it in to help us get an understanding of how you feel about this service area. If you would like to know more or share your experiences with Customer Service please contact us on tsp.enquiries@gmail.com Have a great Christmas.

John Wragg Tenant Scrutiny Panel Vice-Chairperson

Tenant conference

Tenant representatives of Ipswich Borough Council and social landlords across the region came together on 21st November for a day of learning and sharing.

Delegates listened to the Portfolio-Holder for Housing, Councillor John Mowles and Head of Housing, Ian Blofield, talk on the future of social housing. Delegates also learnt about “tackling anti-social behaviour” and “making effective complaints” and had the chance to meet Chief Executive of the Council, Russell Williams.

The event was held at the Council offices at Grafton House and was well attended.

If you would like to get involved in supporting the places you live and improving the services we

deliver you can express your views through the Tenant Participation Programme. There are lots of different ways to get involved so please ring 01473 433313 or email tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk.

Facebook page: IpswichBoroughCouncilTenants

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www.ipswich.gov.uk

Bin collection dates for Christmas and the New Year 2014/15

Happy Christmas Normal collection date

Christmas collection date

Tuesday 23 December

Monday 22 December

Wednesday 24 December Tuesday 23 December Thursday 25 December

Wednesday 24 December

Friday 26 December

Saturday 27 December

Tuesday 30 December

no change

Wednesday 31 December

no change

Thursday 1 January

Friday 2 January

Friday 2 January

Saturday 3 January

Remember to recycle old clothes and textiles Use the council textile bags, tie it up to protect the contents and place in the top of your blue bin. Need a bag?

Ring 0345 603 9412 email: textiles@suffolk.gov.uk or collect from council offices and libraries

Recycle your real tree chopped up in the brown bin, or placed beside the brown bin if too big to go inside

www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk for lots of Christmas recycling and composting information

Collections return to normal Tuesday 6 January 2015

www.lovefoodhatewaste.com Find your local glass recycling banks www.recyclenow.com or www.ipswich.gov.uk

@IpswichGov

for tips and recipes to reduce food waste and use up leftovers

Remember to put bins out by 6am please www.ipswich.gov.uk

Some of our long-term tenants had a special celebration when they visited the Mayor's Parlour. A lively discussion over tea and cakes were on the menu as the tenants chatted to Mayor, Councillor Bill Quinton and Housing portfolio-holder, Councillor John Mowles. They shared fascinating stories about their family lives and the community in which they live and even brought in their original tenancy agreements and rent books. One tenant produced a 7s 6d receipt for their deposit and asked if the Council would be repaying this in full when the tenancy ends!

Town Sergeant Andrew Beal talked about the history of Ipswich and its Mayors. The Mayor presented tenants with a commemoration plate and thanked them for their loyalty and commitment to Ipswich Borough Council. We chatted with the guests afterwards and got some fascinating insights ...

What are some of the changes since you first signed your tenancy?

Everyone has grown old! When we were young with children the area was vibrant and active, now the children have their own families and have

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s t n a n e t h t i w g n i t a r b e l Ce

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moved away leaving just the old ones behind.

Having lived on a road for many years you always bump into someone you know.

Outside toilets were removed years ago to make way for bigger kitchens. That was a welcome change - now a quick trip outside would be preferable to climbing the stairs!

People don’t rush to collect the horse manure when the coal merchant visits. Horses would be no good today because they don’t understand traffic lights!

What advice do you have for young people in social housing?

Pay the rent and look after your property!

Pictured: Mr & Mrs Oxford, Mrs Barrell and Mrs Reed with the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Bill and Margaret Quinton and Cllr John Mowles

Your rent payments over Christmas

If your rent account is paid up-to-date there are two weeks annually where no payment is due.

These rent-free weeks are: 22ND DECEMBER AND 29TH DECEMBER 2014 If you are in rent arrears you must continue to pay these two weeks. This is particularly important if you are subject to a County Court Order. If you pay monthly these weeks are included in your calculations and your payments stay the same. If you have fallen behind or are struggling to keep up with your payments please contact Tenancy Services for advice on 01473 433370.

For money saving tips/advice on managing your money visit the Money Advice Service at www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk. The following organisations offer free, impartial support and advice to anyone in debt, worried about debt or facing bankruptcy.

Citizens Advice Bureau StepChange Debt Charity National Debt line

01473 219777 0800 1381111 0808 8084000

Debt Advice Foundation Payplan

0800 0434050 0800 2802816

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At your service for Christmas

www.ipswich.gov.uk

The Customer Services and the Contact Centre at the Town Hall will be open on the following days and times for any tenant enquiries: Day

Monday 22nd December Tuesday 23rd December Wednesday 24th December Thursday 25th December Friday 26th December Saturday 27th December Sunday 28th December Monday 29th December Tuesday 30th December Wednesday 31st December Thursday 1st January Friday 2nd January

Customer Contact Centre & Main Switchboard

Customer Services Centre

8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-3pm Closed Closed Closed Closed 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5pm Closed 8.30am-5pm

8.30am-5.30pm 8.30am-5.30pm 8.30am-3pm Closed Closed Closed Closed 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5pm Closed 8.30am-5.30pm

You can contact us on 01473

433444 for emergencies only outside these opening hours.

Victorian Christmas at the Mansion On Sunday 14th December you can explore the Christchurch Mansion in all its Christmas glory during a full day of free family fun.

Meet Victorian characters learn traditional dances and make simple crafts to take home.

Drop-in sessions: 10 to 4pm Free entry.

Meet Santa and receive a gift: ÂŁ3.50 To book your place please visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/museums

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t s u r T l a c o L Big

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The North West Ipswich Big Local Trust is three years old and the past year has been a busy one.

Groups supported so far include: • Avenues East • 24th Ipswich Scout Group • Suffolk Positive Futures • Ipswich Cycle Speedway Club and • Suffolk Young People's Health Project.

The Trust allocates grants to local organisations and it has increased uptake for the Community Chest which awards up to £500 to local groups and events and Grant Award, which gives up to £10,000.

The year started with the Big Local Event in Whitehouse Park which was attended by more than 1500 people. A large part of the credit for the event’s success went to Leah Douglas, the officer at that time. Leah was instrumental in getting the Big Local Trust started but has since returned to her roots in Basildon.

Faye Smith has since taken over the post and she is pleased to announce the launch of the Inspiration Awards.

To find out more visit www.nwipswichblt.co.uk or call Faye on 07976 565329.

Mon-Fri

Ipswich Borough Council and its partners have got together to provide cheaper parking for residents and visitors in the run-up to Christmas.The Council's car parks continue with the Quids In £1 after 3pm Mondays to Fridays offer - ideal for afternoon shopping or a night out or both! The normal tariff is good value too: £1 an hour - and just 70p at Fore Street and Athena Hall (on the Waterfront off Duke Street). So make Crown, William Street (Crown Pools), Regent (Woodbridge Road), Portman Road, West End Road and Upper Barclay Street car parks your destination.

Ipswich Buses and some First Group services are

also offering £1 fares for inward journeys after 3pm during the week. The Borough Council and County Council are helping out with Park & Ride, too. There will be free services on Sundays until Christmas.

Ipswich Borough Council Leader David Ellesmere said: "It is important we make Ipswich as attractive as we can for Christmas shoppers. These bold moves will help visitors and businesses at this important time of year and help to ensure that Ipswich, with its fantastic entertainment and events package, offers the best festive offer to people from across the region."

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e m m a r g o r p s l l i k s 8 1 h c i Ipsw now www.ipswich.gov.uk

recruiting

The Eastern Enterprise Hub is currently recruiting for another four-month free course delivered in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council. The course will support 18 students to develop new entrepreneurial skills and self-confidence. The programme encourages and inspires people aged 18+ living or working within IP1-IP4 areas of Ipswich, to develop entrepreneurial skills from local, established business professionals. The course is designed to run alongside day-to-day tasks of setting up a business.

Fran Sibthorpe, founder of Fran Joy and previous Ipswich 18 Programme student said: “While on the programme I learnt the importance of leadership; engaging with people while pitching and marketing my business. The programme also provided a clear indication of what my business was lacking and where it needed to be developed further. The EEHub facilitators and external speakers were very helpful, and it was great to have the opportunity to use the in-house resources as well as the 1-to-1 support.�

To apply for the programme, please contact Chanel Olding, Learning Manager on 01473 527100 or email chanel@eehub.co.uk

Put your fitness first a and keeping aying active st d n fi l al e W in winter. d diet harder well-balance tion tips these motiva y tr t o n y h W exercise whether you at home or at e? a sports centr

Workout with a friend, shared goals are more fun and great for motivation.

Choose enjoyable activities - exercise should be fun.

Join a class. Sport centre classes are instructed by enthusiasts and can be social too.

Short on time? Ten minute workouts across the day are as efficient as a thirty minute session.

Ask the experts. Gym instructors will happily talk you through a programme to help you reach your goals.

An exercise and diet log will keep you on track seeing your progress is rewarding.

Being active can boost your energy levels; take stairs instead of the lift, walk instead of drive to the shops, a walk at lunch all help.

Reward yourself. After setting goals buy new gym equipment or some new trainers.

To find out about exercise classes at your local Profile gym visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport or call 0800 0371 371 See page 13 for details of our new Waterfront gym.

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s t n e m t o l l a Maidenhall ether

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g o t y t i n u m brings com Hello from Jo Whittle

“In August, I started as the new Project Co-ordinator for the Community Resource Education & Skills Space (CRESS) at the People’s Community Garden.

While finding my gardening feet (and green fingers) I have been working towards developing the CRESS project, funded by Ipswich Borough Council, East of England Co-operative and Esmee Fairbairn Trust. I have met lots of community members and groups who really want to be involved.

I have been working with our volunteers to prepare our Greenfingers Garden as an educational resource for local schools and school groups visited in October. Teachers also used the Community Hub for training. We will also be working in partnership with the East of England Co-op on through their Healthy Living Campaign. Finally, I would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped me to settle in.”

Community Hub After signing a lease in June, the ActivLives team is transforming the bowls pavilion on Maidenhall Road into a community hub. Cookery courses, a regular produce market and café, neighbourhood meetings and bowls are just some of the proposed uses.

Volunteers have been preparing for a new kitchen to be fitted. The kitchen will allow local residents to cook fruit and vegetables harvested from the neighbouring allotment gardens. Together with the market should give the community access to fresh locally grown food.

There’s still a lot to do so volunteers are needed for all aspects of the project. No matter what skills you have, if you are interested in being part of a healthier community, ActivLives want to hear from you.

To find out more contact jo@activlives.org.uk or ring 07760583950

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t e g d u b a n o Eat healthily er

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this wint

LiveWell Suffolk offers advice to families on eating healthy this winter. Despite reports that healthy food costs more than junk food, Karen Davies, a LiveWell Suffolk registered dietician, reassures residents eating healthily on a budget is possible.

“During cold weather, nourishing stews and casseroles are a good meal choice for families. Not only filling and healthy, they are quite cheap to prepare,” she says. Karen advises buying cheaper cuts of lean meat, avoiding processed foods and removing the skin from meats such as chicken. She adds: “Make sure you bulk stews and casseroles up with lots of vegetables - it’s really important everyone aims to eat five portions of fruit and veg a day and doing so doesn’t have to be expensive.

Buying produce that is in season will help to keep the cost down, and you can also pick up fresh fruit and veg cheaply from the local market.”

Although fresh produce is the best option frozen, tinned and dried fruit and vegetables also count as one of your five-a-day. Make sure you buy them canned in water, rather than salted water or syrup. Karen also recommends choosing wholemeal varieties of starchy carbohydrates (eg bread, rice and pasta), which will help fill you for longer and stop you feeling hungry between meals.

LiveWell Suffolk is the county’s free healthy lifestyle service and has published a series of healthy and affordable meal suggestions and recipes for families on its website. LiveWell Suffolk runs ‘Lose Weight with LiveWell Suffolk’ a programme to help both adults and children to manage their weight by eating healthier and being more active.

For more information, call LiveWell Suffolk on 01473 229292 or visit www.livewellsuffolk.org.uk.

The way we register to vote is changing

The transitional canvass to Individual Electoral Registration (IER) is nearly at an end, but this doesn’t mean it’s too late to register.

IER means there are now quick, easier and more secure ways to register.

If you haven’t received a letter confirming you are on the Electoral Register you may not be registered to vote. If you don’t think you are registered go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or call our Helpline on 01473 432533 - you will need your National Insurance number to register so make sure you have it to hand.

Your vote matters make sure you’re in!

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t u o b a e r a c e w y t i r a h c a As our health

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y

How important is good health to you?

After seven days, if you notice an abnormal symptom occurring more days than not, make a diary note.

Do you worry about whether to discuss your symptoms with your GP or should you manage and get on with it?

The next week tweak your lifestyle to see if you can reduce or get rid of the symptoms, change or eliminate a certain food or drink, choose an exercise or try to avoid a stressful situation.

Never ignore acute problems that come on suddenly for no known reason and do not improve.

At the end of the third week, if there is no change and the problems persists more days than not, make an appointment to see your GP. REMEMBER to take the diary so your GP can see exactly what has been going on. Your GP will find your notes really helpful in enabling them to treat or investigate the problem.

What about niggly problems that don’t necessarily keep you off work?

Sometimes, potentially serious diseases can be detected in the early stages, just by being aware of your body, making clear notes and seeking help at the right time. This often means any treatment can be far less invasive and less prolonged. The long-term effects on your body will be much improved.

Ignoring the problem and hoping it goes away could possibly have serious effects on your long-term health.

To attend one of our informative cancer awareness talks, please contact the charity’s cancer specialist educator on 01473 211884 email: educator @cancercampaigninginsuffolk.

Here is a general guide that might help you to make the right decision.

If the symptom persists; the next week don’t change anything; keep a more detailed diary of when and how the problem occurs, score on a scale of 1-5 how the pain or problem is each time.

Look after your body; it is the only one you get.

For more information visit www.CCiSuffolk.org

Emotional overeating support groups Do you binge eat? Do you compulsively overeat?

Are you struggling with your weight?

Do you feel it would help to talk about emotional eating issues?

Open, confidential and non-judgmental peer support groups facilitated by trained volunteers. An opportunity to meet others in similar situations to share problems, thoughts, successes and experiences.

Peer support groups (18yrs +) meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7pm The Library Quaker Meeting House, 39 Fonnereau Road, Ipswich IP1 3JH For more information email: eosg@b-eat.co.uk or ring 0300 123 3355

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for Christm

Ipswich Borough Council is building more homes - and the first of 108 at Bader Close in South-East Ipswich will soon be ready.

Most of the development will be completed next year and mark the first large-scale building of Council homes in Ipswich for a generation. Housing portfolio-holder Councillor John Mowles said Bader Close underlined the Council’s commitment to providing homes for local people.

TENANT Q+A

More homes will be built across the town in the next few years.

If you have a question for Tenancy Services, contact us on tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk and we will publish your questions and answers so other tenants might benefit from your enquiry. Please don’t make your question about private issues as we cannot print private information.

How can I minimise condensation in my home this winter? Paul Fowler There are some simple steps you can follow to reduce condensation in your house.

• use extractor fans where supplied in kitchens and bathrooms • avoid drying clothes indoors. If this isn’t practical then the door of the room in which the clothes are drying should be kept closed and the room well ventilated • open windows to let air circulate • keep wardrobes, cupboards clear of walls to allow air to circulate Who supplies my gas as a Council tenant? Julia Bird Tenants choose their own gas supplier. In England and Scotland, if you do not know who supplies gas to your home you can contact the Meter Point Administration Services on 08706 081524. They can also give your Meter Point Reference Number which will help your suppliers set up your account with them more quickly. You can visit www.consumercouncil.org.uk If I had my gadgets stolen from my property would the landlord replace them? Dan Lee When a Council property is rented it is sometimes wrongly assumed the landlord’s insurance policy will cover loss or damage to personal property. The Council is responsible for insuring the building, as the tenant you have responsibility for insuring the contents (your belongings) against theft or damage.

To have your housing questions answered here or join our Facebook group then please email: tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk or ring on 01473 433313

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www.ipswich.gov.uk

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d e t a l e r g u r d Reporting litter

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g u r d d n a y t i v acti

There are a wide range of materials that may be associated with drug use, the highest concern being discarded hypodermic needles (also known as sharps). Drug litter also includes the equipment used for taking drugs which is known as drug paraphernalia. This can include: • Needles or syringes • Silver foil • Spoons • Bottles which are used to make ‘bongs’ • Gas canisters Ipswich Borough Council is responsible for the collection and safe disposal of drug-related litter irresponsibly disposed of on public land. If you see any of the above, please ring the Cleaner Ipswich Hotline immediately on 01473 433000 with details of the litter you are reporting and the location items are to be removed from. You may also refer to www.ipswich.gov.uk/ cleaneripswichhotline for further assistance. (A nominal charge may be made for removing needles found on private land, although we would ask any ‘find’ is still reported via Cleaner Ipswich Hotline for further advice).

Please do not attempt to dispose of needles or drug paraphernalia yourself as it could be potentially dangerous. Ipswich Borough Council works in partnership with Suffolk Constabulary in order to address drug-related issues. Please help us by reporting any drug-related activity (including drug litter finds) which will allow us to direct resources more effectively.

Call 999 if you require an immediate Police response (i.e. a crime is in progress or about to happen). You don’t have to provide your details if you don’t want to.

You can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Should you or someone you know receive a needle stick injury please visit www.nhs.uk for medical advice.

For further information about drug related litter please visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/drl

Are you experiencing one or more of the following?

Loud noise/music drug activities neighbour nuisance damage to property by known individual(s) intimidation and harassment foul/abusive language constant dog barking domestic violence prostitution from property graffiti (homophobic/racial) fly tipping unsuitable/dangerous pets

Dave Bevan

If you are a victim of Anti-Social Behaviour please report it to the Tenancy Support and Enforcement Team on 01473 433325 or email: Housing ASB@ipswich.gov.uk

Louise Siu

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s a m t s i r h C r u yo

As the holiday approaches any property can be vulnerable to theft.

These tips may help keep your property safe over the festive period.

Keep blinds and curtains closed at night, keep any valuable items and presents out of sight. When out in the evening use timers to switch on lights and make it look like you are at home.

Dispose of gift packaging carefully (break up large boxes so not to advertise your new gifts to thieves), during Christmas refuse collection may be at different times. Make sure your rubbish is out just before the collection.

When decorating your home do not feed extension cables through windows, opt for solar or battery operated lights or install outdoor electrical outlets.

Be careful not to advertise your empty home on social media - this is a common tool used for scouting targets. Uploading expensive Christmas presents can also be a problem at it allows burglars to go shopping in your house just by viewing your Facebook or Twitter account.

SANTA

Don’t make it easy for a burglar to spoil your family’s Christmas. In an emergency call 999 when: • there is a danger to life or risk of injury being caused.

• a crime is in progress such as robbery, burglary, criminal damage or theft.

The immediate attendance of police is necessary if someone is acting suspiciously or about to commit a crime.

Scoop the poop

There is no excuse to leave your pets poop behind and you could be fined if you do!

Please always - bag it, tie it and bin it, you can place bagged dog poo in a litter bin if a dog bin is not nearby, or take it home and place in your black wheelie bin.

Don’t leave it for a little child to step in.

Report incidents to the Cleaner Ipswich Hotline: 01473 433000. e: cleaner.ipswich@ipswich.gov.uk

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Do you …

Have any spare time?

Want to reduce the speed of vehicles in your community?

Have pets that may wander around your neighbourhood?

Community Speed Watch makes a valuable contribution to Ipswich road safety and we need additional volunteers.

The Police provides the right level of reassurance and enforcement but cannot always carry out speed enforcement checks on a regular basis in every location that wants them.

If you can spare an hour weekly, why not get together with like-minded members of the

community and use speed detection equipment to monitor traffic speeds in your area? This helps raise awareness to the dangers of speeding and helps improve the safety of where you live.

If you are interested please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Details can be found at www.suffolk.police.uk or ring 101 and ask to be put through to Anna Stout, Community Safety - Suffolk Constabulary.

Helping victims of anti-social behaviour The new Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 has brought sweeping changes to the way agencies deal with anti-social behaviour.

The law introduces a "community trigger" which gives victims the right to ask local agencies to review how they responded to previous anti-social behaviour complaints and consider what further action might be taken where the behaviour persists. The aim is to offer a safety net for vulnerable victims and to help avoid individuals being passed between agencies without their complaint being resolved. There will also be a review and appeal stages.

There also exists a “community remedy” document prepared by the Police and Crime Commissioner which details the actions they feel appropriate to be carried out by the person who engaged in anti-social behaviour or who has committed an offence. This document deals with punishment and rehabilitation.

For more information please visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/communitytrigger or email: Community.trigger@ipswich.gov.uk

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a success

The Council's Private Sector Housing team is bringing empty homes back into use and offers advice and support to owners. Grants are available for first-time buyers or owners willing to renovate a property for letting at affordable rent, allowing the Council to nominate tenants. As a last resort, enforcement action can be taken through compulsory purchase of the property.

Since April 2012, 110 properties have been returned to use. Housing portfolio-holder Councillor John Mowles said “While there are people in the town without a decent home we should do all we can to meet that need. That is

why we are building new houses and that is why we take action to bring empty homes back into use.”

Six owners also benefitted from an Orwell Housing Association grant and lease scheme where the Association manages the property on the owner’s behalf by letting the property and providing advice and renovation help. People interested in grant schemes should contact Private Sector Housing for further details on 01473 433003. Anyone concerned about an empty property can report it online.

The future’s here

The Maintenance and Contracts services offers the opportunity of trade apprenticeships that allows employees to learn a trade which includes on-site and academic training at college.

Apprentices work across the whole building and refurbishment spectrum. A senior council tradesperson oversees each apprentice. The Council’s training programme allows apprentices to learn in a safe working environment and ensures they can learn all aspects of their trade.

These apprentices are finishing their first year: Ben Prime, Carpenter: Ben attends day release at Suffolk New College and enjoys the formal course training. Co-workers say he looks more like a carpenter every day. Nathan Williams, Plumber: ‘Natty’ enjoys nothing better than helping customers. Working with multi-skilled trades people has widened his building knowledge. Jordan Godbold, Electrician: Jordan also attends college on day release. His electrical training has expanded his areas of work thereby broadening his knowledge and experience.

Planned maintenance

In our continuing efforts to improve our service to you, we would like to hear your comments on how we are performing with our Planned Maintenance Refurbishment Programme.

Please complete and return (postage is already paid) the feedback forms which are left with you after completion of the various works carried out on your property. This will help our team to record all comments and where possible take actions to improve our services for future Planned Maintenance years.

You can return this via email to Clos@ipswich.gov.uk or by returning the feedback form by post.

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Just £2.50 a week can buy you or your family peace of mind with the Ipswich HEARS personal alarm service. Now that’s a really useful Christmas present!

Ipswich Borough Council has run the HEARS service for more than 20 years and offers help to people who want to feel more confident living in their own homes. HEARS provides two user options - a full response and monitoring service for £5 a week or monitoring only for £2.50 a week. The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and provides benefits for older or disabled people; individuals who are discharged from hospital and require additional support; and people of any age living alone.

How does HEARS work? You are supplied with a mobile button, which you can wear as a pendant or wriststrap. An alarm unit is supplied and of connected through your home telephone socket to the rity o j a ad m Ipswich-based control team. ve h a The h rs rm What happens when I press the button? The alarm unit will ome t s S ala s. u c R A r automatically alert the HEARS control team. An operator will speak HE 4 yea the n a to you through the powerful loud speaker on the alarm unit. If they th ore m cannot hear you, they will try making contact on your home telephone. In addition, a falls detector and specialist smoke detector can make you even safer in your own home.

Call us: 01473 433236 Email us: hears@ipswich.gov.uk Visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/hears

YOU CAN NOW RECYCLE EVEN MORE

You can now put all these in your recycling bin Watch the video and find out more at www.suffolkrecycle.today

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www.ipswich.gov.uk

Chantry residents have been raising money for charity this autumn.

Volunteers and locals took part in both the MacMillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning where they raised £105 and also the Breast Cancer Campaign ‘Wear it Pink Fridays’ where they raised £90. Volunteers baked cakes and donated goods and all the shop takings for both days were donated to the respective charities. Residents Association Chair, Charles Moore, said: “It’s all about the volunteers’ hard work. They are the ones who give their time and care for good causes and all of the support we give to the community through the shop”. Tickets are on sale from the shop for the Christmas Raffle Prize Draw on 19th December.

Lavender Hill Community Shop is open for donations, shopping and refreshments: Monday to Friday: 10am-2.30pm and Saturday: 10am-1pm. Call 01473 683680 for more information.

A night with DJ John Potter

On 27th September Maidenhall Residents Association enjoyed a social evening, which was a great success. Some £300 was raised to support charity work. Well done to everyone who helped make the night a success.

Make time to go to the ball

Maureen Nolan, Lee Latchford-Evans (from Steps) and CBBC’s own Gabrielle Green are coming together in true panto style to serve up a festive treat in "Cinderella" at the Regent Theatre ...

Add in glamour, a mixture of Ugly Sisters and a big dollop of jokes and you have the perfect recipe for a pantomime for all ages. Cinderella is on stage from 20-30 December and is being produced by Enchanted Entertainment.

Tickets are on sale now, so visit www.ipswichregent.com or call the Box Office 01473 433100.

p u g n i r u s a e M

Update on housing performance - Period covering August-October 2014 RENTS

At the end of October ÂŁ793,767 in rent payment was outstanding which is 2.21% of the total due for the year. Target <2.66%

COMPLAINTS

4 complaints about Tenancy Services. All received a full response within deadline of 20 working days. 1 was upheld and 3 were not upheld.

COMMUNITY CARETAKERS

912 pledge visits/1026 minor repairs in communal areas completed.

GAS SERVICING

At each month end all our properties should have an up-to-date gas safety certificate, at the end of October 2014 no services were overdue.

TENANCY

Due to make 249 visits to introductory tenants, we completed 252.

ALLOCATIONS

On average 8.7 working days taken to process a housing application.

Target <20

REPAIRS

4793 repairs raised an average 98% were completed on target each month.

Target >98.5%

TENANCY

Averaged 18.1 days between tenancy ending and the next starting.

Target <15 days

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Of 19,540 calls made to Housing and Repairs 82.2% were answered.

Target >90%

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

61 open anti-social behaviour cases at the end of October

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

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