Your GREAT Neighbourhood Charter Brushes
Your GREAT Neighbourhood Charter
At New Charter we would like all our neighbourhoods to be great places to live. We would like them to look great, have great services, feel safe and be a place for both work and recreation.
is yours. The plan will run for 3 years and will be reviewed annually with residents to assess our progress.
To create great communities we would like everyone to work together to decide how their local neighbourhood should develop and grow in the future and to improve on the services they don’t like and maintain those that they do.
It identifies the main issues that affect your neighbourhood and what needs to be done both by us and our partner organisations to address them. We want to focus all our efforts on making sure you have a great place to live so we will be working just as hard with a range of other organisations on some of the wider issues such as employment and crime.
To make sure this happens we have produced a neighbourhood plan for each of New Charter’s 32 newly defined neighbourhoods and this one
Remember, you are the experts in what it’s like to live in your neighbourhood and you will be our most important partner of all.
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You are the experts in what it’s like to live in your neighbourhood and you will be our most important partner of all.
GREAT place to live... The neighbourhood known as “Brushes” is situated in the Stalybridge South Ward between the Copley neighbourhood and the Carrbrook and Millbrook neighbourhood; with only one vehicular entrance from Huddersfield Road onto Brushes Road.There is a reliable and regular hourly bus service which runs from Brushes providing effective links for the community to the adjoining towns of Mossley and Ashton.
management functions, including regeneration activities. The Hub benefits from a large conservatory which is used as a community space for meetings, training and indoor events such as craft sessions with the local children. Behind the Hub is the community garden and poly tunnel; used by the EMB to grow all the plants and foliage for the hanging baskets and the communal planting displays within the neighbourhood.
The neighbourhood consists of a number of two, three and four bedroomed family houses surrounded by areas of private housing. It is managed by the Brushes Estate Management Board (EMB) which was established in 2003 and is operated in partnership with New Charter Homes Ltd; this gives residents more control over the day to day running of their neighbourhood as Brushes EMB are directly responsible for neighbourhood management policies and practices.
The EMB facilitates many activities throughout the year including ‘North West in Bloom’; the neighbourhood has entered the competition annually since 2007 and has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ certificate for the past three years and also achieved ‘Best Large Neighbourhood’ in the North West in 2009 and 2011.There is a successful weekly lottery in operation for the neighbourhood which generates approximately a £100 prize fund each week for residents; any additional monies raised from the lottery funds future projects for the community. In addition quarterly newsletters are produced and various events held throughout the year which includes planting days, summer fun days, Easter and Christmas functions with a visit from Santa to the neighbourhood and an annual Christmas party for the older residents.
There are a number of open spaces in the area including a site known locally as Bailey’s Back which is situated in the centre of the neighbourhood.The site is managed by the EMB and has excellent play equipment, a multi-use games area and large well maintained planting displays.The successful site has been recognised by the Green Flag for Communities status which has been awarded and held for the last four years. The neighbourhood benefits from a local Neighbourhood Hub; open four days per week and staffed five days per week.The Neighbourhood team based there are responsible for operating Brushes own Local Lettings Policy, rent arrears recovery and other neighbourhood
There are three local primary schools and one high school surrounding Brushes all within 10-15 minutes walking distance; as is Stalybridge town centre, which benefits from all the amenities of a small town and includes a wide selection of shops, health services and New Charter’s Stalybridge Home and Community Hub. The neighbourhood is also situated close to Copley Recreation Centre andYouth Base which is proving to be a popular resource to the area and is well used by the local residents.
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Down your street Here is a map and a list of streets included in your neighbourhood to give you an idea of exactly where your plan covers.
Carrbrook and Millbrook
Brushes
Copley
Does your neighbourhood have star quality? We have identified a range of indicators that tell us overall how great your neighbourhood is. These indicators are designed to tell us how much support we need to give a neighbourhood and what specific areas seem to be causing the most problems so that we can target services and resources to improve them. 04
We are using a simple rating of 5, 4 or 3 stars; 5 stars being the best rating, so you can see easily how individual sections within your neighbourhood are performing. Each individual indicator we have used has its own star rating which when combined together produce an overall star rating for your neighbourhood.
The indicators range from the time taken to relet houses to employment and education. You can see them all below with an explanation of what the ratings mean for your neighbourhood.
Brushes Avenue
Chester Avenue
Flaxfield Avenue
Poplars Road
Brushes Road
Elms Road
Harridge Avenue
Tudor Avenue
% of current rent arrears
Average number of repairs
The neighbourhood has a relatively high level of rent arrears which means a number of households may be experiencing money management issues and be at risk of losing their homes. It is likely that a number of households may benefit from additional support.
The average number of repairs per property is relatively low and indicates that properties do not have any significant issues in terms of maintenance costs or property damage.
Average time to relet a property The time it takes to relet a property across the neighbourhood is generally satisfactory but there is room for improvement. Some properties take longer to let indicating that some properties are not as popular as others and it can also take some time for people to be able to move into their new homes.
Tenancy turnover This shows that on average people who move into the neighbourhood tend to stay in their homes for a relatively long period of time.This indicates that people are happy living in the neighbourhood and it is a place they want to stay.
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% of live antisocial behaviour cases The neighbourhood has a low level of antisocial behaviour or neighbour nuisance cases.This indicates that except for the occasional incident New Charter residents treat each other with respect and behaviour within the community is relatively good.
The neighbourhood has some problems with employment levels compared with similar neighbourhoods in Tameside.This indicates that some people in the neighbourhood are having difficulty accessing the jobs market and may not be well qualified for the jobs that are available.
Neighbourhood satisfaction
Education and skills
People’s general satisfaction with the neighbourhood as a place to live is good.
The neighbourhood has quite poor levels of educational attainment and skills.This indicates that it may be difficult for people to access the training they may need to help gain employment or develop their existing career prospects.
Crime People in the neighbourhood experience relatively low levels of crime and vandalism in relation to similar neighbourhoods in Tameside.Whilst not perfect, this does mean that people overall are likely to feel relatively safe and secure living in and walking around the neighbourhood. Health The neighbourhood has some issues with people’s health and disability levels compared with similar neighbourhoods in Tameside.This could indicate that more people than usual may have mobility problems of one sort or another, need some long term medical support in their homes and perhaps feel quite isolated.
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Employment
Household income The neighbourhood has some problems with family income levels compared with similar neighbourhoods in Tameside.This indicates that some families may suffer the effects of deprivation and have difficulty in making ends meet. Access to services People in the neighbourhood have little access to shops and services near to their homes.This indicates that it can be difficult to shop for more than essentials or access advice or support, in or within a reasonable distance from the neighbourhood itself.
Neighbourhood overall star rating Overall the neighbourhood is a popular place to live offering people a good quality of life and access to good services and facilities.The main aim for this neighbourhood is identifying the right activities, services and initiatives that will help it remain like this and deal with any issues that do arise quickly. 07
Local knowledge: Auditing your neighbourhood Whilst the indicators show us useful trends and point us in the right direction we need more local knowledge to identify some of the specific issues we need to address. To gather this information we have conducted a neighbourhood audit asking the people who live and work here to identify what they think the issues were.
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What our Neighbourhood team told us There are very few neighbour nuisance issues in the neighbourhood. However there are some occasional noise related issues or incidents of inconsiderate behaviour as well as some low level nuisance associated with youths congregating near the shops on Brushes Road and Baileys Back. Properties in the neighbourhood are usually very easy to let with a low turnover of new tenants as people tend to remain in the neighbourhood. Allocation of properties are made in partnership with EMB and in line with the Community Lettings Scheme and the matching of suitable tenants. The appearance of the neighbourhood is generally very good but parking is an issue due to narrow roads and houses lacking drives. Fly tipping is an occasional problem but is usually dealt with quickly by the Neighbourhood team. Property condition is generally good but there are some pointing issues particularly in relation to chimneys.There is also work required on a number of roofs in the neighbourhood due to age. The neighbourhood is managed by a resident led Estate Management Board (EMB) in partnership with New Charter which is unique to Brushes. It has four dedicated neighbourhood staff and is therefore able to vary service provision to meet local priorities and resident concerns.The Neighbourhood team feels this has proven to be
very successful over the years. Brushes EMB lead on any community regeneration issues and resident involvement, running many events throughout the year. There are limited shops and amenities in the neighbourhood itself with Copley Recreation Centre being the nearest resource.
The Neighbourhood team have concerns regarding the proposed new development of eighty new build dwellings at the top of Brushes Road and the impact this will have on Brushes resources and the area generally.
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What you told us On average the people we spoke to rate the neighbourhood 9 out of 10 as a place to live.This shows that people are generally satisfied with the quality of life they experience living in the neighbourhood. Some of the best features people identified about living in the neighbourhood were: The EMB, community spirit, friendly neighbours, cleanliness, good appearance, being child friendly and having the Neighbourhood team based in the neighbourhood. The issues that people identified about living in the neighbourhood were: parking problems, traffic speeding on some streets; some untidy gardens; noise from dogs and youths congregating in some areas. People raised specific issues with us about: More things for young people to do locally The need for a mother and toddlers group Congestion caused by the refuse collection Possibility of drives being added to some properties Desire for a tool hire scheme Coffee morning for older residents More shops or a community shop More generally residents also thought there were few employment opportunities in the area and little access to welfare advice and benefits. Residents also wanted to see a greater variety of shops and provision of local banking services.Access to affordable childcare was seen as an issue as was the lack of services for older residents in their homes.. 10
• Some of the best features people identified about living in the neighbourhood were: The EMB, community spirit, friendly neighbours, cleanliness, good appearance, being child friendly and having the Neighbourhood team based in the neighbourhood. 11
What other organisations told us There are some health issues in the neighbourhood compared with the rest of Tameside particularly in terms of higher mortality rates and non-healthy lifestyles. Crime is not seen as a major issue in terms of burglary, theft or car crime.Whilst antisocial behaviour was low in comparison to many neighbourhoods it is noted as an issue to monitor. A variety of agencies thought that young people in the neighbourhood did not have access to enough development activities alongside a general lack of leisure facilities for both children and teenagers in the immediate neighbourhood. Although this had been much improved by voluntary activities supplementing the lack of provision. Household income is an issue for a number of households with agencies identifying problems with level of worklessness and benefit dependency. Agencies thought there could be problems for residents in terms of loss of income as a result of the Government’s welfare reform.
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Access to employment, training and poor educational attainment are barriers for people in the neighbourhood and this has a particularly significant effect on young people with a number of agencies identifying poor links to employers, training providers and poor preparatory support. However access to employment and training is seen as an issue for all age groups. Access to amenities and services is relatively poor due to the location of the neighbourhood although this is mitigated to a certain extent by efforts of the EMB to provide some drop in services.
What we saw together: Low level of litter in the streets
Low level of dog fouling
Minor damage and vandalism at Baileys Back and near the local shop
The access road linked to the garage site on Harridge Avenue is in need of repair due to heavy usage by vehicles turning around on it
Evidence of fly tipping on council land off Brushes Road Open areas well maintained Community garden adds to neighbourhood appearance with some striking floral displays
Some owner occupied properties have disrepair issues as well as some problems with poorly maintained gardens.This can affect overall neighbourhood appearance
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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’s effectively an action plan which shows what needs to be done in more detail.
Neighbourhood and community management
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What?
Why?
When?
Work with the Police and the Community Safety team on target hardening, surveillance of youth related nuisance, congregation in communal areas and a more general policing plan to ensure vandalism and low level disturbance is kept to a minimum and people feel there is an identifiable police presence.
To increase feelings of security for residents who feel vulnerable to crime. Development of a long term crime prevention strategy will ensure consistent policing approach.
December 2013
Continue with the neighbourhood wide Street Watch approach; Brushes Neighbourhood team to work with EMB committee members, the Police and Police Community Support Officers(PCSO).
To increase the level of surveillance in the neighbourhood and increase the feeling of security and empowerment against crime.
March 2013
Review current facilities and activities for younger residents withTameside Metropolitan Borough Council (TMBC) in addition to the provision of general community facilities, activities and services to allow more drop-in or youth club like activities.
Identification of a broader range of facilities is needed to improve their quality of their life and that of the community more generally.
January 2014
What?
Why?
When?
Continue to work with TMBCYouth Services and New Charter’sYouth team to develop diversionary and development activities with young people whilst continuing to develop Brushes own range of mainly outdoor activities for young people and children.
To continue to reduce the level of antisocial behaviour from youths by providing positive activities and links to other services.
December 2013
Work with New Charter’s Regeneration, CleanCare and Green Charter teams to continue to refine and develop the range of activities in the Baileys Back scheme.
To improve neighbourhood appearance, quality of life for residents and sense of community by providing a focal point for the local community.
May 2014
CleanCare to continue to target litter in identified areas.
To improve the appearance of specific areas experiencing litter problems.
March 2013
Undertake a joint review of childcare and early years provision with TMBC teams to develop more neighbourhood based provision and drop in services.
To improve the quality of children’s support services in the neighbourhood and increase households ability to work full or part-time.
December 2013
Work with partners to increase signposting of residents to health advice and services as well as a particular emphasis on families and young children.
To improve the health of residents in the neighbourhood and the support available.
June 2013
Consistently signpost and refer customers and their families to employment advice and income advice services.Work with partners to develop training with an emphasis on linking people to work experience opportunities.
To increase individuals opportunities of gaining employment and broaden their employment experience.
June 2013
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What?
Why?
When?
Work with TMBC to improve lighting and security in communal areas that make people feel insecure or encourage congregating.
To improve the feeling of security within the neighbourhood.
March 2014
Work with a number of organisations and stakeholders on initiatives identified in their plans that will help improve the neighbourhood.
To improve services and maximise input into the neighbourhood from other service providers.
December 2013
Work with the Community Safety team and TMBC to review the need for and possible options in relation to road layout and traffic calming.
To increase road safety and reduce speeding in the neighbourhood.
October 2014
Undertake a review of the impact of the new build properties and the impact on Brushes resources.
To ensure continuous delivery of an effective local service to maintain high customer satisfaction ratings with the neighbourhood as a place to live.
November 2014
We aim to... Continue to reduce the level of antisocial behaviour from youths by providing positive activities and links to other services. 17
Tenancy
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What?
Why?
When?
Continue to apply the current community lettings approach to reduce lifestyle clashes thorough unsuitable lets.
To maintain community stability, reduce property turnover and decrease neighbour disputes.
April 2013
Maintain the existing tenancy and neighbourhood enforcement on activities which affect quality of life e.g. Noise nuisance, garden maintenance and pet ownership.
To improve the quality of life for residents and to identify and reduce unacceptable conduct.
April 2013
Visit older and vulnerable customers annually to assess any support or adaptations needs.
To maintain the quality of life and independent living for older residents.
September 2013
Increase home visits and calls by the Neighbourhood team to address high arrears and signpost to advice services.
To reduce the level of arrears in the neighbourhood and number of tenants whose home is at risk due to debt issues.
March 2013
Neighbourhood team to provide increased support to identified tenants and families, linking to TMBC support and advice services.
To help identified residents successfully manage their tenancies and help families to access services.
April 2013
Neighbourhood team to maintain the use of the Hub and the delivery of a highly flexible and responsive service.
To deliver an effective local service to maintain high customer satisfaction ratings with the neighbourhood as a place to live and facilitate quicker and easier access to residents for service and neighbourhood issues.
January 2013
What?
Why?
When?
Neighbourhood team and EMB members to carry out monthly neighbourhood inspections (open to residents).
To provide regular monitoring of street level appearance and visible issues.
April 2013
Target customers who may be affected by welfare reform and provide advice and support.
To increase awareness of potential issues and help reduce debt and/or financial problems caused by welfare reform.
January 2013
We aim to... Deliver an effective local service to maintain high customer satisfaction ratings with the neighbourhood as a place to live and facilitate quicker and easier access to residents for service and neighbourhood issues.
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Home
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What?
Why?
When?
Undertake a fencing and boundary review of the further work required in the neighbourhood to homes and communal areas.
To assess if the fencing is adequate in terms of security and the appearance of properties.
March 2013
Undertake a review of local play facilities provision in consultation with residents.
To ensure children have well placed safe places to play.
October 2013
Develop a programme for any improvement works including lighting required to Brushes managed shared areas identified as part of the wider security review with TMBC.
To increase feelings of security in the neighbourhood around youth congregation points and secluded areas.
September 2013
Improve the condition of the access road to the garage site and review the condition of the garages themselves.
To improve the appearance of the neighbourhood and the quality of road and parking provision.
July 2013
Undertake a review of the parking provision in the neighbourhood to identify a range of possible options including installation of drives and dropped kerbs to properties.
To improve the parking provision in the neighbourhood, reduce road congestion and improve resident’s quality of life.
January 2014
Continue with the current pointing programme on identified properties.
To improve neighbourhood appearance and property conditions.
October 2013
Implement an improvement programme for roof replacement and pointing to chimneys on identified properties.
To improve condition of homes and quality of life for residents.
March 2014
What?
Why?
When?
Consider the feasibility of extending the existing neighbourhood Hub to accommodate more drop in and indoor community activities.
To provide more capacity for community activities and drop in services and to add to the current range of additional community development and regeneration work.
May 2013
Review the options to improve refuse storage facilities for customers for an affordable solution.
To improve neighbourhood appearance.
May 2013
To improve condition of homes and quality of life for residents. 21
Involvement and empowerment
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What?
Why?
When?
Continue to work with the Brushes EMB committee as the main resident led decision making and management body.
To continue to have a responsive tenant led self-management that focuses resources on community priorities and flexible tailored provision.
January 2013
Ask interested customers to be street representatives whose role will be to report any issues they or other residents are concerned about in their street or the wider neighbourhood.The Neighbourhood team will also contact the street representatives regularly to check progress and provide support. Street representatives could form a subcommittee of the EMB and meet quarterly to report on neighbourhood issues.
This will provide a way for customers to report any issues to staff and to have them addressed promptly. This will also help improve the day to day service.
June 2013
Develop joint customer inspections on key customer identified issues with residents partnering with EMB members and the Neighbourhood team.
To increase customer led monitoring of issues by getting the ‘customer eye’ view.
July 2013
Develop a mini customer scrutiny panel as a 12 month project to work with the EMB board to look at services and customer preferences. If this is found to be useful the project can be extended and the scrutiny panel become part of the EMB.
To gain customer input from residents who have not previously had involvement and allow the EMB to get a fresh customer perspective to develop its services and longer term strategy.
April 2014
What?
Why?
When?
Set up a Brushes neighbourhood facebook page.
To encourage a different type of dialogue between residents with each other and with staff.This will help with regards to reporting, supporting and discussion.
May 2013
Continue to hold a range of events and initiatives with the community in addition to the seasonal activities organised by the EMB.
To improve neighbourhood appearance, provide opportunities for people to meet and increase the community’s ability to plan their own projects.
June 2013
We aim to... Improve neighbourhood appearance, increase community spirit and build positive relationships with neighbours. Increase community knowledge of what’s going on and what services are available.
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What next? Great progress we hope!! Work has already begun in your neighbourhood on the various actions outlined in Your Great Neighbourhood Charter as well as in our other 31 New Charter neighbourhoods. We would like the Great Neighbourhood Charters to mark the start of a new phase of activity aimed at ensuring that all our neighbourhoods are the great places that we all want and know they can be. We will be reviewing the Charter frequently this year and we will keep you updated on the progress, you will have the opportunity to be involved in this so please watch out for advertised activities or requests for feedback. However there is no need to wait until then‌ if after reading this you have any questions comments or suggestions or if you would like to get more involved in helping us identify what we could achieve in your neighbourhood please contact us and give us your thoughts. You can do this by ringing 0161 331 2000 or contacting us via your preferred method, we can also arrange for someone to call and visit you in your home if you would prefer, we would really like to hear from you.
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Neighbourhood Fact File Here are some facts and figures about the people and properties that make up your neighbourhood which we thought you may find interesting.
Number of properties owned by New Charter =
215
Properties by type Houses
215
Black Minority Ethnic
3.16%
55+
14.40%
18 - 25
12.23%
Under 16
28.6%
Number of residents =
507 25
Final Thoughts We hope that over the next three years through the actions outlined in your Great Neighbourhood Charter we will really make a visible difference to your neighbourhood, making it more attractive for those living or thinking of living in it and improve resident’s quality of life. We think the key to success will be to continue to work together with you to achieve this.
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Contact us Main switchboard: 0161 331 2000 Emergency housing & repairs calls: 0800 027 0828 If you need an emergency repair during the following times: - Before 8am and after 6pm Monday to Friday - During weekends and Bank Holidays Antisocial behaviour helpline: 0800 027 0522 (24 hours a day)
@ contact@newcharter.co.uk www.newcharter.co.uk newchartergroup
Home and Community Hubs 2 Henrietta Street, Ashton 9 Albert Street, Denton 12 Clarendon Street, Hyde 63 Grosvenor Street, Stalybridge
Head office:
New Charter, Cavendish 249, Cavendish Street, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7AT
@newchartergroup
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Resource Housing Reg. No. 2111