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Resource Housing Reg. No. 2111
Great Homes Great Neighbourhoods Great People
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Your GREAT Neighbourhood Plan Oldham east
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Your Great Neighbourhood Plan aksa Homes, part of the New Charter Housing trust Group, aims to provide ‘Great Homes, Great Neighbourhoods, Great People’ by placing customers at the heart of everything it does. We are committed to tackling inequality whilst promoting and strengthening communities in the areas where you live. We would like everyone to work together to improve and shape our performance and the standard of services that we deliver.
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To do this we have developed a neighbourhood plan for each of our new neighbourhoods. this one is yours. This plan identifies the main issues that affect your neighbourhood and what we need to do to address them. Customers and partners have been involved in putting this neighbourhood plan together and they will be helping to monitor its progress every step of the way. The plan will run for three years and will be reviewed annually.
Customers and partners have been involved in putting this neighbourhood plan together.
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Great place to live... The Oldham East neighbourhood is in the St Mary's ward with a few homes in the Waterhead and Alexandra wards. This includes Glodwick, Clarksfield, Greenacres and Abbey Hills. Aksa Homes has 178 properties in this area.These are mostly three and four bedroom houses, with some two bedroom properties. Oldham East is to the south east of Oldham town centre. The community here includes some of the oldest parts of inner Oldham, and has experienced major change in the last 30 years. The neighbourhood has good access to shopping in Oldham town centre.
The area also has lots of local shops that meet the diverse needs of the local community. Oldham East is the cultural heart of Oldham’s Pakistani and British Pakistani community. Alexandra Park is nearby with lots of opportunity to get outdoors. There are a number of major social landlords with homes in the area as well as a significant group of owner occupiers who have lived in the area for a long time. The neighbourhoods have a good range of education provision from early years to adult education, with 2 further education colleges in the surrounding area; Oldham Sixth Form College and Oldham College.
The transport connections to the town centre and the wider region are particularly important for people to access employment opportunities.
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Down your street Here is a map and list of streets in your neighbourhood to give you an idea of exactly where your plan covers.
Oldham
What do we know about our homes and tenants in this area? We have identified a range of indicators that tell us about your neighbourhood. these indicators are designed to tell us how much support we need to give a neighbourhood and what specific areas are causing the most problems so we can target services and resources to improve them.
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We are using a simple rating of 5, 4, or 3 stars; 5 stars being the best rating. This is to help you see how your neighbourhood is performing in different areas. Each individual indicator we have used has its own star rating.
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Abbey Hills Road
Greengate Street
Landseer Street
Retford Street
Allama Iqbal Road
Greenhill Terrace
Latimer Street
Ronald Street
Balfour Street
Hollinhall Street
Lees Road
Roundthorn Road
Worsley Street
Hooper Street
Little Bank Street
Salisbury Road
Bolton Street
Huxley Street
Melling Road
South Hill Street
Brewerton Road
Jarvis Street
Moorhey Street
Spring Street
Bridson Street
Jinnah Close
Picton Square
Taurus Street
Brompton Street
Kelverlow Street
Pitt Street
Tawny Close
Churchill Street East
Kentucky Street
Raper Street
Warren Lane
Cottage Gardens
Kingsbridge Road
Redgrave Street
Waterloo Street
Cranbrook Street
% of current arrears
average number of repairs
The neighbourhood has some areas where rent arrears are a problem which means some households may be experiencing money management issues or difficulties adapting to welfare reform.This shows that some households may need additional support.
The average cost of repairs per property is significant and shows that many homes have issues in terms of maintenance costs and the need for regular repairs. Property damage is also an issue within the neighbourhood.
average time to re-let a property The properties in Oldham East are popular, however some have taken longer than planned to re-let.
tenancy turnover On average, people who move into the neighbourhood stay in their homes for a long time. This shows that people are happy in their area.
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% of ongoing anti-social behaviour cases The neighbourhood has a low level of anti-social behaviour or neighbour nuisance cases. This shows that other than an occasional incident, Aksa residents treat each other with respect.
Neighbourhood satisfaction
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employment The neighbourhood has problems with employment levels. This shows that some people in the area are having difficulty getting into work and may not be well qualified for the jobs that are available.
Household income
People’s general satisfaction with the neighbourhood as a place to live is good but there are some things that could be improved.
The neighbourhood has quite low levels of family income compared with regional averages. This shows a significant number of families are deprived and have difficulty managing their money.
Crime
access to services
Crime is seen as an issue in some parts of the neighbourhood.This was highlighted when people were asked to list the negative things about living in the area.
Residents have good access to a range of shops and services. Support on a range of issues is easy to find in the neighbourhood.
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76% of our tenants in Oldham East said they were unlikely to move from the area in the next 3 years.
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Local knowledge: What we know about your neighbourhood the indicators we use at aksa point us in the right direction but we are really keen to hear from you. So, we conducted a questionnaire and managed to talk to the majority of our tenants in their own homes. We also talked about specific issues with groups of tenant representatives and used focus groups to look at areas of our service, for instance, repairs and maintenance.
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What our team at aksa told us Properties in the area are popular and there is a demand for larger family homes in this part of Oldham. There are issues with crime, but these are focussed on specific areas. There are a number of tenant representatives from this area who work closely with our team. The appearance of the neighbourhood can vary significantly. Many streets are attractive and well kept, while others require some environmental improvement. Parts of Oldham East have a strong community base centred on the Muslim faith community. Large numbers of people in the area have been tenants with Aksa Homes for a long period of time.
The Aksa team works well with tenant representatives within the neighbourhood. However, the team felt that we could encourage more.
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What you told us On average the people who we spoke to rate the neighbourhood 7.5 out of 10 as a place to live.While people are positive about the area, there are still some issues that need to be looked at to improve quality of life. Some of the best features about the neighbourhood were: access to shops and amenities, community spirit and other neighbourhoods. The issues to improve are: access to jobs and training, crime, anti-social behaviour and litter. Residents raised specific issues about: Lack of youth clubs for older children Lack of play facilities for younger children Lack of elderly services Lack of mum and toddler groups Concerns about parking Concerns about health and well being Condition of fencing The need for clean-up days to deal with litter and fly-tipping issues Important reasons identified as to why some tenants would not move from the neighbourhood are: schools and the proximity to the town centre. 10
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69% of our tenants in Oldham East said they would buy the house they are living in.
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What other organisations told us Crime is an issue in the neighbourhood. It has also been noticed that certain parts of the neighbourhood are more vulnerable than others. This has been highlighted and is made worse by design and layout. There is a proactive agenda led by the Police, Local Authority and other agencies to deal with this. The neighbourhoods of Oldham East have higher than average levels of unemployment and benefit dependency compared to regional averages. Oldham Council has launched a major economic development strategy called ‘Get Oldham Working’ which is designed to get 2015 residents of Oldham into work by 2015. Low household income is an issue for some families with problems with benefit dependency. Agencies expressed concern about the Government's welfare reform and increase in debt issues. Agencies thought that access to mainstream services and local amenities could become difficult because of the reduction of some services. Better access and signposting to services should be a priority. Oldham Council is a pilot for Universal Credit and a co-ordinated campaign is underway to respond, involving local authority and voluntary sector agencies focusing on financial inclusion, fuel poverty and digital inclusion.
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The council is working as a cooperative council and is placing great emphasis on district working. This approach could offer greater opportunity for Aksa Homes to become involved in the way local services are delivered. Health and wellbeing was identified by agencies as a major focus of activity within the areas covered with Aksa’s neighbourhood plan. Attention is required for the needs of women excluded from economic activity in particular within the BME community. Provision and nature of older persons housing is currently being evaluated by the authority and its Oldham Housing Investment Partners.
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What we saw together The appearance of neighbourhoods varied significantly. While some areas looked neat and tidy, others had problems with litter, fly-tipping and vandalism.
Water meter doors in some areas were broken.
Some bins were on view in gardens which can affect neighbourhood appearance.
Fly-tipping, littering and abandoned vehicle’s require more work.
Fencing and parking is still an issue.
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What do we need to do to make this a greater place? the aim of this section is to identify the activities needed to improve the quality of life in the neighbourhood based on what we have established and what you have told us. It is effectively an action plan which shows us what needs to be done in more detail.
Neighbourhood management
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What?
Why?
When?
Work with the police and other agencies to target areas with anti-social behaviour.
To reduce anti-social behaviour and increase security for residents.
November 2013
Review environmental investment plans and work with the District Team on environmental upgrade.
To co-ordinate investment in particular areas.
October 2013
Carry out an external audit of all Aksa properties within the neighbourhood.
To ensure a long term investment strategy is applied to works being completed.
March 2014
Introduce 'Community Champions' to lead on a green recycling and waste disposal initiative.
To improve the appearance of the neighbourhood and increase community involvement.
October 2013
Review how we let our homes.
To ensure that homes are let to those people/families in most need whilst encouraging people to give something back to their community.
August 2013
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What?
Why?
When?
Work with Oldham Council to review parking for residents in certain streets.
To look at non-resident parking and other obstruction issues.
September 2013
Look at possibility of working with partners to landscape central area of Greenhill Terrace.
To improve the appearance of the neighbourhood.
June 2014
Review the ‘Aksa Homes’ signs at each scheme and look at a planned programme to update them.
To ensure that all schemes are up to date with Aksa’s new signage.
June 2014
Look at the condition of the perimeter fencing at Jinnah Close.
To look at the option of long-term investment to improve condition of fencing.
March 2014
Look at the possibility of landscaping and improving the wasteland within Cottage Gardens.
To improve the appearance of shared areas.
June 2014
Aksa to continue to promote quarterly estate inspections and to encourage greater tenant involvement to help with this.
Greater involvement from residents to ensure issues of concern are addressed.
July 2013
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You and your family
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What?
Why?
When?
Start our 'Stepping into work' employment programme and set up a work club.
To provide help, support and guidance to residents and assist in accessing training opportunities and finding employment.
September 2013
Review tenancy agreements to clarify the action we will take to resolve problems with nuisance/noise/pets.
To clarify the action Aksa Homes will take in dealing with tenancy issues to improve the quality of life for the majority of residents.
April 2014
Provide increased support for vulnerable residents and link them to specialist support through New Charter and Local Council groups.
To maintain and improve the quality of life and provisions of services for the most vulnerable residents.
August 2013
Increase the use of neighbourhood mediation services to settle disputes.This work will be carried out in partnership with New CharterTenancy EnforcementTeam.
To help any potential disputes between residents to be resolved after help.
November 2013
Make targeted calls and visits to customers in rent arrears to address the arrears and signpost to support services.
To reduce the number of evictions for non-payment of rent and provide more help and advice on managing finances.
August 2013
Link into the Oldham into work scheme ‘Get Oldham Working’ with assigned Project Officer.
To increase employment opportunities for residents.
September 2013
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What?
Why?
When?
Provide help, support and guidance to those who are affected by changes to benefits via our services and welfare benefits advice team.
To reduce rent arrears and therefore reduce the number of residents at risk of losing their homes.
August 2013
Signpost and refer customers who may benefit from additional support in debt advice and money management via our Citizens Advice Service Scheme.
To increase awareness of help and support to reduce debt and/or financial problems.
August 2013
Use findings from the 'Older Persons' research study commissioned by Aksa Homes and Oldham Housing Partners to improve our services.
To assess the services that are already on offer for older people and make recommendations for the future.
November 2013
Look at all adaptions in Aksa properties within the neighbourhood.
To make best use of our adapted properties.
May 2014
Extend range of English language provision and other outreach services.
To promote inclusion for all members of the family.
September 2013
Work with the council and other partners to offer guidance in relation to Universal Credit.
To ensure that Aksa residents are supported through this change.
October 2013
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Home
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What?
Why?
When?
Review childcare and early years services with the council.
To find gaps in childcare and mother-toddler support services.
June 2014
Review of local play facilities in the three largest schemes in Oldham East.
To identify the range of facilities available.
April 2014
Tell people when work will be carried out to improve their homes.
To make sure that all residents know when and what home improvements are planned.
March 2014
Promote the 'Fix-It' scheme.
To offer a helping hand for home DIY.
November 2013
Great Homes events to be held regularly to look at the repairs and maintenance service.
To promote wider understanding of tenant and landlord responsibilities.
April 2014
Investigate the causes of damp and condensation in identified homes.
Help people to stop damp and how to solve the problem if it happens.
March 2014
Monitor Green Charter in-house ground maintenance service and encourage tenants to get involved.
To ensure service delivers a high standard and encourage customer feedback
October 2013
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What?
Why?
When?
Carry out a review of parking in areas identified as causing particular concern, including Jinnah Close, Allama Iqbal Road and Cottage Gardens.
To review the parking situation and address any relevant issues.
October 2013
Carry out internal and external property inspections.
To ensure tenancy obligations are being met. Also to improve and maintain the property and its appearance.
April 2014
To ensure adequate provision for disposal of household waste.
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Community involvement
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What?
Why?
When?
Promote our work with Oldham Academy and other schools.
Promote role of Aksa and social landlords as both employers and housing providers.
June 2014
Working with partners to increase awareness to health advice and services.
To help improve the overall health of residents in the neighbourhood and increase their access to support.
April 2014
Develop the use of Twitter and Facebook.
To encourage communication between us and our tenants, and help tenants communicate with one another.
April 2014
Work with partners to look at the possibility of One Stop Shop as part of Holt/Roundthorn initiative.
To promote integration and cohesion.
March 2014
Work with partners to look at the possibility of holding community information events.
Increase community spirit, build positive relationships with neighbours and increase the community’s knowledge of what services and opportunities are available.
April 2014
Develop partnerships with other landlords in Oldham to help community involvement initiatives with a key contact in Aksa Homes.
To lead an approach which allows members of the wider community (both Aksa tenants and non Aksa tenants) to improve social cohesion.
December 2013
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What?
Why?
When?
Introduce a youth group to offer opportunities to young people.
To build upon community collaborations, increase respect and encourage young and old to work together.
March 2014
Explore potential for ‘street representatives’ within the neighbourhood
To build a network of customer representatives to feedback views to staff.
February 2014
Continue to work with Aksa’s Tenant Panel Team on key customer issues.
To promote and encourage tenant led scrutiny.
July 2013
Ensure Aksa Homes is involved with all relevant District Partnership contacts – particularly with East/West Oldham teams.
To promote partnership work and ensure that Aksa Homes are aware of key issues.
September 2013
Work with Oldham “Positive Steps” and identify potential for joint projects.
Develop partnership with key agencies in Oldham.
May 2014
We aim to... help improve the overall health of residents in the neighbourhood and increase their access to support. 21
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What next? A great start! aksa Homes is making a start on the different issues outlined in your Neighbourhood Plan. Our partner, New Charter Housing trust Group, is also involved in helping to improve your area. Some work has already started but we will be reviewing the plans regularly through the year so keep an eye out for updates. In your great neighbourhood plan, as well as in our other five Aksa Homes neighbourhoods, we would like to mark the start of a new phase of activities aimed at ensuring that all our neighbourhoods are great places to live. In the meantime, if you have any comments or suggestions or would like to get involved in helping us to achieve change in your neighbourhood then please contact us.You can do this by ringing 0161 620 2992 or contacting us via your preferred method.
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Neighbourhood fact file Here are some facts and figures about the people and homes that make up your neighbourhood.
age profile of our residents
0-15
36.4% 60 & over
5.2%
21-59
44%
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16-20
14.5%
Ages of our residents living in Oldham East
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Number of properties owned by aksa Homes =
178
Properties by type Houses
178
ethnicity of our residents Black
2.2% Bangladeshi
14.2%
White 5.2% Other 5.9%
Pakistani
72.5%
Ethnicity of our residents living in Oldham East
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Final thoughts We hope the actions outlined in your great neighbourhood plan will make a great difference to you, your family and your neighbours. You have told us what matters most to you to improve the appearance of your neighbourhood and your quality of life. We believe that the key to success will be to continue to work together with you to achieve this.
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Contact us aksa OfďŹ ce (Connect) 0161 620 2992
info@aksahomes.co.uk
anti-social behaviour hotline: 0800 027 0522 24 hours a day
facebook.com/aksahomes
aksa Office:
Aksa Homes Aksa House 2 Medtia Square Phoenix Street Oldham OL1 1AN
www.aksahomes.co.uk @AksaHomes
Head Office:
New Charter Group Cavendish 249 Cavendish Street Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7AT
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