Your GREAT Neighbourhood Charter Newton
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 Newton neighbourhood is located just to the north of Hyde. It is approximately a ten minute drive from Hyde town centre and relatively detached from the rest of Hyde as it is located between Hyde and Dukinfield; bordered by fields to the north and east and playing fields to the south. The neighbourhood is predominately made up of houses; however there are pockets of low rise flats, bungalows and two sheltered schemes; a sheltered bungalow scheme on Hough Lane and a sheltered scheme onVictoria Street which is approximately a quarter of a mile from the centre of Hyde. There are also a small number of new build properties located on Duchess Green and two private areas of new build properties built in the last few years; New Charter owns all the social housing stock within Newton. Newton has a library, several shops and take away food outlets located alongTalbot Road; the closest doctors and dentists are located in Hyde and Dukinfield. The neighbourhood has two primary
schools, Oakfield and Bradley Green and there are also two high schools close by; HydeTechnology College situated in Flowery Field and All Saints High School in Dukinfield. There is one small shop in the neighbourhood itself based on Acresfield Road opposite the Neighbourhood Home and Community Hub managed by New Charter.At the Hub a number of services are provided including a neighbourhood surgery, Citizens Advice Bureau surgery,AdullamTenancy Support Service,Time Banking, mum’s and tots groups and a youth club. There is a well-established residents association; the Newton Group which contributes to the area with events and activities throughout the year. There are a number of parks and open spaces within the neighbourhood or close by; Leigh Fold playing fields and Garden Street playing fields. There are also a number of enclosed green areas which New Charter has plans to develop over the next few years. The community garden at rear of the Acresfield Hub is currently being developed in cooperation with Green Charter; this is an unused garage site, previously overgrown and fly tipped but with the support of the Newton Group it will become a community resource residents can access and take ownership of and be a real benefit to the area. There are good transport connections from the neighbourhood with bus links to Hyde, Dukinfield or Ashton running five times daily. The closest motorway can be located in Hyde (M56) and is within a mile of two railway stations which provide frequent services to Manchester, Glossop and Marple.
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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.
Newton Flowery Field
Hyde Central
Gee Cross
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.
Acresfield Road
Clarence Street
Godley Street
Hough Lane
St. Marys Road
Ashley Street
Cook Street
Goodier View
Leigh Fold
Stanley Avenue
Ashton House, Victoria Street
Darwin Street
Hamel Street
Long Meadow
Sussex Place
Barleycroft Road
Derby Road
Harbour Farm Road Longfield Close
Duchess Green
Hicken Place
Lyne View
Thorpe Hall Grove
Duke Road
Hickenfield Road
Manor Road
Victoria Street
Highfield Close
Moorcroft Square
Holland Road
Moorfield Drive
Bluebell Close Bower Court
Fir Tree Drive Bradley Green Road Garden Street
Talbot Road
% 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 a significant number of antisocial behaviour or neighbour nuisance cases. This indicates that while residents treat each other with respect there are a number of incidents that do occur that have a negative impact on people’s ability to relax and feel secure. Neighbourhood satisfaction People’s general satisfaction with the neighbourhood as a place to live could be better and there are some significant factors that are spoiling their experience and quality of life. 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 significant health and disability levels compared with similar neighbourhoods in Tameside. This indicates that a number of people may have mobility problems of one sort or another, need some long term medical support in their homes and feel quite isolated.
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Employment The neighbourhood has relatively good employment levels compared with similar neighbourhoods in Tameside. 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 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 people’s 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 Antisocial behaviour is a significant issue in the neighbourhood with a large element of this generated from youth related nuisance and criminal damage. There are specific issues related to motorbike nuisance and breeches of tenancy conditions in relation to some flats. More generally there are low level issues relating to neighbour disputes inconsiderate behaviour and disruptive play in some streets. Demand for properties in the neighbourhood is variable with some areas being more difficult to let due to reputation and high levels of antisocial behaviour. This has applied across all property types but has disproportionately affected smaller bungalows and flats; the frequency at which people move in and out of the neighbourhood is high because of this which can affect community stability. There are a number of environmental issues in the area;, a number of enclosed and overgrown sites which have been extensively fly tipped, overgrown communal gardens, poorly maintained and overgrown garage sites and poor road conditions in terms of potholes in many areas. In terms of neighbourhood management the issues are; churned up grass verges in some parts of the neighbourhood due to people driving on them, the condition of gardens and footpaths due to littering and dog fouling which is a significant issue in the neighbourhood.
In relation to property issues a number of flats need improvements in terms of their appearance and security. There are also fencing issues throughout the neighbourhood, many of which relate to privately owned properties. New bathrooms and kitchens are needed in Ashton House, the sheltered scheme. The Neighbourhood team work well with the Newton Group on a range of issues and activities. Their input is invaluable in identifying community issues and service priorities. The team are also keen to develop other ways of increasing participation from residents, as maximising the level of feedback is really important in improving customer and community satisfaction.
The New Charter Hub on Acresfield Road is home to a number of activities and drop in services and provides a vital resource in the neighbourhood given its relative distance from other shops, services and facilities. 09
What you told us On average the people we spoke to rate the neighbourhood 7 out of 10 as a place to live. So while people are still being relatively positive about the area there are still important quality of life issues that need to be addressed. Some of the best features identified about living in the neighbourhood were; access to the countryside, good public transport links, the Hub, the Newton Group and friendly neighbours. The issues identified about living in the neighbourhood were; antisocial behaviour, crime and drug use, litter and dog fouling, gangs of youths, parking and feeling unsafe. People raised specific issues with us about:The need for a doctors and chemist Tree and shrubs which are poorly maintained The infrequent refuse service Increased police patrols Increased play areas for children The need to convert unused green areas into parking or play areas A permanent youth base for older children The need for a local community shop Setting up a community cafe A permanent community centre Would like computer courses to be run from the Hub More broadly people saw lack of access to employment, adult education and drop in clinics as things that had direct impact on the neighbourhood.Access to shops and banking services is also a big issue as is access to childcare. Overall the biggest issue for a virtually all respondents was the lack of facilities for young people. 10
The best features identified about living in the neighbourhood were; access to the countryside, good public transport links, the Hub, the Newton Group and friendly neighbours. 11
What other organisations told us There are significant health issues in the neighbourhood in terms of higher mortality and disability rates due to poor access to health services and non healthy lifestyles. Provision of the right kind of services for young families with children was a particular focus. Levels of teenage pregnancy are relatively high in some parts of the neighbourhood. There were also concerns about the number of young carers. Crime is an issue in the neighbourhood mainly in terms of youth related nuisance, more serious antisocial behaviour, vehicle crime, drug related activity and theft. Crime prevention and surveillance are key issues here. Agencies noted that there were issues with access to adult training and education. In addition access to employment and training disproportionately affects young people in the neighbourhood with a number of agencies identifying poor links to employers, training providers and preparatory support. Young people in the neighbourhood were also affected more generally in terms of access to support services and personal development opportunities. Household income is an issue for some families 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 part of Government’s welfare reform. 12
There is also thought to be a need for more intensive family support services for a number of households who are experiencing problems. This may also help some more isolated families who lack links to the community or family locally. More generally 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. Access to mainstream services and amenities is poor due to the location of the neighbourhood; this is mitigated to some extent by the variety of drop in advice services and activities provided in the Hub. More targeted signposting to support services is needed.
What we saw together: Two properties shuttered
Dog fouling in communal blocks
Poor refuse bin storage on Hough Lane flats with refuse bins left in the streets
Fly tipping in various open area across the neighbourhood
Poor lighting on footpaths in the neighbourhood
Overgrown bushes on Harbour Farm Road
Vandalism to the rear of shops on Cook Street
Youth congregation outside the shop on Acresfield Road
Parking congestion on some roads Grass verges are very churned up on Barleycroft Road
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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?
Increase physical officer surveillance in flats relating to neighbour disputes and inconsiderate behaviour supported by enhanced CCTV surveillance in antisocial behaviour (ASB) hotspots.
To reduce the incidence of ASB in the neighbourhood and reduce property turnover in affected areas.
December 2013
Develop an ASB action plan working closely with the Police on youth related disturbance, motorbike nuisance and vandalism.
To reduce the incidence of ASB in the neighbourhood and reduce property turnover in affected areas.
December 2013
Work with Police and the Community Safety team on target hardening, surveillance of youth related nuisance, congregation in communal areas and develop a more general policing plan targeting burglary.
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.
September 2013
What?
Why?
When?
Develop a neighbourhood wide Home Watch group with support from New Charter.
To increase the level of surveillance in neighbourhood and therefore increase the feeling of security and empowerment against crime.
June 2013
Review the current facilities for young people including the feasibility of a separate youth base and the need for additional general community facilities.
To provide a broader range of activities for young people from all backgrounds, improve their quality of life and identify any gaps in provision for community activities.
January 2014
Increase the involvement of New Charter Youth team to develop diversionary activities with young people through outreach activities at established youth bases.
To reduce the level of antisocial behaviour from youths by providing positive activities and links to other services.
July 2013
Work in partnership with TMBC to increase youth provision.
To increase support for young people and reduce the level of youth related ASB.
July 2013
Identify improved service standards for the upkeep of green areas with residents.
To improve the quality of green areas and consistency of the service.
April 2013
Undertake a joint review of childcare and early year’s 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 2014
CleanCare to increase targeting of fly tipping including use of surveillance cameras.
To improve the neighbourhood appearance and quality of life for residents.
June 2013
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What?
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Why?
When?
Work with TMBC on maintenance issues around roads and grass verges.
To improve neighbourhood appearance and resident experience of driving around the neighbourhood.
November 2013
Work with partners to increase access to health and contraception advice via drop-in services.
To improve the health of residents in the neighbourhood and the support available to them.
November 2013
Work with partners to increase signposting of people to training, employment, income and advice services and develop employment readiness for young people.
To increase individuals opportunities of gaining employment and maximising income.
August 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.
January 2014
Increase the range of activities, advice and drop in services from other agencies at the Hub.
To increase residents access to advice and drop in services in the neighbourhood.
July 2013
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.
January 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.
July 2013
What?
Why?
When?
Develop an environmental improvement plan to address litter issues, path ways and open space management.
To improve the targeting of caretaking and TMBC services and to improve the visual appeal of the neighbourhood.
May 2013
Review the shopping provision in the neighbourhood.
To identify gaps in provision in the neighbourhood and possible ways to improve these.
October 2013
Focus additional resources on trees and overgrown shrubs.
To improve the appearance of streets and reduce inconvenience posed by poorly maintained street ground maintenance.
May 2013
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.
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Tenancy What? Stream line the lettings process and criteria for empty properties and review demand issues.
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Why?
When?
To reduce the length of time properties remain empty.
April 2013
Increase the use and targeting of neighbourhood To reduce neighbourhood disputes and mediation services for disputes. improve neighbour relations.
April 2013
Provide additional monitoring of the internal communal areas in low rise flats for cleanliness combined with rapid response to issues.
To address quality of life and upkeep issues raised by customers in relation to cleanliness of communal areas in flats.
November 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.
April 2013
Increase tenancy enforcement and support activity on untidy gardens and offer support and advice where this is needed.
To improve neighbourhood appearance and the help available to residents for garden maintenance.
August 2013
Set up a gardening tool hire service and a gardening club for all residents in the neighbourhood.
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.
January 2013
What?
Why?
When?
Continue to hold a regular housing surgery in the neighbourhood.
To make it quick and easy for residents to access services and ensure neighbourhood issues are dealt with.
February 2013
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 monthly neighbourhood inspections (open to residents).
To provide regular monitoring of street level appearance and visible issues.
February 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.
March 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 the potential for lifestyle clashes and unsuccessful conduct of tenancies.
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?
Consider changing enclosed sites into community spaces.
To improve neighbourhood appearance and reduce areas vulnerable to fly tipping.
September 2013
Consider the options for the future use of the mixed block of studios and maisonettes on Lyne View.
To reduce the incidence of ASB in the neighbourhood, reduce property turnover and improve demand for properties.
December 2013
Improve the appearance and security of identified flat blocks flats.
To improve neighbourhood appearance, reduce nuisance in shared areas and improve demand for properties.
January 2014
Further develop the current improvement programme for garage sites.
To improve the management, security and appearance of garage sites and improve parking provision
September 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
Review the parking availability for residents in identified streets working closely with TMBC.
To identify any additional parking spaces required and the potential options available.
January 2015
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.
July 2013
Target streets with poor appearance or reputation and produce options to improve visual appearance and attractiveness to potential tenants.
To reduce the number of difficult to let properties and increase the quality of life for residents.
August 2013
What?
Why?
When?
Replanting of shrubs at the front and side of Ashton house.
To improve the scheme and area appearance.
May 2013
Undertake a review of refuse bin storage provision in flats.
Identify what can be done to reduce the storage issue and the effect on neighbourhood appearance.
November 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 ensure children have well placed safe places to play. 21
Involvement and empowerment What?
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Why?
When?
Continue to work with the Newton Group and provide any support they require to develop their activities.
To obtain detailed feedback from residents specifically on service and wider neighbourhood issues and work with them jointly on neighbourhood priorities.
March 2013
Increase the support for the existing gardening group and work with them to set up a wider gardening club.
To improve the appearance of the area and resident’s input into garden improvement and usage.
May 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 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.
April 2013
Set up a neighbourhood improvement group with residents.
To ensure services are more customer and neighbourhood focused.
April 2013
Develop customer inspections on key customer identified issues.
To increase customer led monitoring of issues by getting the ‘customer eye’ view.
May 2013
Review community access to the internet.
To improve community access to services, information and community networks via the internet.
June 2013
Hold regular youth focus groups and forums in To help identify and develop better youth the neighbourhood. services and support.
May 2013
What?
Why?
When?
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
Consider the feasibility of setting up a community cafe incorporating a community shop or activity centre and youth club run by community volunteers with New Charter and TMBC support.
To improve provision for young and older residents, generating access to facilities that support community activities, building community networks and develop the community’s’ ability to work on projects with others.
April 2013
Hold weekend community information events or fun days 4 times a year and hold seasonal activities at Easter and Halloween.
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
Support and promote Time Banking with residents and community organisations.
To build community cooperation networks and increase community spirit and self help.
November 2013
We aim to... Ensure services are more customer and neighbourhood focused. 23
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 =
619
Properties by type
Houses
314
Bungalows
51
Flats
254
Black Minority Ethnic
4.41%
Under 16
27.13%
55+
24.67% 18 - 25
16.4%
Number of residents =
1305 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