Your GREAT Neighbourhood Promise Netherfield and Colwick 2014-17
Netherfield and Colwick
St. George’s Centre
At Gedling Homes we want all our neighbourhoods to be great places to live. We want them to look great, have great services, feel safe and be a place for both work and recreation. We believe that both Gedling Homes and our tenants have an important role to play in shaping how our neighbourhoods grow and develop. Through reviewing and improving the services we provide to our tenants, we feel we can have a positive effect on our 2
neighbourhoods. We have produced a neighbourhood promise for each of Gedling Homes’ neighbourhood areas and this one is yours. It details the issues raised by you and a commitment from Gedling Homes to renew and develop our services to contribute to improving your neighbourhood. The promise will run for 3 years and will be reviewed annually with tenants, to assess our progress against the actions.
Gedling Homes’ Properties in Netherfield and Colwick General needs accommodation
Sheltered accommodation
Number of properties:
315
Bungalow: 27
Bungalow: 1
Flat: 93
Flat: 69
House: 125
Total accommodation
Occupied properties
Tenant age
Bungalow: 28
Occupied: 310
18-29: 45
Flat: 162
Empty: 5
30-39: 30
House: 125
Ethnicity
40-49: 63
Gender
50-59: 39 60+: 100 Unknown: 33
White: 257
Female: 186
BME: 9
Male: 124
Unknown: 44
*Data accurate as of November 2013 3
Your GREAT Neighbourhood
Vale Road
Netherfield and Colwick are three miles east of Nottingham and lie just outside the city boundary, within Gedling borough. They are primarily residential areas but also contain an industrial estate and the Victoria Retail Park, which attracts a large number of visitors to its larger retailers and Sport Fitness Centre.
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The main high street in Netherfield has a range of shops, banks and takeaways along with other businesses and service providers.
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Along Victoria Road, the main access road through Netherfield, there is a SureStart Centre and the Loco Centre which hold events and clubs for teenagers and young people.
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The St. George’s Community Centre is also at the top of Victoria Road and holds various community events and has a café serving hot drinks and meals all day. Buses run frequently throughout the day into Nottingham City Centre where a wider range of services can be accessed. Gedling Homes properties in this neighbourhood are made up of a mixture of 1 and 2 bedroomed flats; 2 and 3 bedroomed houses, which are mainly terraced; and two sheltered housing schemes.
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Gedling Homes has properties in:
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Arthur Street Asper Street Bailey Court Balmoral Road Belvoir Road Bourne Mews Bourne Street Britannia Court Chandos Street Chaworth Road Clumber Avenue Cooper Street Curzon Street Deabill Street Dunstan Street
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Emerys Road Forester Street Godfrey Street Green Avenue Hodgkinson Street Knight Street Manvers Street Meadow Cottages Meadow Road Midland Road New Vale Road Vale Road Valeside Gardens Wallet Street York Street
Bourne Mews
Rating Your Neighbourhood
Colwick Play Day
Working with our tenants we have identified a number of areas that tell us how well we are performing in your neighbourhood. These are called neighbourhood indicators and will be used alongside the feedback we have collected from tenants and residents. The information will tell us what we need to focus on to help improve your neighbourhood.
We have also identified some external indicators which were identified as having an impact on the wider community. Our tenants have told us to use a simple star rating, from 1-5, with 5 being the best. We will give a star rating to a range of indicators to identify a final, overall score for your neighbourhood. 5
Your GREAT Neighbourhood Rating STAR Rating
Indicator
Brief Summary
Percentage of tenancies in rent Gedling arrears Homes’ Indicators
There are significant levels of rent arrears. This means that a relatively high number of tenants will be experiencing financial hardship and are at risk of losing their home
HHH
Percentage of customer satisfaction with their neighbourhood as a place to live (STAR survey)
Tenants’ general level of satisfaction with the area, as a place to live is average
HHH
Turnover of stock
Tenants stay in this area for an average amount of time
HHH
Average number of days to relet a The average time it takes for us to let a property in this property (excluding properties where area is good a major repair has taken place)
HHHHH
Percentage of opened anti-social behaviour (ASB) cases per area against organisation average
The neighbourhood experiences an above average number of ASB cases compared to other areas
HHH
Percentage of evictions per area
Evictions in this area are high compared to other neighbourhoods. This may indicate that tenants living in this area are suffering financial difficulty
HHH
Economic activity in this area (employed, part-time, self-employed, seeking work) is relatively high
HHHHH
Education- Percentage of pupils achieving 5 GCSE’s grade A-C including English and Maths
Educational attainment is good for pupils aged 16 in this area
HHHHH
Level of good health in the neighbourhood
Residents’ perception of their health is good in this area
HHHHH
Barriers to housing and services / accessibility to services
People in this area have good access to a range of shops HHHHH and services from a variety of organisations close to their home
Crime & Safety - Offences and incidents
People in this neighbourhood report a higher level of crime than for any other area within Gedling borough. This may mean that people do not feel as safe and secure living in this area
External Employment - Percentage of people Indicators economically active
HHH
Summary
STAR Rating
Gedling Homes have devised a detailed action plan which highlights many of the above areas. Work in these areas will be undertaken in the next 3 year period to improve Gedling Homes properties
HHH
The above information has been sourced from Gedling Homes’ own performance figures, the 2011 Census, Gedling Borough Council and the South Nottinghamshire Community Safety Partnership. Because the external data information relates to ward data it is not necessarily representative purely of Gedling Homes’ tenants.
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Local Knowledge - Auditing Your Neighbourhood
Shop on Victoria Road
The indicators we use to rate your neighbourhoods help to point us in the right direction, but to further identify what needs doing we need local knowledge, to address specific issues and problems.
There is also a large retail park close to the town area that provides a wide range of shops. ●
There are some ASB issues in the neighbourhood; mainly around noise nuisance and inconsiderate behaviour. There is some alcohol related ASB in specific parts of the neighbourhood. Fly tipping and dog fouling is also an ongoing concern.
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There are a number of open spaces in Netherfield and Colwick. All of these open spaces are very well maintained by Gedling Borough Council with hardly any litter or dog fouling despite heavy use by families and young people.
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There are plenty of local services in Netherfield and Colwick. They are on good bus routes and close to the city centre.
We have spoken to local people who live and work in your neighbourhood. This is what we have been told:
Our Neighbourhood Team told us ●
There are a number of privately owned properties not in use. These affect the appearance of the area. They could be used to provide much needed family accommodation.
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Car parking is seen as a problem in some parts of the neighbourhood, partly caused by the large percentage of terraced housing without driveways. This has an impact on street cleaning and levels of litter in some areas.
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There is a problem with tenants and residents leaving their bins on the pavement. This problem is particularly evident at Bourne Mews where there are too many bins with tenants contaminating recycling bins. The provision of public bins is good.
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The main high street in Netherfield has a range of shops, banks and takeaways, along with other businesses and service providers. The high street does have a number of empty units. In the spring of 2013 a Food Market was introduced on the third Saturday of every month to encourage people to shop in the Town Centre.
Shop on Victoria Road
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You told us: On average the people we spoke to rate the neighbourhood 7 out of 10 as a place to live. Despite some concerns, the majority were positive about the area. ●
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Some of the best features identified were: ●
The range of shops
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Access to transport
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Having friendly neighbours
Some of the worst features identified were: ●
Crime and ASB
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Young people congregating
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Poor quality of shops
Concerns expressed included: ●
Feeling unsafe at/or around the Co-op, on Dunstan Street, Victoria Street and the Jackie Bells area
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Street drinking in summer months
Bailey Court Gardens
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Too many cars parked on streets
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Bins being left on the street
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Poor access to employment advice and jobs in the area
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Unacceptable levels of dog fouling
Desired improvements included: ●
More facilities to keep young people occupied
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Improved appearance of certain streets
Bourne Mews allotment
Other organisations told us: ●
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Crime and ASB is an issue in some parts of the area, partly from youths and from some people with alcohol dependency issues. Theft from local shops has also been expressed as a concern by the Police. Netherfield and Colwick has the highest level of reported crime compared to any other area within Gedling Borough. Gedling Borough Council’s Locality Plan for Netherfield, identified the following as being key areas of work for partner agencies working in this area: ●
Preventive work around alcohol and drugs
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Reducing in the number of smokers
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Reducing the level of violence and domestic abuse
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Tackling the consequences of higher deprivation amongst families, such as obesity and educational attainment
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Creating employment opportunities
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Reducing deprivation and social isolation amongst older people
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Encouraging leisure participation in Netherfield
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Supporting positive mental health amongst Netherfield residents
Together, we saw: ●
Evidence of fly tipping in a small number of areas
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Problems with dog fouling in particular places
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Problems with waste and bins at Bourne Mews
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Too many bins left on streets
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Parking issues and high number of cars
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A small number of boarded up unfurnished properties 9
Your GREAT Neighbourhood Promise What needs to happen? Neighbourhood and community
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What?
Why?
When?
Target low level nuisance by an increased staff presence and joint working with the Police in the specific area identified. Where appropriate manage low level noise and other inconsiderate behaviour generally in the neighbourhood
To reduce the incidents of ASB in the neighbourhood and improve residents quality of life
March 2015
Introduce a restorative justice scheme with partner agencies and utilising volunteers from the community to help reduce levels of ASB and to produce long lasting solutions to it
To engage communities in helping to solve the ASB and the offending that affects them. This will increase community engagement and provide a voice for victims of crime and ASB and those who have been harmed either directly or indirectly
August 2015
Continue to support Gedling Borough Council in the provision of youth diversionary activities
To reduce the level of ASB by providing positive activities and link young people to other services
September 2015
Increase the signposting of tenants to health advice and other support services
To improve the health of tenants in the neighbourhood and make them aware of the support that is available
March 2015
Consistently signpost and refer tenants and their families to training, employment and income advice services, to work with partners to develop young people’s employment readiness
To improve services and maximise input into the neighbourhood from other service providers
September 2015
Improve and focus our Caretaking service on the areas identified by our tenants
To ensure that tenants get the best possible service from our Caretaking team and to maximise their impact on the neighbourhood
March 2015
Work with partners and other agencies to support initiatives to help improve the neighbourhood
To improve services and maximise input into the neighbourhood from other service providers
December 2015
The Neighbourhood team to increase the targeting of fly tipping and litter hotspots within Gedling Homes areas including the use of surveillance cameras
To improve the appearance and quality of life for residents
March 2015
What?
Why?
When?
Work in partnership with Gedling Borough Council’s (GBC) Neighbourhood Wardens to reduce dog fouling
To reduce incidents of dog fouling in the neighbourhood and raise awareness of the issue in the community
September 2015
In consultation with Gedling Borough Council provide more dog bins in identified areas
To improve neighbourhood appearance and quality of life for residents
September 2015
Colwick Park
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Home
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What?
Why?
When?
Work towards publishing a plan of internal improvement of communal areas in our apartment blocks
To improve the appeal of properties and the quality of life of existing tenants
June 2015
Improve and introduce where possible scooter storage in our schemes
To improve quality of life
April 2016
Implement an external painting programme
To improve the appearance of Gedling Homes properties in the neighbourhood
March 2016
Consider all options available to improve the appearance Gedling Homes’ properties
To improve the appearance of the neighbourhood and quality of life of tenants
December 2015
Undertake a review of the condition of all garage sites owned by Gedling Homes and produce a programme for future improvements
To improve the management, security and appearance of garage sites and improve parking provision
December 2015
Improve the green spaces in our Independent Living Schemes
To improve the scheme and area appearance
March 2015
Review the refuge storage provision for Gedling Homes flats and the recycling options available
To improve the appearance of the neighbourhood and quality of life of tenants and residents
March 2015
Tenancy What?
Why?
When?
Continue to provide support to sustain tenancies and wherever possible prevent evictions
To help more tenants successfully sustain their tenancies
June 2015
Continue to signpost and refer customers who may benefit from the help of our Money Wise team
To reduce the number of evictions for nonpayment of rent and provide more help and advice on managing finances
September 2015
Continue to make targeted calls and visits to customers in rent arrears. Provide advice and assistance to enable the customer to pay the rent due and come to a sustainable agreement to repay any arrears owed
To reduce arrears in the neighbourhood and the June 2015 number of customers whose home is at risk due to debt issues
Continue to provide increased support to identified families and tenants and link them to our support and advice services
To help identified customers successfully manage their tenancy and reduce lifestyle clashes with other residents
June 2015
Continue to signpost support services to tenants who may be experiencing drug and alcohol related problems
To reduce levels of neighbour nuisance and disputes and help identified tenants’ access health support and services
September 2015
Work with tenants to create a sense of community and reduce isolation through befriending
To help new tenants settle into the neighbourhood and create links to the community and neighbours
March 2015
Neighbourhood team to continue to carry out regular inspections (open to all tenants and residents)
To provide regular monitoring of street level appearance and visible issues
June 2015
Increase the use and targeting of mediation services in neighbour disputes
To reduce neighbour disputes and improve neighbour relations
June 2015
Target fast track enforcement for serious ASB perpetrators with targeted resources from our Tenancy Services team
To remove disruptive tenants quickly and improve the quality of life for other residents, protecting demand for properties
December 2014
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Involvement and empowerment
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What?
Why?
When?
Set up a regular neighbourhood improvement group with tenants
To ensure services are more customer and neighbourhood focussed
March 2016
Continue to work with Tenants and Residents groups and provide any support they require to develop their activities
To obtain detailed feedback from tenants and residents specifically on services and wider neighbourhood issues, and work with them jointly on neighbourhood priorities
September 2015
Promote ‘Grow your Own’ schemes for our tenants
Promote Health and Wellbeing
October 2015
Develop and improve Community Regeneration initiatives within our neighbourhoods
To improve neighbourhood appearance and allow the community to target areas they think are a problem and to build a sense of community spirit
March 2016
Extend our links with furniture recycling community enterprises to help new and existing tenants furnish their properties
To improve community access to affordable furniture, build community networks and develop the community’s ability to work on projects together
March 2016
Extend and improve activities for older tenants via Sheltered Scheme events
To improve community links between older tenants in different parts of the neighbourhood and improve community spirit and quality of life
September 2015
Develop a Time Bank scheme where tenants can provide skills and support to each other
To build community cooperation networks, increase community spirit, self-help, improve inter-generational links and build respect
March 2015
Final Thoughts We hope that over the next three years, through the actions outlined in Your GREAT Neighbourhood Promise, we will really make a visible difference to your neighbourhood.
We believe that the key to achieving the goals set out in this plan is to continue working together, with you, our tenants and leaseholders.
What happens next? Work has already begun in your neighbourhood on the various actions outlined in Your GREAT Neighbourhood Promise. We will be reviewing the plan frequently and will keep you updated on the progress with an annual report. You will have the opportunity to be involved in this so please watch out for advertised activities or requests for feedback. However, if you have something to say, don’t wait for us to call you! If after reading this you have any questions, comments or suggestions, or if you would like to get involved in fulfilling the plan, please contact us:
Phone: 0115 905 1515 Email: enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk Twitter: @Gedling_Homes Facebook: facebook.com/gedlinghomes We can also arrange for someone to call and visit you in your own home. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you!
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Victoria Retail Park
Contact Us Phone:
0115 905 1515
In person:
Email:
enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk
Website:
www.gedlinghomes.co.uk
Customer Contact Centre, The Civic Centre, Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6LU.
Facebook: www.facebook.co.uk/gedlinghomes Twitter:
@Gedling_Homes
Write:
Gedling Homes, Gedling House, Wood Lane, Gedling, NG4 4AD
Opening times are 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4.30pm Friday