Your GREAT Neighbourhood Charter Hattersley and Longendale
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 Hattersley and Longdendale neighbourhood covers the rural areas of Broadbottom, Mottram, Hattersley and Hollingworth. Broadbottom and Mottram is an area that does not constitute a neighbourhood in the exact sense of the word. Spread over an urban district of approximately four miles it consists of a number of small pockets of properties which include, flats, bungalows and houses, many of which are now owner occupied and three sheltered housing schemes.There are good transport links with regular bus services running from Glossop to Ashton and a railway station in Broadbottom serving Glossop and Manchester. Broadbottom has a number of local shops including a post office, a medical centre, a community hub and a recently opened large retail supermarket. Broadbottom has the benefit of a local primary school and the nearest high school; Longdale Language Community College can be found in Hollingworth.
Hattersley lies approximately two miles from Hyde, there is reliable bus service to both Hyde town centre and central Manchester and also a rail link to Manchester city centre; the railway station being approximately ten minute walk away.The majority of the properties in the Hattersely area are owned by PeakValley Housing Association and a smaller number by Contour Homes; New Charter owns approximately two hundred properties which consist of houses and flats, the rest of the area is made up of similar properties with one high rise block.There are a number of private houses currently under construction within the neighbourhood over four different locations and a new Neighbourhood Hub; owned by PeakValley Housing Association.The Hub is expected to open in January 2013 and will provide improved facilities and amenities to the neighbourhood. On the edge of the area there is a sports centre and two primary schools; St James' Catholic Primary School and Pinfold Primary School and one high school;Alder Community High School. Local people regard Hollingworth as a village; the properties owned by New Charter are predominately located at either end of the village and are a mixture of houses and a small number of flats, many of which are now owner occupied.The area is well served by a medical centre and local shops including a post office, local store, and newsagents.
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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.
Hattersley and Longendale
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.
Ashworth Lane
Coombes View
Booth Street
Cross Street
Callington Close
Earnshaw Street
Callington Drive
Ellison Close
Callington Walk
Fields Crescent
Camborne Road
Fields Farm Road
Chambers Court
Fields Grove
Church Road
Florence Way
Claylands Close
Further Lane
Hattersley Road East
Polruan Walk
Torrington Drive
Hatton Court
Porthowan Walk
Underwood Road
Printers Fold
Well Row
Rosebank Close
Wembury Walk
Shaw Street
William Ford House
Tawton Avenue
William Ford House, Shaw Street
Longdale Drive Lord Street Market Street Moorfield Terrace Olive Terrace Organ Way
Taylor Street Thornbury Avenue Tintagel Walk
Woodlands Close Woodlands Grove
% of current rent 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 and could be at risk of losing their homes. It also indicates some households may need additional support.
The average cost of repairs per property is significant and indicates that many properties have issues in terms of maintenance costs and the need to regularly replace components. Property damage is also an issue within the neighbourhood.
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 a significant number of people who move into the neighbourhood may only stay in their homes for a relatively short period of time. Although this varies across the neighbourhood it does indicate that many people are not as happy living in the neighbourhood as they could be and a significant number choose not to stay in the long term.
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% of live antisocial behaviour cases The neighbourhood experiences some antisocial behaviour or neighbour nuisance cases. This indicates that while the majority of New Charter residents treat each other with respect there are some incidents that do occur that have a negative impact on people’s ability to relax and feel secure in their homes.
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.
Education and skills
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.
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.
Crime
Household income
People in the neighbourhood experience high levels of crime and vandalism in relation to similar neighbourhoods in Tameside. This means that people do not feel as safe and secure as they should living in and walking around many parts of the neighbourhood.
The neighbourhood has quite low levels of family income compared with similar neighbourhoods in Tameside. This indicates that a significant number of families may suffer the effects of deprivation and have difficulty in making ends meet.
Neighbourhood satisfaction
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
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 This neighbourhood has the potential to be a great place to live but is currently experiencing a number of issues that affect peoples overall quality of life and enjoyment.The main aim for this neighbourhood is to identify a range of activities service and initiatives that will significantly improve people’s day to day living experience. 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 The overall neighbourhood is spread over four areas, therefore the content of this audit does not necessarily apply to all areas. Antisocial behaviour is an issue in the neighbourhood but tends to be around more low level issues such as noise and occasional neighbour disputes. However in some parts of the neighbourhood disturbance from youth related nuisance and congregating can be an issue Demand for properties is variable in the neighbourhood with some areas being easier to let than others. Generally speaking it is harder to let flats which are smaller and have more nuisance issues.Turnover of properties is low in some parts of the neighbourhood and high in others; people refuse properties in some parts of the neighbourhood because they fear they will be too isolated Appearance is generally good but there are some environmental issues that affect neighbourhood appearance in respect of the condition of garage sites, fly tipping in isolated areas, infrequent maintenance in some drying areas, condition of several gardens and a number of problems with boundary walls There are also problems with vandalism and people riding quad bikes in some parts of the neighbourhood.This is not happening right next to New Charter properties but is still causing disturbance to residents. Parking is also an issue in some areas, blocking entrances to houses that are pedestrian access only.
In terms of property condition there are some issues with fencing in parts of the neighbourhood and some properties are ready for external painting There are no existing residents groups for the Neighbourhood team to work with but the team liaises with the local Neighbourhood Watch on a regular basis.The team would like to obtain more feedback from residents regarding service delivery issues and community priorities
A new community hub is being built in Hattersley funded by Peak Valley Housing Association which will provide a good base for all for activities and services in that part of the neighbourhood. 09
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 need to be addressed in their minds. Some of the best features identified about living in the neighbourhood were: access to the countryside and open space, generally clean and tidy, good bus links and good neighbours . The issues people identified about living in the neighbourhood were: antisocial behaviour, fly tipping and litter in some areas, noise from some households, problems with pets, a lack of amenities and shops and traffic passing through the area People raised specific issues with us about:The lack of children’s play areas and facilities particularly for under 5’s Dog fouling in some areas A lack of affordable child care The need for youth facilities and a youth club The need for a family orientated community centre Access to pest control services for the flats A more visible police presence Lack of a community cafe Increased community activities Provision of a job shop The need for a better variety of shops Poor and irregular refuse collection service More broadly people saw lack of access to employment, adult education and benefits and employment advice as issues which had direct impact on residents. Lack of drop in services was seen as a particular issue, as was the level of crime and access to banking services and computers 10
Some of the best features identified about living in the neighbourhood were: access to the countryside and open space, generally clean and tidy, good bus links and good neighbours. 11
What other organisations told us There are some health inequality issues in the neighbourhood compared with the rest of Tameside particularly in terms of higher mortality and disability rates with particular links to coronary health issues around sedentary lifestyles. Underage drinking was also highlighted, as was access to mental health support. Provision of the right kind of services for young families and children is a particular area of focus. There are a relatively high number of young carers in the neighbourhood. Crime is seen as a significant issue in some areas with youth related antisocial behaviour being the principle concern. Car crime and opportunistic burglary were also identified.There appears to be a lack of crime prevention measures in place which raises levels of vulnerability to crime. Access to employment, training and poor educational attainment are barriers for people in the neighbourhood generally and have a particularly significant effect on young adults, with a number of agencies identifying poor links to employers, training providers and poor preparatory support. A variety of agencies think that young people in the neighbourhood also suffer more generally in terms of access to a range of facilities as well as lack of personal development opportunities. It was also felt that more work in these areas would have a positive effect on youth related antisocial behaviour. 12
Early years provision in the neighbourhood is seen as inadequate with a need for support for young families, as well as for childcare facilities more generally. A significant number of households in the neighbourhood have low incomes and had high levels of benefit dependency. Many also lack access to money advice services. Agencies also thought there could be problems for residents more generally in terms of loss of income as part of the Government’s welfare reform. There is also an identified need for more intensive family support services to help a number of households who are experiencing problems. There are some more isolated young families with children who need additional help due to lack of extended family support. Access to mainstream services and amenities is poor due to the location of the neighbourhood. There are some drop in services via neighbourhood facilities in some areas which help to mitigate this but better access and signposting is needed.
What we saw together: Fly tipping on centre of Hattersley, at the rear of Woodlands Close in Broadbottom and on Fields Farm Road
Level of litter in streets generally is low
Open spaces near New Charter property are in good condition and clear of rubbish
Poor fencing on some properties
Poor condition of garage site in Hollingsworth
Dog fouling on open spaces
Roads near garage site in Hattersley need resurfacing and walls need rebuilding
Communal areas of flats are in good condition
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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 other landlords to increase physical surveillance in antisocial behaviour (ASB) hotspots not directly managed by New Charter and develop a longer term ASB action plan with the police and the Community Safety team.
To reduce visible ASB in the neighbourhood by the development of a long term strategy and improve quality of life for residents.
December 2013
Work with the Police and the Community Safety team on target hardening surveillance and develop a more general policing plan targeting vehicle crime and youth nuisance.
To reduce levels of vandalism and increase feelings of security for customers who feel vulnerable to crime. Development of a long term crime prevention strategy will ensure a consistent policing approach.
December 2013
Develop a neighbourhood wide Home Watch group supported by New Charter.
To increase the level of surveillance in neighbourhood and therefore increase the feeling of security and empowerment against crime.
June 2013
What?
Why?
When?
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 ensure people can access advice and drop in services.
January 2014
Increase the use of New CharterYouth team activities targeted at New Charter families.
To provide activities and development opportunities for youths.
August 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.
January 2014
Undertake a review of potential community venues and consider the feasibility of providing more space for community activities; working with partners to investigate what drop in services are most needed in the different parts of the neighbourhood and with Peak Valley Housing Association on the development and usage of the new Community Hub.
To ensure the neighbourhood has sufficient venues to host community activities and improve access to drop in services.
November 2013
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What?
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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.
December 2013
Work with partners to increase signposting of residents to health advice and services, especially on improving access to mental health services and healthy lifestyles.
To improve the health of residents in the neighbourhood and the support available.
June 2013
Consistently signpost and refer residents and their families to training and money advice services; working with partners to develop young people’s employment readiness.
To increase individuals opportunities of gaining employment and maximising their income.
April 2013
Develop a neighbourhood credit union and other complementary credit and insurance schemes through links with TMBC and MINT (Money Information Network Tameside).
To increase residents access to banking services, affordable credit and insurance.
November 2014
Work with partners to provide extra litter and dog fouling bins and increase activities of TMBC environmental patrollers.
To reduce the incidents of casual littering in the neighbourhood and reduce level of dog fouling in common areas.
August 2013
What?
Why?
When?
CleanCare to increase targeting of fly tipping including use of surveillance cameras.
To improve the neighbourhood appearance and quality of life for residents.
April 2013
Working in partnership with TMBC and residents review the quality of the refuse service.
To improve the neighbourhood appearance and quality of life of residents.
December 2013
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. 17
Tenancy What?
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Why?
When?
Streamline the lettings process and criteria for empty properties and review demand issues.
To reduce the length of time properties remain empty.
April 2013
Continue to deliver the Key toYour Door programme for customers under 35 in terms of ensuring their readiness for tenancy and to identify any support required.
To reduce potential for lifestyle clashes and unsuccessful conduct of tenancy.
April 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.
May 2013
Set up gardening tool hire service and a gardening club for all residents.
To increase access to advice and equipment to maintain gardens.
June 2013
Make targeted calls and visits to customers in rent arrears to address the arrears and signpost to advice services.
To reduce arrears in the neighbourhood and therefore reduce the number of customers whose home is at risk due to debt issues.
March 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.
February 2013
What?
Why?
When?
Hold a regular housing surgery in different parts of the neighbourhood.
To make it quick and easy for residents to access services and for neighbourhood issues to be dealt with.
February 2013
Provide increased support to identified vulnerable customers and link them to specialist support and advice services.
To help identified customers successfully manage their tenancies and reduce lifestyle clashes with other residents.
March 2013
Neighbourhood team to carry out monthly neighbourhood inspections (open to residents).
To provide regular monitoring of street level appearance and visible issues.
January 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
Introduce annual tenancy visits to young and older customers living in family housing to establish if any extra assistance, advice or links to other services are needed.
To help customers maintain independent living and access any extra support needed.
April 2013
We aim to... Improve the quality of life for the majority of residents as well as to identify and reduce unacceptable conduct. 19
Home What?
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Why?
When?
Improve basic security measures in people homes with simple target hardening measures for example door chains and spy holes.
To improve feelings of security in the home for residents.
January 2014
Improve the appearance, security and appeal of identified properties that are difficult to let.
To improve neighbourhood appearance, kerb appeal and demand for properties.
November 2014
Rent parking spaces to residents in the secure gated site to alleviate parking problems in Thornbury Avenue.
To improve parking and alleviate congestion in this area of the neighbourhood.
July 2013
Undertake a review of local play facilities provision in consultation with residents.
To ensure children have well placed safe places to play.
October 2014
Continue to develop and implement the improvement programme for garage sites.
To improve neighbourhood appearance and parking.
January 2014
Continue with the existing fencing programme and evaluate the need for any further work required in the neighbourhood.
To improve property and neighbourhood appearance and assess if existing fencing is adequate in terms of security.
May 2013
Undertake a review of the lighting in parking and communal areas and develop an improvement programme.
Improve usage and feeling of security in parking and shared areas.
September 2013
Consider the sale of selected pieces of land that are frequently fly tipped on the condition the new owners take responsibility to fence and keep them litter free.
To improve neighbourhood appearance.
April 2014
What?
Why?
When?
Installation of an access ramp to Coombes View due to steep steps.
To increase ease of accessibility for older residents.
September 2014
Increase maintenance on identified grassed areas.
To increase usage and improve street appearance.
August 2013
Review the number of repairs issues in the neighbourhood.
To identify if there are any underlying issues in term of buildings, components, design or usage which need to be addressed.
April 2013
To improve feelings of security in the home for residents. 21
Involvement and empowerment What?
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Why?
When?
Develop regular residents groups in the different areas and support former groups to start up again and provide any support they require to develop their activities.
To obtain detailed feedback from residents specifically on service provision and wider neighbourhood issues; work with them jointly on neighbourhood priorities.
April 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 residents to report any issues to staff and to have them addressed promptly.This will also help improve the day to day service.
May 2013
Develop a community garden project on identified land that is overgrown in Broadbottom.
To improve neighbourhood appearance, community spirit and the ability to work together on projects.
September 2013
Develop customer inspections on key customer identified issues.
To increase customer led monitoring of issues by getting the ‘customer eye’ view.
March 2013
What?
Why?
When?
Link young people to TMBC youth focus groups and forums.
To help identify and develop better youth services and support.
May 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
Extend activities for older residents via sheltered scheme events.
To improve community links between older residents in different parts of the neighbourhood and improve community spirit and quality of life.
June 2013
We aim to... Increase customer led monitoring of issues by getting the ‘customer eye’ view.
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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 =
420
Properties by type
Houses
226
Bungalows
50
Flats
144
Black Minority Ethnic
2.97%
Under 16
17.34%
55+
28.74%
18 - 25
16.51%
Number of residents =
842 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