Your GREAT Neighbourhood Charter Clarendon Fields
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.
for 3 years and will be reviewed annually with residents to assess our progress.
It identifies the main issues that affect your neighbourhood and what needs to be done both by us and our partner organisations to To create great communities we address them. We want to focus all would like everyone to work our efforts on making sure you have together to decide how their local neighbourhood should develop and a great place to live so we will be working just as hard with a range of grow in the future and to improve other organisations on some of the on the services they don’t like and wider issues such as employment maintain those that they do. and crime. To make sure this happens we Remember, you are the experts in have produced a neighbourhood what it’s like to live in your plan for each of New Charter’s 32 newly defined neighbourhoods and neighbourhood and you will be our most important partner of all. this one is yours. The plan will run 02
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 Clarendon Fields neighbourhood is located in the Dukinfield area of Tameside and consists of a variety of property types which includes one bedroomed bungalows, one bedroomed flats, two and three bedroomed maisonettes and two, three and four bedroomed family houses; a large proportion of which are owned by New Charter. There are also two sheltered schemes within the neighbourhood; Lakeswood and Kenyon House. The neighbourhood benefits from a number of open green spaces, the local cricket and bowling clubs as well as football pitches which are used by a variety of teams and leagues.There is a good level of local neighbourhood involvement with all of these clubs. There are a wide range of local shops and services in the locality of the neighbourhood,
including two large supermarkets, various public houses, a chemist, doctors’ surgery, Post Office and convenience stores. It is a short walk to Dukinfield Town Hall; the Police outpost and Dukinfield Park and the neighbourhood is based in the centre of the town close to all of the amenities. The local primary schools consist of Ravensfield Primary School, Lyndhurst Community Primary School, and St John’s Church of England Primary School, all of which are popular with parents and there are two local high schools nearby, All Saints Catholic College which also offers further education at its Sixth Form College and Astley Sports College and Community High School. Due to its central location the neighbourhood has excellent daytime bus links into local busy towns of Ashton, where the nearest train station and hospital can be found and Hyde; both within a two mile radius.
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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.
Clarendon Fields
Gorsehall Armadale Yew Tree
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.
Astley Street
Crescent Close
Moffat Court
Bass Street
Hope Street
Nicholson Square
Brice Street
Kenyon House, Astley Street
Railway Street
Lakeswood, Church Street
Spencer Street
Brunswick Street Chapel Street Clarendon Street Combermere Street
Lime Street Mary Street
Robert Street Underwood Street Zetland Street
% of current rent arrears
Average number of repairs
The neighbourhood has a relatively low level of rent arrears which indicates that households are not experiencing noticeable money management issues or are accessing support if they need it.
The average number of repairs per property is quite high and indicates that properties do have some issues in terms of maintenance costs and the need to regularly replace components. Property damage is also an issue in some homes.
Average time to relet a property Generally the time it takes to let a property in the neighbourhood is too long which indicates a significant number of properties are proving to be unpopular. It can also take a relatively long 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 reasonable length of time although the length of stay varies across the whole of the neighbourhood. It also indicates that people are not as happy living in some parts of the neighbourhood as they could be with some choosing not to stay in the long term.
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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 apart from the occasional incident New Charter residents treat each other with respect and behaviour within the community is relatively good. Neighbourhood satisfaction People’s general satisfaction with the neighbourhood as a place to live is good but there are some factors that spoil their experience and affect their enjoyment of the area. 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 peoples 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 The neighbourhood has significant problems with employment levels compared with similar neighbourhoods in Tameside.This indicates that many people in the neighbourhood are having difficulty accessing the jobs market and a significant number may not be well qualified for the jobs that are available. Education and skills There are some issues with the level of educational attainment and skills in the neighbourhood. This also indicates that it may not be easy to access the training people may need to help them gain employment or develop their existing career prospects. 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 relatively good access to a range of shops and services from a variety of organisations which are near to their homes.This indicates that it is relatively easy to go shopping for a range of goods as well as obtain advice and support on a range of issues in the neighbourhood.
Neighbourhood overall star rating Overall the neighbourhood is a good place to live but it does experience some problems that affect people’s quality of life on a day to day basis. The main aim for this neighbourhood is to identify the right activities, services and initiatives that will help address the specific issues that prevent it being as good a place as it could be. 07
Local knowledge: Auditing your neighbourhood While 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 Antisocial behaviour is not really an issue in the neighbourhood as a whole with only occasional instances mainly around noise and inconsiderate behaviour. The frequency at which people move in and out of the neighbourhood is low and it is easy to let most properties. Some smaller flats and studios can be harder to let and there is a higher turnover in these which can affect overall figures; overall demand is very good and properties do not become available regularly. The appearance of the neighbourhood is generally good with the only real issues relating to dog fouling, fly tipping on pieces of open ground and some problems with fencing in some parts of the neighbourhood. The Neighbourhood team do not currently work with an established tenants and residents group and it is felt there is a lack of regular input from residents on neighbourhood issues which would be beneficial in shaping services.
Good community facilities help support a range of community activities
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What you told us On average the people we spoke to rate the neighbourhood 8 out of 10 as a place to live. So while people are positive about the area there are still some quality of life issues that people think need to be addressed. Some of the best features identified about living in the neighbourhood were: cleanliness and appearance, friendly neighbours, good access to local shops and amenities, peaceful atmosphere and a general feeling of safety in the neighbourhood. The concerns identified about living in the neighbourhood were: cars driving too fast, the level of dog fouling, behaviour of some children, occasional noise and some overgrown trees and shrubs. People raised specific issues with us about: The need for better community consultation Condition of fencing The need for a Community cafe and a place to eat and meet A lack of a mum and toddlers group A lack of a youth club for older children A lack of play facilities for younger children Access to computers The need for local office The need for regular clean up days
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More broadly people wanted to have better access to walk in advice services. However there was also a significant emphasis on childcare facilities and community based leisure facilities.The biggest issue here though was access to support services for older residents and drop in clinics. Many of these trends reflect the contrasting age profile of the neighbourhood.
• Some of the best features identified about living in the neighbourhood were: cleanliness and appearance, friendly neighbours, good access to local shops and amenities, peaceful atmosphere and a general feeling of safety in the neighbourhood. 11
What other organisations told us There are quite significant health inequalities and issues in the neighbourhood compared with the rest of Tameside particularly in terms higher mortality and disability rates due to the older age profile.. Provision of the right kind of services for young families and children is a particular area of focus. Levels of teenage pregnancy are relatively high in some parts of the neighbourhood. Crime is not a major issue in the neighbourhood but there are some problems with low level antisocial behaviour, burglary and vehicle crime. Lack of crime prevention measures is seen as an area which needs to be focused on. Access to employment, training and poor educational attainment are barriers for some people in the neighbourhood and have a significant effect on a young adults; with potential issues around poor links to employers, training providers and poor preparatory support. Young people in the neighbourhood lack access to facilities as well as suffering from a lack of personal development opportunities. Overall agencies think there is a significant shortage of early years provision and support for young families as well as childcare facilities more generally.There is also a general lack of play facilities for younger children.
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There are isolated young families with children who need additional help due lack of extended family support. Household income is an issue for a number of households with agencies identifying problems with benefit dependency for some. Agencies thought there could also be problems for residents in terms of loss of income as part of the Government’s welfare reform and an increase in debt issues. Access to services generally is seen as good in the neighbourhood although as indicated above there are problems with more focused services particularly for families, elderly care and signposting and advice services linked to employment.
What we saw together: Well maintained grassed areas and open spaces Some parking congestion from the NHS building Pathway used for parking in the Chapel Street area
High degree of dog fouling on paths and communal areas in the area Poor condition of fencing around chapel street
Some refuse bins on view in gardens which can affect 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 for communal areas alongside developing a more general policing plan targeting burglary, vehicle crime and drug related criminality.
To reduce levels of vandalism and increase feelings of security for customers who feel vulnerable to crime by developing a long term crime prevention strategy to ensure consistent policing approach.
March 2014
Review current facilities and activities for both young and older residents with Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council (TMBC) in addition to the provision of general community facilities, activities and services.
Identification of a broader range of facilities for both groups is needed to improve their quality of life and that of the community more generally and to also ensure people can access advice and drop in services.
January 2014
Identify potential community venues and consider the feasibility of providing more space for community activities.
To ensure the neighbourhood has sufficient accessible venues to host community activities and drop in services.
October 2013
What?
Why?
When?
Work in partnership with TMBC to improve the activities of the environmental patrollers targeting dog fouling.
To reduce the level of dog fouling in the neighbourhood.
July 2013
In consultation withTMBC provide dog bins in identified areas.
To improve neighbourhood appearance and quality of life for residents.
July 2013
Work in partnership with 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
Review the quality of the refuse service with TMBC and residents.
To improve neighbourhood appearance and quality of life for residents.
December 2013
Undertake a joint review of childcare and early years provision with TMBC teams.
To improve the quality of children’s support services in the neighbourhood and increase households ability to work full or part-time.
July 2013
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What?
Why?
When?
Work with partners to increase the signposting of residents to health advice and services. In addition work with Health Services to look at the provision for older people and young families and education in schools regarding teenage pregnancy.
To improve the health of residents in the neighbourhood and the support available to them.
June 2014
Consistently signpost and refer residents and their families to training and income advice services, working with partners to develop people’s employment readiness.
To increase chances of employment and maximising income.
January 2013
Link with existing TMBC and MINT (Money Information Network Tameside) services to provide financial advice and refer identified customers who may find this helpful.
To increase residents access to banking services, affordable credit and insurance.
September 2013
CleanCare to increase targeting of fly tipping and litter in identified areas and continue to work with Green Charter on communal areas.
To improve the appearance of specific areas experiencing litter and the upkeep of communal green areas.
September 2013
Working in partnership with TMBC to consider the introduction of resident only parking restrictions in identified areas.
To reduce traffic congestion and traffic bottle necks in the neighbourhood.
July 2014
What?
Why?
When?
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.
October 2013
Focus additional resources on tree maintenance and overgrown shrubs.
To improve the appearance of the neighbourhood.
May 2013
Identification of a broader range of facilities for both groups is needed to improve their quality of life and that of the community more generally and to also ensure people can access advice and drop in services.
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Tenancy
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What?
Why?
When?
Introduce a sensitive lettings approach to reduce lifestyle clashes thorough unsuitable lets. Streamline the lettings process and needs based criteria for difficult to let properties where this does not impact on community lettings guidelines.
To maintain community stability with sensitive lettings, decrease neighbour disputes, reduce the length of time properties remain empty and turnover of properties.
April 2013
Develop a network of existing residents to meet, welcome and befriend new residents in difficult to let areas.
To help new customers settle into the neighbourhood and create links to the community and neighbours.
September 2013
Increase tenancy and neighbourhood enforcement on activities that affect quality of life e.g. nuisance, upkeep of gardens, noise and pet ownership.
To improve the quality of life for the majority of residents as well as identify and reduce unacceptable conduct.
September 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
Signpost and refer customers who may benefit from the help of New Charter’s Welfare Benefits Advice team.
To reduce the number of evictions for non-payment of rent and provide more help and advice on managing finances.
March 2013
Provide a regular housing surgery in the neighbourhood.
To make it quick and easy for residents to access services and for neighbourhood issues to be dealt with.
June 2013
What?
Why?
When?
Provide increased support to identified vulnerable customers and link them to specialist support and advice services as well.
To help identified customers successfully manage their tenancy and reduce lifestyle clashes with other residents.
April 2013
Neighbourhood team to carry out quarterly neighbourhood inspections (open to residents).
To provide regular monitoring of street level appearance and visible issues.
March 2013
Target residents 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... Reduce the number of evictions for non-payment of rent and provide more help and advice on managing finances.
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Home
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What?
Why?
When?
Improve the appeal of identified properties that are more difficult to let.
To improve demand for properties and reduce turnover.
March 2014
Consider the feasibility of converting studio properties into one bedroom flats.
To reduce the number of difficult to let properties in the neighbourhood.
October 2015
Undertake a review of local play facilities provision in consultation with residents.
To ensure children have well placed safe places to play.
October 2013
Undertake regular repairs and maintenance inspections.
To keep properties in the neighbourhood in a high state of repair and identify any general issues in respect of component failure or improvements needed.
October 2013
Undertake a review of fencing and boundaries, including a review of fencing to communal areas.
To assess if existing fencing is adequate in terms of security and appearance and identify any specific work need to clarify boundaries.
September 2013
Develop an improvement plan with options for refuse bin storage.
To improve quality of life for residents and neighbourhood appearance.
October 2013
Undertake a review of parking provision for residents in identified streets.
To identify any additional parking provision required and the potential options.
January 2014
To improve quality of life for residents and neighbourhood appearance. 21
Involvement and empowerment
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What?
Why?
When?
Develop a regular tenants and residents forum.
To obtain detailed feedback from residents specifically on service and wider neighbourhood issues.
May 2013
Ask interested residents 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 once a quarter to check progress and provide support.
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.
March 2013
Set up a neighbourhood improvement group with tenants.
To ensure services are more customer and neighbourhood focused.
July 2013
Develop customer inspections on key customer identified issues.
To increase customer led monitoring of issues by getting the ‘customer eye’ view.
July 2013
Develop a focus group or coffee morning with older residents linked to the sheltered schemes.
To identify specific issues that affects older people in the neighbourhood and develop social networks for older residents.
September 2013
Set up a 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
What?
Why?
When?
Consider the feasibility of setting up a community cafe, shop, activity centre and youth club, run by community volunteers with initial support from New Charter.
Improve community and youth access to facilities, build community network and develop the community’s ability to work on projects with others.
May 2014
Hold weekend community information events or fun days 4 times a year and hold seasonal activities at Easter and Halloween Work closely with the local school on these events in terms of venues and timings.
To improve the neighbourhood appearance and increase community spirit, building positive relationships with neighbours and increasing the community’s knowledge of what services and opportunities are available.
April 2013
We aim to... Improve the neighbourhood appearance and increase community spirit, building positive relationships with neighbours and increasing the community’s knowledge of what services and opportunities 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 =
348
Properties by type Houses
135
Bungalows
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Flats & Maisonettes 189 Black Minority Ethnic
4.03%
Under 16
21.26%
55+
37.36%
18 - 25
9.82%
Number of residents =
621 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 residents’ 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