Your GREAT Neighbourhood Charter Tame Street
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. 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. To make sure this happens we have produced a neighbourhood plan for each of New Charter’s 32 newly defined neighbourhoods and this one is yours. The plan will run for 3 years 02
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 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. 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.
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... TheTame Street neighbourhood is considered a suburban area within Tameside. It is situated within a five minute walk from Denton town centre and a two minute walk from Crown Point North Retail Park, where the majority of facilities including a Post Office, health care facilities, two major supermarkets and a number of banks are located.There are a wide variety of shops local to and within easy reach of the neighbourhood.The neighbourhood also benefits from a well-established sports and social club which is extremely popular with local residents. The area is served by an excellent bus service into Ashton town centre and a train station within easy reach providing regular services into Manchester city centre. It is also well connected to the North West
local motorway network via the M60, making commuting to other towns within Greater Manchester much easier. This geographical area is a mix of privately rented, owner occupied and New Charter properties; a large number which have been sold under the Right to Buy scheme and the Right to Acquire scheme.The New Charter properties are a mix of traditionally built 1950’s two, three and four bedroomed and houses and one bedroomed bungalows. There is a large park on Tame Street which is an asset to the area and is frequently used by the local community.There are two local primary schools; Russell Scott Primary School and St Anne’s Primary School, both popular with local parents and a recently rebuilt secondary school in the neighbourhood; Egerton Park Arts College which is also popular and is regarded as a much improving school. This area is also within easy reach of Tame Valley, which is Tameside’s largest local nature reserve; ideal for family fun days out.There are also extensive path networks for ramblers, cyclists and horse riders.
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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.
Stanhope & St. Annes
Tame Street
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.
Beech Avenue
Elizabeth Avenue
Palatine Street
St. Johns Road
Broomgrove Lane
Elm Grove
Philip Avenue
Tame Street
Corporation Road
Greswell Street
Quebec Street
Taylor Lane
Denshaw Avenue
Hibbert Avenue
Royle Street
Thorpe Close
Edward Street
Hopkinson Avenue
St. Annes Drive
Egerton Street
Moorside Lane
St. Annes Road
% 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 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
Tenancy turnover
The time it takes to relet a property is generally good across the neighbourhood indicating that properties are generally popular and people who are eligible can move into their new home relatively quickly.
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. 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 significant levels of crime and vandalism in relation to other neighbourhoods in Tameside.Whilst levels of crime could not be described as high people do not feel as safe and secure as they should living in and walking around some parts of 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 access to some shops and services near to their homes.This indicates that it can be difficult to shop for more than essentials or access a good range of advice or support in or close to 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.
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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 There are very few neighbour nuisance issues in the neighbourhood with only occasional issues relating to noise or inconsiderate behaviour. Properties in the neighbourhood are very easy to let with low turnover; people tend to remain in the neighbourhood. The appearance of the neighbourhood is generally very good.There are some environmental issues in relation to fly tipping in areas, occasional parking issues and some problems with graffiti.All the adopted roads are in poor condition.
The Neighbourhood team do not currently work with established residents group or other forum. Increasing contact with residents is seen as important in order to obtain feedback on services and community priorities.
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What you told us
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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. On a more positive note some of the best features identified about living in the neighbourhood were: its close proximity to shops, the size of houses and gardens, friendly neighbours, good community spirit, peace and quiet and clean appearance. The issues people identified about living in the neighbourhood were: the condition of roads, cars speeding and cutting through the neighbourhood, children and young people out late at night and a lack of play facilities for children. People raised specific issues with us about:The pathway through Elizabeth Avenue being poorly lit and feeling unsafe The need for fencing repairs A more frequent refuse service needed Children’s play equipment needed in the park A lack of mums and toddlers Introduction of a benefits advice service The frequency of street cleaning The need for a local community centre and youth club The lack of library services Several roads need resurfacing Increased visible police presence More generally residents thought there was a lack of access to childcare, community and youth facilities and community consultation.
Some of the best features identified about living in the neighbourhood were: its close proximity to shops, the size of houses and gardens, friendly neighbours, good community spirit, peace and quiet and clean appearance. 11
What other organisations told us There are significant health issues in the neighbourhood compared with the rest of Tameside particularly in terms of higher mortality rates and non-healthy lifestyles.There are also some issues with mental health support needs and levels of teenage pregnancy.
In addition debt related problems are becoming more prevalent in the neighbourhood with access to debt advice services being a particular issue. Agencies thought there could be further problems for residents in terms of loss of income as part of Government’s welfare reform.
Crime is not seen as an issue, either in terms of antisocial behaviour or more generally in the neighbourhood itself. However the incidents of crime in the wider area are higher due to the proximity of the town centre.The neighbourhood can sometimes suffer from a spill over effect as people pass through it as well as having some issues with opportunistic car crime.
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.
Road safety is seen as a potential area for concern. Whilst the level of employment is good in the neighbourhood educational attainment and access to training in the neighbourhood is a problem. It is felt that more could be done to engage adult learners who wish to return to study later in their lives. A variety of agencies also 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. Household income is an issue for a number of households with agencies identifying problems with level of worklessness and benefit dependency.
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Whilst access to shops and amenities is good, access to mainstream health and other services can be variable.There is also a lack of some drop in services because of a lack of community venues that may help to mitigate this. Better access and signposting to services and advice is needed.
What we saw together: The area generally looks very attractive with lots of green space and trees
Many properties in the Corporation Road area have front fencing that is in poor condition
Open spaces are maintained to a good standard
A number privately owned properties are in poor condition
Poor condition of garage site on Elm Grove Large number of potholes on adopted roads
Neighbourhood is well lit
Pavements are cracked in some areas
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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 and neighbourhood access points and increased provision of more visible surveillance. Develop a more general policing plan to target antisocial behaviour and vandalism which occurs as a result of people passing through and coming into the neighbourhood due to the proximity of the town centre.
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 a consistent policing approach.
December 2013
Undertake a review of the current facilities and activities for young people, potential community venues and consider the feasibility of providing more space for community activities.
To provide a broader range of activities for young people from all backgrounds, improve their quality of life, identify any gaps in provision for community activities and drop in services.
January 2014
What?
Why?
When?
Work in partnership with New Charter’sYouth team andTameside Metropolitan Borough Council (TMBC)Youth Services to develop diversionary activities with young people.
To reduce the level of antisocial behaviour from youths by providing positive activities and links to other services.
January 2014
Work in partnership with the Community Safety team and TMBC to review the need for and the possible options available in relation to traffic calming.
To increase road safety and reduce speeding in the neighbourhood.
June 2014
In partnership withTMBC and residents, review the quality of the refuse collection service.
To improve the 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.
November 2014
Work with partners to increase signposting of people to health advice and services, especially for older residents. In addition work with the Primary CareTrust to consider the general provision of HealthVisitor Services to young families and education in schools with regards to underage drinking and teenage pregnancy.
To improve the quality of life for older residents and the general health of the neighbourhood and the support available.
November 2013
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What?
Why?
When?
Work in partnership withTMBC on the condition of un adopted roads and pavements and road conditions more generally.
To improve roadside and neighbourhood appearance and local driving conditions.
March 2014
Consistently signpost and refer customers and their families to training and money advice services with a particular focus on 18-25 year olds.
To increase individuals opportunities of gaining employment and maximising their income.
April 2013
CleanCare to increase targeting of fly tipping, litter and graffiti in identified areas as well as continuing to work with Green Charter regarding communal areas.Work withTMBC on any service standards or schedules that need clarifying i.e. street cleansing.
To improve the appearance of specific areas experiencing litter issues and problems with the upkeep of green communal areas.
September 2013
Work in partnership withTMBC to improve lighting and security in the neighbourhood with particular reference to access points and other areas that make residents feel insecure or encourage congregating.
To improve the feeling of security in the neighbourhood and limit disruptive access from the town centre in the evenings.
May 2014
What?
Why?
When?
Work in partnership with TMBC to consider the feasibility of providing play equipment in the local park or green areas.
To improve facilities for families and children and encourage outdoor activities.
October 2014
We aim to... Improve roadside and neighbourhood appearance and local driving conditions.
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Tenancy
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What?
Why?
When?
Continue to deliver the Keys toYour Door programme for customers under 25 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.
March 2013
Reduce routine tenancy visit programme from 5 years by introducing annual tenancy visits to younger tenants living in family housing to establish if any extra assistance, advice or links to other services are needed.
To help maintain independent living for customers and to access any extra support needed.
April 2013
Continue 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.
March 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.
March 2013
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.
April 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.
June 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 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... Make it quick and easy for residents to access services and ensure neighbourhood issues are dealt with.
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Home
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What?
Why?
When?
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 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.
September 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 needed to clarify boundaries.
November 2013
Implement a comprehensive external painting programme.
To improve the appearance and kerb appeal of the neighbourhood.
April 2014
Undertake a general review of the condition of plaster in properties to assess whether a significant improvement programme is required.
To improve the internal condition of homes and improve tenants quality of life.
April 2014
What?
Why?
When?
To improve the appearance and kerb appeal of the neighbourhood. 21
Involvement and empowerment
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What?
Why?
When?
Develop a regular residents forum 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.
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.
June 2013
Set up a neighbourhood improvement group with residents.
To ensure services are more customer and neighbourhood focused.
June 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
Consider the feasibility of setting up a community cafe, activity centre, mum and toddlers group and youth club, run by community volunteers with New Charter and TMBC support initially.
To improve provision for young and older residents, generating access to facilities that support community activities, building community networks and to develop the community’s ability to work on projects with others.
May 2014
What?
Why?
When?
Hold weekend community information events or fun days 4 times a year and hold seasonal activities at Easter and Halloween.Work closely with the schools with regards to events 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... Encourage a different type of dialogue between residents with each other and with staff. This will help with regards to reporting, supporting and discussion.
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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 =
240
Properties by type Houses
218
Bungalows
22
Black Minority Ethnic
2.34%
Under 16
21.04%
55+
21.76% 18 - 25
19.06%
Number of residents =
556 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