Your GREAT Neighbourhood Charter Yew Tree Farm & Pendle Road
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... YewTree Farm and Pendle Road are popular neighbourhoods, situated in south Denton; the area is open plan and provides large green spaces which lend an overall attractive appearance.The neighbourhood is entirely residential with the exception of the local community centre and benefits from a popular primary school and high school located on the periphery of the area. Denton’s town centre is situated less than a mile away and is known locally as Crown Point; an assortment of independent businesses and amenities can be found here along with a large supermarket located close by. Denton also boasts a thriving retail park, Crown Point North, where many larger chain stores are established. Good motorway links and public transport systems provide quick and easy access into Manchester and Stockport from the neighbourhood. Pendle Road was constructed in 1968 and consists mainly of traditional three bedroomed houses although there are a few two bedroomed houses and one bedroomed bungalows. In addition to these properties are Grange House and Pendle House which offer sheltered accommodation to
older residents. Pendle Road is well established and within easy walking distance to Denton town centre, it accommodates a considerably older population due to the nature of the properties where age criteria are set to residents aged over 55 years.The area is noticeably neat and well kept as the residents of Pendle Road have a strong sense of community and take pride in their neighbourhood; the houses in this vicinity are predominantly owner occupied.There is involvement with the national ‘In Bloom’ initiative and residents have secured many awards associated with the competition.There are two clean and well maintained garage sites offering good affordable parking provision. YewTree Farm was built in 1976 on surrounding farmland; two main roads,YewTree Road and Circular Road serve the area.The remainder of the neighbourhood consists of ‘walks’ which are named after great halls around the United Kingdom.The housing stock is principally made up of three bedroomed properties and a few four bedroomed properties with attached garages; the majority of properties also benefit from a ground floor w.c.There is also a range of two and one bedroomed bungalows and nineteen blocks of flats.The majority of flats have one bedroom although some blocks have the added advantage of a second bedroom. Local amenities including swimming pools, gyms and parks can be found in the town centre which is within easy walking distance of the neighbourhood. Local residents generally use the healthcare providers situated within the town centre. Light entertainment can be enjoyed in the Pendle and Grange sheltered schemes in the form of bingo, luncheon clubs and organised residents’ trips. 03
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.
Denton Central
Yew Tree Farm & Pendle Road Tame Valley
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.
Attingham Walk Benthal Walk Blithefield Walk Bramhall Walk Cannon Walk Capesthorne Walk Chillington Walk Circular Road
Devaney Walk Doddington Walk Essington Walk Foxdenton Walk Gainsborough Walk Grange House, Pendle Road Hodnet Walk Kedleston Walk
Marie Close Pendle House, Pendle Road Pendle Road Platt Walk Silverdale Avenue Smith Street Speke Walk Standish Walk
Stapleford Walk Stockport Road Tib Street Werneth Close Werneth Walk Wollaton Walk Yew Tree 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 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 torelet a property The time it takes to relet a property across the neighbourhood is generally satisfactory but there is room for improvement. Some properties take longer to let indicating that some properties are not as popular as others and it can also take some time for people to be able to move into their new homes.
Tenancy turnover This shows that on average people who move into the neighbourhood tend to stay in their homes for a 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 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.
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.
Neighbourhood satisfaction
Education and skills
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.
The neighbourhood has relatively good levels of educational attainment and skills.This also indicates that people can access the training they may need to help them gain employment or develop their existing career prospects.
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 relatively good general health and disability levels compared with similar neighbourhoods in Tameside. However given the general trend towards living longer a significant number of people may experience mobility problems of one sort or another in their homes.
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Employment
Household income The neighbourhood has relatively good family income levels compared with similar neighbourhoods in Tameside. 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 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 stop it being as good a place as it could be. 07
Local knowledge: Auditing your neighbourhood Whilst the indicators show us useful trends and point us in the right direction we need more local knowledge to identify some of the specific issues we need to address. To gather this information we have conducted a neighbourhood audit asking the people who live and work here to identify what they think the issues were.
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What our Neighbourhood team told us Antisocial behaviour is a significant issue in the neighbourhood with a large element of this originating from the blocks of flats; the main complaints being: pet management, fly tipping and noise; with disruptive behaviour in communal areas being less of an issue these days. More generally antisocial behaviour in other areas of the neighbourhood is more low level relating to noise neighbour disputes and children playing in the streets. Overall demand for properties in the neighbourhood is good. However there are problems letting some smaller flats and studios in the sheltered accommodation schemes with some residents finding it difficult to settle in the properties.The frequency at which people move in and out of the neighbourhood is slightly higher than usual because of this.
The Neighbourhood team works well with the established residents group which proves invaluable in identifying community issues and determining 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 appearance of the neighbourhood is generally good but there are issues with the appearance of some of the open plan areas and untidy fencing at the front of several properties.
There is a lack of functioning community facilities in the neighbourhood which is a barrier to community development and service access more generally.
There has been a worrying rise in the occurrence of relationship breakdown in the neighbourhood which has also increased the frequency of residents moving in and out of the neighbourhood. Both sheltered schemes for older residents host a number of drop in sessions with different agencies and these have helped residents to increase their access to relevant services.
There are no shops in the main part of the neighbourhood which is inconvenient for residents.
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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 although people are positive about the area there are still some quality of life issues that people think need to be addressed. On a more positive note some of the best features people identified about living in the neighbourhood were: closeness to the town centre, transport links, peace and quiet, it being clean, tidy and well maintained, community spirit and friendly neighbours. The issues that people identified about living in the neighbourhood were: problem residents, drug use and activity in some areas, the condition of roads and pavements, the lack of shops, cars speeding and the level of school traffic People raised specific issues with us about:Provision of better refuse bin storage for the flats Lack of a mum and toddlers group The need for a youth base for older children A lack of play facilities for younger children Problems with grass clippings Poor street signage The need for a post office The need for a local or community shop The need for a community cafe The need for a community centre More broadly people saw lack of access to employment opportunities and advice, adult education and walk in advice services as things which had direct impact on the neighbourhood. Access to shops, local cash machines, computers, banking services, a local base for community activities and a need for more community consultation were also identified.
Some of the best features people identified about living in the neighbourhood were: closeness to the town centre, transport links, peace and quiet, it being clean, tidy and well maintained, community spirit and friendly neighbours. 11
What other organisations told us Health in the neighbourhood is relatively good compared to similar areas in Tameside in terms of mortality rates and disability rates although there are some issues with sedentary life styles. Provision of the right kind of services for young families with children and for older people in their homes is a particular area of focus. Levels of teenage pregnancy are relatively high in some parts of the neighbourhood. Crime is an issue in the neighbourhood mainly in terms of youth related nuisance, more serious antisocial behaviour and some drug dealing activity. There has also been a worrying increase in domestic violence. It has also been noted that some areas are more vulnerable to crime due to poor design and layout of the neighbourhood. Whilst there are significant issues with employment levels in some parts of the neighbourhood there are not generally any major issues with levels of educational attainment or household income. However it is thought that signposting to advice and support could be improved. Agencies thought there could be problems for some residents in the future due to loss of income as a result of the Government’s welfare reform.There were also some concerns about loan sharking activity spreading to the neighbourhood. A variety of agencies think that young people in the neighbourhood suffer in terms of social exclusion and a lack of access to facilities and personal development initiatives. 12
More generally early years provision in the neighbourhood is seen as inadequate with a need for support for young families and improved childcare facilities. It was also felt that more work in all these areas would have a positive effect on youth and child related antisocial behaviour. Some targeted family support work would also be seen as beneficial. Access to mainstream services and amenities can be variable due to the location of the neighbourhood; 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: Refuse bin storage provision for flats is unsuitable and causes storage problems as well as looking untidy Litter on Standish Walk Some fly tipping near to the flats
Parking issues on narrow roads Generally well maintained grassed areas and open spaces Minimal level of dog fouling Shared areas 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?
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
Work with the 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 drug related crime and domestic violence.
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 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
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 make sure people can access advice and drop in services.
January 2014
Work in partnership withTMBCYouth Services and New Charter’sYouth team 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
Undertake a review of potential community venues and consider the feasibility of providing more space for community activities; work with the South Denton Partnership to reopen and supportYew Tree Road Community Centre.
To ensure the neighbourhood has sufficient venues to host community activities and drop in services.
October 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 2014
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What?
Why?
When?
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.
June 2013
Consistently signpost and refer customers and their families to employment advice services.
To increase individuals opportunities of gaining employment.
March 2013
Undertake a review to consider the options for increasing shopping provision in the area.
To identify ways to improve local shopping options and improve quality of life.
October 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.
October 2014
Work withTMBC SportsTrust on the provision of increased keep fit activities and facilities.
To improve the health of residents in the neighbourhood.
August 2013
What?
Why?
When?
Review the grass cutting service standards with residents.
To ensure customer satisfaction with the grass cutting service.
May 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
We aim to... Ensure the neighbourhood has sufficient venues to host community activities and drop in services.
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Tenancy
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What?
Why?
When?
Introduce a sensitive and tailored lettings approach for the flats with a high turnover.
To maintain community stability, reduce turnover of properties once let, decrease neighbour disputes and reduce lifestyle clashes through unsuitable lets.
April 2013
Increase the use and targeting of neighbourhood mediation services for disputes.
To reduce neighbourhood disputes and improve neighbour relations.
June 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
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
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
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
What?
Why?
When?
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
Provide increased support to identified vulnerable customers and families and link them to specialist support and advice services with an additional focus on referral to domestic violence support services.
To help identified customers successfully manage their tenancy and reduce lifestyle clashes with other residents.
January 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... Reduce arrears in the neighbourhood and therefore reduce the number of customers whose home is at risk due to debt issues. 19
Home
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What?
Why?
When?
Improve the appearance, security and appeal to potential customers of identified properties that are more difficult to let.
To improve the appearance of the neighbourhood, demand for properties and reduce nuisance in shared areas.
March 2014
Undertake a review of local play facilities provision in consultation with residents.
To ensure children have well placed safe places to play.
October 2013
Consider the conversion of studios into flats in sheltered schemes and the introduction of more facilities and services.
To increase the demand for sheltered schemes and improve quality of life for existing residents.
October 2014
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.
August 2013
Develop an improvement plan to consider the options for refuse bin storage and enclosure of the remaining areas vulnerable to fly tipping near to blocks of flats.
To improve the quality of life for residents and the neighbourhood appearance around blocks of flats.
October 2013
Promote the use of the enclosed outdoor football facility.
To reduce low level nuisance from children’s games played in the street.
July 2013
Review the options available to improve the recycling areas.
To improve the quality of life for residents, street appearance and environmental efficiency.
September 2013
What?
Why?
When?
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 the quality of life for residents, street appearance and environmental efficiency. 21
Involvement and empowerment
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What?
Why?
When?
Continue to work with the established residents 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.
February 2013
Develop a focus group or coffee morning with older residents linked to the sheltered schemes.
To identify specific issues that affect older people in the neighbourhood and develop social networks for older residents.
June 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.
March 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
Develop a community agreement with residents on what the community believes its values are, how people should treat each other and what is acceptable behaviour.
To improve community spirit in the neighbourhood, reduce inconsiderate behaviour and low level nuisance.
April 2013
Hold regular youth focus groups and forums in the neighbourhood.
To help identify and develop better youth services and support.
March 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
Set up community working group on open plan areas and fencing rules.
Identify what affected residents would like in respect of open areas and see how feasible this is. Increase resident input into housing management decisions.
July 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 initial support from Denton South Partnership, New Charter and TMBC.
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.
May 2014
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
We aim to... Identify what affected residents would like in respect of open areas and see how feasible this is. Increase resident input into housing management decisions. 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 =
521
Properties by type Houses
220
Bungalows
127
Flats
173
Maisonettes 1
Black Minority Ethnic
3.30%
Under 16
17.80%
55+
31.74% 18 - 25
20.00%
Number of residents =
1090 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