Summer 2015
THE MAGAZINE FOR
SOUTH KESTEVEN COUNCIL TENANTS
your council working for you
NEW HOME MEANS
NEW LIFE FOR CONNOR
Full story page 5
Pages 10-11
Georgian fun in Stamford
Page 12-13
What’s on this summer
We’re up for the challenge
H
ello, my name is Lisa and I am your new housing business manager. There have recently been some changes and we have said goodbye to some faces that will have been familiar to you. A new team, including myself, property and development business manager Andrew Sweeney and responsive repairs manager Wendy Cox, is now in place and we are all keen to ensure that you continue to receive a good service. The new structure is bringing together housing management, sheltered housing, homelessness and administration of the housing register.
Skyline is produced by tenants and SKDC working in partnership. It is delivered to all council tenants in the district. This magazine is printed on paper produced from well-managed forests. To get in touch with us use one of the methods below or contact one of our offices:
We are confident that this allows us to have a far more hands on approach to the whole housing situation - in a cost effective way. I am looking forward to meeting many of you in due course and I just wanted to say that we are all committed to delivering a quality service. As our tenants you deserve the best and I shall be looking to see what changes we might bring to improve the way we do things. Just as a footnote I want to tell you a bit about myself. I have spent all my working life in the housing sector, 18 years of which were with Leicester City Council. I then became a special adviser to the Government’s Department of Communities
Grantham: Council Offices, St Peter’s Hill, Grantham NG31 6PZ Stamford: 1 Maiden Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AZ Bourne: South Kesteven Community Point, Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF Market Deeping: Deepings Community
How to contact us 01476 40 60 80
2
and Local Government, helping local authorities improve their housing services. I later became a senior civil servant working with ministers on homelessness and housing management before moving to Birmingham as assistant director for housing. I hope I can bring the benefit of all that to help everyone who has or needs a home within South Kesteven.
CHALLENGE: Business manager, Lisa Barker is appointed.
Centre, Douglas Road, Market Deeping PE6 8PA Please contact us if you or someone you know would like to receive this magazine in a different format including audio tape, cd, large print or Braille.
Cover shot: CHANGING LIVES: Adaptations to a home we are building will transform a family’s life. Full story page 5.
@ skylinesubmissions@southkesteven.gov.uk
I
n our flats, some tenants can feel intimidated by other people’s pets, especially those who are elderly and people with young children so we always ask pet owners to be mindful of their neighbours when a pet enters a communal area. As a reminder, here are the rules (in your tenancy agreement) about owning an animal if you are one of our tenants. Please do not: • keep a dog or cat in any flat with a shared entrance unless it is a registered assistance dog • keep more than two dogs or cats • keep any unsuitable animal such as insects, spiders or snakes • breed animals or birds at any property • allow any animal to cause a nuisance to anyone in the local area, including ensuring any pets and dogs don’t persistently bark or make loud noise We are also reminding all tenants and residents in South Kesteven that they must not allow their animals to foul shared areas of their property, or roads, footpaths or play areas or open spaces.
We install signage and write to residents when persistent dog fouling issues are logged by all residents in the area, but we need tenants to be our additional eyes and ears to help combat the problem. Recently we contacted 300 households near Bourne Recreation Ground and installed over 20 signs to warn dog walkers that fines apply to those who choose to flout the rules by not picking up after their dog. The same rules apply to dog owners in and around the public paths and open spaces near to council owned homes. SKDC’s business manager for environmental health Anne-Marie Coulthard said:
“We know most dog owners always take time to pick up after their dog and are just as frustrated at fellow owners who flout the rules and don’t pick up after their pets. “So if you’re a dog owner take the time to ensure your neighbourhood is always clear of your pet’s mess. “Equally, check your tenancy agreement so that you know the rules around pet ownership and you can enjoy keeping pets but knowing you are doing your bit to keep your local community cleaner and healthier.” We will be looking at our pet policy later this year to see if any changes need to be made.
BE WARNED: Council officers Nina Lynch and Bowdan Dawyd meet with local resident Lee Clark before dog warning signs were installed in Bourne.
Tenants wishing to contact SKDC on any animal related query should call 01476 40 60 80
3
A
Parliamentary report which looked at the annual cost of housing benefit in the UK found that most councils were affected by claimant error or deliberate fraud. In Lincolnshire the annual spend on housing benefit is £160,000,000 for around 52,500 households. Lincolnshire authorities have joined forces and are working together to support the government’s bid to cut the cost of fraud and error. The Lincolnshire campaign, called ‘Tell Us’ runs until March 2016. The campaign’s key message to housing benefit claimants is simple. If you claim housing benefit, Tell Us, about all changes in your circumstances such as: • Money coming into the home. This could be pensions, wages, other benefits or tax credits • People who live in your home • Savings and investments All Lincolnshire authorities will be checking housing benefit claims. As a priority, the initial focus will be on those
considered to be a high risk of not having reported changes which means they may have received too much housing benefit which will have to be paid back. Whilst most claims will be genuine and correct, the review is essential in order to find those that are wrong. Some residents may have simply forgotten to let the council know that they have had a change in their circumstances, such as children moving out
or leaving full time education, getting a job or a pay increase. Now is the time to notify the council of a change before fraud investigators take more serious action which can include prosecution. Council business manager Andy Nix said: “Anyone who claims housing benefit and has had a change in their circumstances that might affect the amount of benefit they receive should contact us immediately.”
To report a change in your circumstances, please contact the council now on (01476) 40 60 80
4
NEW HOME SERVICES
A
family of four is set to benefit from adaptations we are making to one of our new council homes so day to day life can be made easier for their disabled son. Mum Stacey Fox and stepdad Craig Virgin from Stamford will benefit from facilities at one of our new homes in the town so they can help their son Connor have better access to the property and facilities to help him live more comfortably day to day. The 11-year-old suffers from Smooth Brain Syndrome which delays development in youngsters and he needs help with all aspects of daily life such as getting up and down stairs and washing. The new property, off Lincoln Road, will be complete with a
through floor lift and features include an adapted shower and bath complete with ceiling track hoist so Connor can be helped in and out of the bath and shower more easily. It will be completed with customised light fittings to help Connor move around the family home more easily. Craig and Stacey, who are engaged to be married later this year, hope to move into the property in the autumn with Connor and his brother Cameron, five. Craig said: “The new property will make our lives so much easier compared to the current property we rent. “At the moment we have no way to help Connor in and out of the bath and have had to help him up and down stairs in properties we’ve previously lived in. SKDC’s portfolio holder for good housing, Cllr Frances Cartwright, said: “We’re very pleased one of the properties in our first wave of new council homes will assist this family. “Ensuring the right mixture of housing meets local needs and provides what Craig and Stacey require for their family is exactly why we build new homes so people can enjoy their lives more with facilities that suit their needs and in communities they enjoy living in.”
The council’s Repairs Team has undertaken a review of the Minimum Property Standard to update it to reflect the work it does and the expectations of residents. In addition to work that has always been carried out the council will now: • Fit new locks to all external doors to new homes and any attached outbuildings, making sure the property is secure • Remove all polystyrene ceiling tiles and leave ceilings ready to be decorated • In kitchens where the space permits room will be made for a washing machine
YOU SAID, WE DID
Residents of Hilary Close in Stamford asked us to improve their heating systems after they experienced problems with their 40 year old communal heating system. As a result of the consultation all 24 flats were included in this year’s Heating Improvements Programme and work is due to be completed by the autumn. We will be replacing worn out pipe work and installing new higher efficiency radiators, which will reduce heating costs and improve the comfort of the residents. As part of the annual Heating Improvement Programme the council is also installing gas central heating to properties previously on electric storage heaters. The authority is working with National Grid to extend gas pipelines to properties previously without gas supplies. This will provide tenants with more efficient controllable heating.
5
L
ucky residents attending our Thames Road community centre in Grantham enjoy meeting for a bacon butty, coffee mornings, a game of carpet bowls and trips out. But supported housing centre stalwarts Bernard Hare and
Susan Kelham do more than their fair share to make the centre extra special – making them well worthy of our Good Neighbours award. As long-time chairman and now also treasurer of the centre committee, Bernard not only holds the keys but also plays a
CUP OF CHEER: A thank you cuppa for our good neighbours; Bernard Hare and Susan Kelham with (standing) Cllr Frances Cartwright, SKDC good housing portfolio holder (left) and Kathryn Palmer from the council’s Neighbourhood Services team.
6
big part in organising activities. Residents go to a hotel for Christmas lunch thanks to a fund-raising festive raffle. They meet every Wednesday for coffee morning, carpet bowls is a regular Thursday event with bingo every Saturday and up to 17 bus trips a year. For Bernard, the reward comes from seeing others have a good time. “We really do try and organise a busy schedule for everyone and if we are having a bus trip we open it up to fill up the seats, he said. “We have outings planned to Doncaster, Yarmouth, Matlock and Skegness and we try to organise at least one a month.” Susan’s gardening expertise is there for all to see, with roses in bloom, flowering shrubs and beds of scented lavender surrounding the building, with willing hands from the gardening club to support her green fingers. Regular funds come from the centre’s weekly lottery. Whoever draws the bonus ball scoops most of the prize pot but £4.50 is invested in the garden. “I have been gardening since I was a little girl,” said Susan. ”I grow my own plants, both vegetables and flowers and everyone mucks in to keep the centre garden neat, tidy and looking lovely. Sometimes we get plants from supermarkets in town and it all helps keep the place looking colourful.”
KEY TO SUCCESS: Award winner Bernard Hare
Bernard and Susan were treated to a cuppa and cake at Grantham’s Teaspoon Tea Company, hosted by Cllr Frances Cartwright, our good housing portfolio holder, and Kathryn Palmer from the council’s Neighbourhood Services Team. They also received High Street vouchers to spend as they choose.
GARDENING DELIGHT: Award winner Susan Kelham
T
he council and police will not hesitate to take action against those tenants and members of the community who ignore warnings on anti-social behaviour. Behaving in a manner that causes alarm, distress or nuisance to neighbours or the neighbourhood you reside in can lead to you losing your tenancy on a property. In April, a group of Grantham teenagers were given three year Anti Social Behaviour Orders following partnership work between SKDC and Lincolnshire Police. SKDC’s business manager for neighbourhoods Mark Jones said: “Anti Social Behaviour Orders are always a last resort but as pursuit of the case in Grantham earlier this year showed, the serious and persistent behaviour meant there was little choice once these young people breached their final warnings. “We will always adopt a proportionate response when dealing with individuals who impact so negatively upon our communities. We try
to educate and encourage people to modify their behaviour but when that proves to be ineffective, enforcement action will always follow.” SKDC’s Community Safety Team works closely with partner agencies such as Lincolnshire Police, Families Working Together, housing associations, youth offending officers and local retail outlets and residents to monitor behaviour in South Kesteven. In addition to the ASBOs, possession proceedings were sought on two SKDC council tenants for the parents’ lack of control of their children. Mr Jones warned those who persistently breach their tenancy agreements through anti-social actions could face losing their home. He said: “Possession proceedings are a last resort but the case showed tenants have a responsibility to look after any minors they are responsible for and ensure they do not cause distress to people or property in communities in the district.”
7
I
t is important that you tackle the problem that is causing the arrears as soon as possible by seeking advice on your options. Most of the time it is possible to sort out the problem and pay off any existing arrears, but you must act quickly. The longer your financial problems continue, the higher the rent arrears will build up making it harder for you to pay off. Corporate finance manager, Richard Wyles, said: “Rent arrears have been on the increase all over the country and South Kesteven is no different. Our message is get in touch, it’s never too late, but the earlier you talk to us the better.” And people who don’t pay their rent are in for trouble. Last year SKDC evicted 29 tenants who had assessed arrears of £61,381 including costs. Richard added: “We don’t take eviction lightly and we have a process that involves visits, letters and telephone calls but when everything has failed we will evict tenants - we have to in fairness to those who do pay”. Every tenant has a
8
responsibility to pay their rent – it’s a priority payment. If you don’t you could lose your home! The best way to make sure this doesn’t happen is to set up a direct debit with your bank. The first thing you should do is talk to us by contacting the Rent Team at SKDC on 01476 40 60 80, or visit our offices in Grantham, Stamford, Bourne or The Deepings (addresses on page 2) or email us at rents@ southkesteven.gov.uk We can help by: • Understanding your circumstances and making an arrangement • Setting up a direct debit for you • Telling you of other agencies that may be able to help you Sometimes, rent arrears arise as a result of issues with housing benefit or other entitlements which affect your housing benefit. The Benefits Team might need more information to deal with your claim or can advise you of the steps that need to be taken to resolve the issue. Don’t let it get worse, when we can help you. • If you don’t pay your rent, you could lose your home • Remember, your rent is due weekly
Money advice is available from: Citizen’s Advice Bureau drop-in sessions: Guildhall Arts Centre, St Peter’s Hill, Grantham, NG31 6PZ (Mon/Tues/ Thurs 9.30am-1.30pm) 39 High Street, Stamford, PE9 2BB (Mon 9.30am3pm/Tues and Fri 9.30am-1.30pm) Alternatively telephone: 0844 499199 The National Debt Line www.nationaldebtline.org/ Stepchange www.stepchange.org/ Lincolnshire Credit Union – a financial co-operative offering starter accounts to help people with priority payments. http://www. lincscreditunion.org.uk/ index.html or telephone or telephone 01522 873550 or email enquires@
I
n September, tenants will move into new homes on Lincoln Road in Stamford, the final development site in phase one of our council house building project. The 20 new properties include eight single bedroom apartments, eight two bedroom
houses, two three bedroom houses and two four bedroom houses. The development also includes a relocation and revamp of the play equipment which is currently in place. Work is being carried out by Balfour Beatty.
ALMOST THERE: Homes in Stamford are nearly complete
A
round 80 new council homes will be built across South Kesteven over the next three years as the authority continues to invest in affordable housing. District councillors have agreed to budget a further £8 million to deliver a range of properties in rural and town locations. Neil Cucksey, SKDC’s
executive manager for property, said: “As we progress towards successfully completing 33 new homes on land owned by the council, work is well underway to identify and bring forward the next tranche of sites. “We are looking to build the right housing, in the right place, at the right time in response to what our residents need, and
Strategic Director, Tracey Blackwell, said: “The homes on Lincoln Road are great. They are built to the lifetime homes standard and I hope that the new tenants who move into the properties are as thrilled with them as we are.” The Lincoln Road development is the last in the current phase which has included a further 13 homes elsewhere in the district. The completed projects include new properties on Sandon Road and Thames Road in Grantham and Glen Crescent in Stamford. “All of the completed sites look fantastic and are a welcome increase in the housing resource available to the council and our tenants,” added Tracey. Our projects in Grantham and Stamford have also enabled us to offer hands-on work experience opportunities and site visits to dozens of local students which the council hopes will lead to employment opportunities in the district.
want. This means a range of affordable housing in a variety of tenures right across the area.” He said the next programme of house building will also consider the opportunity for offsite manufacture to quicken the development process and manage development costs to maximise the return on the council’s investment.
9
Schoolchildren and community groups will play a big part in Stamford’s second Georgian Festival this autumn (25-27 September)
O
rganisers at SKDC are working to ensure that every level of the community and all ages have the chance to be involved in a weekend to remember, with many events free to attend. They plan for as many people as possible - young and old – to be involved in Saturday’s Stamford Bull Run procession and evening spectacle with flags, costumes and banners with bull images from around the world. World class performers like the cast of Horrible Histories, direct
10
from the West End, will be taking their popular Barmy Britain show into schools in the immediate run-up to the festival. International carnival company Shademakers, responsible for Saturday’s activities, is also visiting schools to display some of their costumes. And street performer John White, seen at the last festival as King George, will be visiting two schools under another guise! All Stamford’s primary schools will be involved, as will the Welland Academy, members of
the Teen Zone Youth club, the town’s Childrens Centres, the International Toddlers Group and possibly one of the council’s sheltered housing schemes. Workshops in both schools and community groups will make clothing, a banner displaying their school or group with their chosen theme and a flag depicting which country’s bull imagery they are displaying. Activities should result in 2-300 people of all ages taking part in both the parade and the Meadows evening finale
What a weekend! Events include:
Horrible Histories shows Street entertainment Military re-enactments Military encampments Two-day market with entertainment Carnival re-enactment of the Bull Run Period costume characters Fairground Carriage rides Mock trial Punch and Judy shows Donkey rides Ghost walks Saturday night finale entertainment
Programme details: www.stamford georgianfestival. co.uk of samba bands, theatrical performance and stunning pyro-technics. In addition, three free family workshops will be open to the public on 20 August in Stamford Arts Centre. Come and make something for the parade, like a
Georgian bonnet, say organisers. “It’s really important to us that this festival involves and has something for everyone right across the community,” said Cllr Linda Wootten, SKDC portfolio holder for arts, leisure and culture.
“We were really proud of what was achieved with the first festival in 2013 but this time round we have tried extra hard to involve absolutely everyone. It’s a great weekend and we want every single resident to enjoy it.” DROP IN EVENT Stamford Arts Centre Sunday 27 September 10am - 1pm Tickets are £3.50 per person and visitors can stay for the whole session or drop in for an hour if they wish.
11
low cost
Summer
0-19 AGES 2 SEPT Y– 23 JUL
Keeping the kids amused during the summer holidays doesn’t have to cost the earth! Here in South Kesteven there are lots of activities on offer to youngsters in the area – and many at little or no cost at all. Brochures full of information for Grantham, Stamford, Bourne and The Deepings have been produced by the council’s Leisure and Amenities Team and are available to view or download on line at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/summeractivities But for now here’s a quick snapshot of some of the fun things to do on your doorstep. Get in touch with the organisers for more details and prices.
GRANTHAM
Holiday Activities
The children’s centres in Grantham and South Witham will be offering a range of free summer activities for 0-8 year olds and their families. Ages: 0 – 8 Booking: Please contact your local children’s centre for further information. Swingbridge Children’s Centre Trent Road, Grantham NG31 7XQ Tel: 01476 590034 gail.kelly@ lincolnshire.gov.uk or zena. johnson@lincolnshire.gov.uk Belton Lane Children’s Centre Green Lane, Grantham NG31 9PP
12
Tel: 01476 584640 josie. duller@lincolnshire.gov.uk South Witham Children’s Centre Water Lane, South Witham, Grantham NG33 5PH Tel: 01572 768876 hayley. creasey@lincolnshire.gov.uk Soccer Tots One Touch Football Sessions for boys and girls from 2½ to 5. Sessions will include learning the basic fundamentals of football, playing fun games in a relaxed, safe, caring and enjoyable environment. Dates: Thursday evenings throughout the summer. Times: 4.45pm – 5.30pm
Venue: The Scout Hut next to St Anne’s CE Primary School, Harrowby Road, Grantham NG31 9ED Cost: £3.50 per session, or £14 if paid monthly Booking: Contact Glenn Vaughan on 07880 703784 or glenn@onetouchfootball.co.uk www.onetouchfootball.co.uk
BOURNE
Activity Camp
Ofsted registered Kid’s Activity Camp. A great way for children to keep active, have FUN, make friends and take part in a wide range of sports and activities. Dates: 20 July – 4 September Times: Standard day 9.30am – 4.30pm Extended day 8.30am – 5.30pm Half day 9.30am – 1pm Venue: Bourne Leisure Centre Booking: To book or for more information contact 01778 421435 Standard day (9.30am – 4.30pm) £16 per day Extended day (8.30pm – 5.30pm) £18 per day Half day (9.30am – 1pm) £7.50 per day Bourne Youth Club
Crafts, music, cookery, interest sessions and sports. Tuck shop. Experienced supervisors all with enhanced CRB/DBS. Pairing up with Not All Bad club and campouts if required. Dates: Every Tuesday all year round including school holidays. Times: 6.30pm – 8.30pm Venue: Bourne Youth Club Ages: 7 years +
STAMFORD
LEGO Workshop Stamford Arts Centre
and build tall buildings, bridges, roads, parks and railways and use batteries, bulbs, wires and switches to bring your creations to life. With LEGO bricks, the possibilities are endless and are limited only by your imagination. Book early! Dates: 3 August Times: 10am -12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm Ages: 5 -12 years Cost: £8 per child Georgian costume making
You can wander around Stamford the weekend of 26 – 27 September dressed as an elegant or riotous Georgian depending on how you feel! Professional artists working with the festival offer a basic costume workshop to give ideas and inspiration or bring your own wardrobe pieces –suitable to adapt and embellish. There will also be an opportunity to make a small costume piece with materials provided. Fun for all the family! Date: 22 August Times: 9.30am - 11am, 11.30am - 1pm, 1.30pm - 3pm Cost: Tickets are free but pre-booking with the box office is essential.
THE DEEPINGS
Holiday activities for 0-5s
A range of sessions to promote A welcome return of these popular workshops. Have fun with communication, language, a huge selection of LEGO bricks literacy and creative thoughts in
an active learning environment. Dates: Musical Movers: 27 July, 3, 10, 17, 24 August, 10am – 11am, 18 months + Creative Explorers: 28 July, 4, 11, 18, 25 August, 1 September 9.30am – 10.30am Ages: 0 – 5 years Rhyme Time: Every Wednesday 29 July, 5, 12, 19 and 26 August, 2 September 9:30 – 10:30am Ages: 0 – 5 years Venue: Market Deeping Children’s Centre Booking: Please call Market Deeping Children’s Centre on 01778 382574 for more information on these FREE activities. Summer Playscheme
Deeping St James Parish Council Take part in lots of fun activities including arts and crafts, singing and dancing, indoor games and the use of indoor play equipment. There will also be outdoor sports such as football, rounders, tag rugby and other outdoor games – weather permitting. Dates: 17 – 21 August 24 – 28 August Times: 9.30am - 12noon Ages: 5 - 11years Venue: Linchfield Community Primary School Booking: Children need to be attending school and/or resident in Deeping St James to qualify to attend. Cost is 50p per session, further details can be obtained from Claire King of The Tree House on 01778 347450 or email claire. king@linchfield.lincs.sch.uk
13
L
amppost banners across Grantham town centre are now raising awareness of the need to love our district and help make inroads on the £1.1m a year litter clear up costs across South Kesteven. The drive is asking residents to think twice before dropping litter or fly-tipping in the town or district in conjunction with a targeted local radio campaign and advertising on our refuse freighters.
The banners, which will be in place for up to a year, ask residents to report litter or flytipping by calling the council on 01476 40 60 80 or at www.keepskclean.co.uk The campaign is being backed up by our Environmental Health Team, who impose £75 fines on those who flout the rule and drop litter in public places. Remember to use the district’s household waste and recycling centres to dispose of items that
can’t go in bins or bags. Grantham’s Alexandra Road facility and Bourne’s Industrial Estate site are open Monday Friday from 9am to 4pm. Stamford also hosts a mobile waste collection each Saturday in the Cattle Market car park from 9am to 12pm. Alternatively you can dispose of bigger items using SKDC’s bulky items service where it is just £12 per item and £6 per subsequent items.
Please report litter and fly-tipping issues to us direct by calling 01476 40 60 80, emailing customerservices@southkesteven.gov.uk or tweet us @southkesteven
T
he Earlesfield Community Church is an evangelical church based at the Trent Road Community Centre on the Earlesfield Estate in Grantham. It involves a group of ordinary people who are dedicated to helping others. They either live on, or care about the Beedon Park and Earlesfield areas of Grantham. I can’t praise them enough for the work they do. It seems there is nothing that is too much trouble for them when helping the community. They recently arranged for a group of American students to carry out some community work on the two estates. During their time here, they erected a new fence
14
for a local disabled resident, tidied gardens and did general tidying of the area and painted the fence at the Thames Road Community Centre. They also arrange and hold
kids clubs, family curry nights, and work with the schools on half term activities and do much much more. Anne Clark
TIDY WORK: This garden and fence was tidied for an elderly tenant on Goodcliffe Road
A
policy which charges tenants for repairs which are their responsibility has already identified £11,900 of work. The aim of the policy is to ensure that tenants accept liaibility for repair items which have been caused by wilful damage or by carelessness or negligence. Since the launch of the new rechargeable repairs policy at the end of last year we have identified 86 repairs with an average recharge value of around £85. But some are significantly more and run into hundreds of pounds. Wendy Cox, the council’s business manager for responsive repairs, said: “Primarily the recharges are for gaining entry to homes and replacing locks when door keys
H
ousing officers at SKDC will be carrying out a consultation with Registered Social Landlords, tenant representative panels and partners as part of a review of the council’s allocations policy. The current policy was introduced in 2013 and replaced the old points system with five bands to reflect different levels of priority. Sarah Hutchison, senior housing options advisor (housing register), said the consultation will involve the tenants’ panel as well as housing associations, children’s and adult services,
are lost and replacing broken windows. “Other recharges have been where tenants have not allowed us into the property to service their gas boiler and we have invoiced them the costs of getting a court warrant to gain access to undertake an annual gas service.” Under the policy recharges can also include reinstatement work and the clearance of rubbish left in properties including untidy gardens. It applies to existing tenants and
health and other agencies. The allocations policy sets the framework for who gets to live in our housing. Mrs Hutchison said: “It’s good practice to review the allocations policy on a regular basis to ensure that we make the best use of our housing stock and other social housing within the district. “ By building upon what works well in the policy and identifying and improving upon those elements that could work better we aim to make it as easy as possible for households in housing need to access social housing.”
tenants who move out of their homes. No rechargeable repairs except for emergency or health and safety risks will be done unless all costs have been paid in full and in advance of the work being carried out. Wendy added: “It is really important that we continue to provide a first class service to all our residents. It is equally important that our residents take pride in their homes and take care of them. “The money we have recovered as part of the policy will be reinvested into the repairs service ensuring that we continue to deliver a service that meets the needs of all our residents. “The amount of money we have identified as rechargeable is significant and sends a clear message to residents that if you don’t take care of your home you will be expected to pay for repairs caused by damage or neglect.” The full policy document is available online at www. southkesteven.gov.uk and sets out the details of when the council will recharge a tenant to recover the cost of repairing fixtures or fittings. In addition a printed copy can be requested by calling 01476 40 60 80. 15
A
nglian Water, through its programme Keep It Clear, is working with communities to raise awareness of the issues, the costs, the misery blockages can cause with internal and external flooding, loss of toilet use, potential pollution and harm to the environment. Did you know for instance that the average cost of a call out to a contractor for jetting and unblocking pipes is £85? Then there is the cumulative effect on water bills. Water companies in the UK have reported 362,000 sewer blockages between 2013 and 2014, 70 per cent of which were avoidable. Avoidable means these blockages, which cost some £80million annually across the UK to sort out, are caused by human behaviour, flushing wipes and other sanitary products down the toilet, or fats, oils and grease down the sink. Even products marked ‘flushable’ do not break down in the sewer in the same way as toilet paper. Sanitary products and
16
wipes (including baby wipes, cleaning and make-up wipes) should all be placed in the bin, not down the toilet. Wipes mixed with food scraps, congealed fat and oil, can combine to cause a blockage. When a blockage occurs this can have an adverse effect on the environments in which we live, as well as on the rivers and waterways. Fat, oil, grease should be collected and put in the bin or recycled, not poured down the sink. Cooking oil can be taken to our recycling centres in Grantham and Bourne. Wipes, dish cloths, paper
towels, cotton wool, cotton buds, sanitary towels and liners, tampons, nappies, incontinence pads, condoms, plastic or similar materials including toilet block holders, should all be wrapped and put in your black bin. Collette Parker, Keep It Clear Programme Manager, said: “With the help of residents, tenants and communities in general, we can make a difference and keep the sewer system clear to do its job of taking used water safely away from our homes and businesses.” For more information go to www.keep-it-clear.co.uk
With more than 6,200 homes on the books, the council is one of the biggest property owners in Lincolnshire and we have now made sure that every one of those homes meets the decent homes standard set out by the government. The standard was brought in during 2000 to try and tackle disrepair in social housing and describes a decent home as ‘one that is fit to live in, in a reasonable state of repair, has reasonably modern facilities and services, and is warm and weatherproof.’ SKDC’s business manager for property and development, Andrew Sweeney, said: “We are thrilled that our entire housing stock now meets the decent homes standard, our new challenge is to ensure that they continue to do so. In order for homes to meet the Decent Homes Standard there are four requirements that have to be met: The property must meet current statutory standards for housing This means that the home has no serious hazards and meets health and safety guidelines. The property must be in a reasonable state of repair This standard includes basic
elements of a well maintained home such as good windows, roof, and electrical wiring. The property must have reasonably modern facilities Homes that fail to meet this criteria are those that lack three or more of these: • a reasonably modern kitchen (20 years old or less) • a kitchen with adequate space and layout • a reasonably modern bathroom (30 years old or less) • an appropriately located bathroom and wc • adequate insulation against external noise where noise is a problem • adequate size and layout of common areas for blocks of flats The property must also have a reasonable degree of thermal comfort This includes good insulation and provision of heating. Work included in the decent homes standard are kitchen and bathroom refits, heating upgrades, electric rewires, new windows and doors, insulation improvements and roofing
repairs and upgrades. Now that we have reached the 100% Decent Homes Standard our next objective is to go to a South Kesteven Standard which goes above and beyond the government’s requirements as part of our ongoing commitment to provide good housing for all. The SK standard will include minor adaptations to allow elderly or disabled tenants to live more independently, surveys to help resolve energy bills, upgraded loft insulation and the installation of carbon monoxide detectors.
y Sweene Andrew
17
E
xperienced housing officer Sue Robinson has joined the Sheltered Team. You may recognise Sue as she has worked for the council for 25 years in both customer services and the housing benefit section. Sue is a very experienced member of staff having worked in the sheltered
housing department initially as a care centre operator, then a mobile scheme manager and finally as a scheme manager in Stamford. All three officers will be visiting schemes in future, but the times of the visits will not change. Please see the list to the right for further information.
Monday 9am – 9.45am – Essex Road 9.30am – 10am Sandon Close 10am – 10.30am Emlyns Gardens 10.30am – 11am Central Place 11am – 11.30am Tenter Court 11.30am – 12noon Belton Avenue 11.45am – 12.15pm St Martins 1.30pm – 2pm Angel Court 2.30pm – 3pm St Nicholas Close 3.30pm – 4pm Caythorpe Tuesday 9.30am – 10am Greyfriars 10.30am – 11am Thames Road 11.30am – 12noon Rectory Close 12.30pm – 1pm Archers Way Wednesday 9.30am – 10am Canterbury Close 9.30am – 10.30am Stanton Court 10.30am – 11am Woods Close 10.45am – 11.45am Meadow Close 1pm – 2pm Manor Court 1.30pm – 2.30pm Riverside 2.15pm – 2.45pm Almond Court 3pm – 3.30pm Church View Thursday 9am – 9.30am Hilary Close 9.30am – 10am Manners Street 10am – 10.30 Edmonds Close 10.30am – 11.30am Witham Place 11am – 11.30am Clare Close 11am – 12.15pm St Clements 2.30pm – 3pm Exeter Close 3.15pm – 3.45pm Benedict Court
Quiz
TEAMWORK: Left to right Nicky Beasley, Melanie Williams and Sue Robinson
All the answers to our competition in this edition of Skyline can be found in articles throughout the publication. Why not have a go? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Which road has Good Neighbours? What does ASBO stand for? Where is Earlesfield Community Church based? What is the annual spend on housing benefit in Lincolnshire? How much did we spend in a year to clean up litter and fly tipping in the district?
worth of Love2shop high street gift vouchers
The closing date is Monday 7 September. You can email your answers to pr@southkesteven.co.uk, drop them off at our offices in Grantham, Stamford, Bourne or The Deepings or
Text your answers to
18
07917 836630
WIN £25x2 which can be spent at 20,000 top UK stores
M
ark Coles covers the south of the district, while John Redford and Chris Sharpe concentrate on the north. We decided to focus on John and Chris, as they went about their work. They look after more than 80 blocks of flats, their communal areas and bin stores, within Grantham and the surrounding area. There is no typical day as much
of their work is based on dealing with problems as they arise, but here’s a flavour of what they do. Every Monday morning, they carry out their first weekly check of the 14 bin stores scattered throughout our blocks of flats. During this check, they ensure bin lids are closed, and any side waste is in the bins to make sure they get emptied. They also check the recycling bins to make sure they only have
TIDY ACTION: Caretaker John Redford busy at work
recyclable waste in them – just one wrong item can stop the bin being emptied. Not surprisingly, overflowing rubbish often attracts unwanted rodents, so they set and check bait boxes where reports of rodents have been made. Mark performs the same work in the south of the district. The caretakers also carry out cleaning duties within our communal housing areas, ensuring they are clean and free of obstacles, lights are all working and they report any repair issues. Tenants often leave pushchairs, cycles or rubbish and large items under stairs or in the communal corridors of flats, not realising they are a fire risk or possible trip hazard. John, Chris, and Mark regularly talk to tenants about this, and often issue letters warning tenants of their responsibilities. One recent problem they have encountered has been the large number of cigarette ends thrown around in communal areas which means they have to be swept up before the floors are washed. Fly tipping is also a regular problem and the team clears an average 1.5 tons of this each month, along with a further 1.5 tons of general rubbish. They also help with property and garage clearances, signing up new garage tenants and collecting and delivering donated furniture.
19
PCSO Amanda Matson, a member of the Grantham Town West Neighbourhood Policing Team, arranged for the Police Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick to attend an open meeting of the Grantham West Neighbourhood Police Panel to discuss matters of concern to residents. The meeting was well attended. Issued raised included the lack of a Neighbourhood Policing Team in the area, as a majority of the time they only saw one PCSO and asked where the Community Beat Manager was. Alan said his priority was to Neighbourhood Policing Teams, and although he couldn’t interfere in operational duties, he could ask the question. He obviously did because we saw our Community Beat Manager the next morning. It is important we, the community, all work together as a team; the residents, schools, and business. The next Police Panel meeting will be held at Grantham Police Station on Tuesday 25 August at 6.30pm. For more information call 101. Anne Clark
20
It has now been a full year since Glendale started working with SKDC in delivering the grounds maintenance services for the authority. During this time Glendale has worked hard with us to deliver a service of grounds maintenance to the open spaces and estates, and have also worked on improvements. Robin Atter, grounds maintenance supervisor at SKDC said : “We are making good progress in delivering a high quality grounds
maintenance service to the residents within the district. We have now completed several improvement projects, such as planting schemes, landscaping and graveling to make areas both more attractive and easy to maintain for the future. “Glendale has shown a commitment to maintaining high standards of grounds maintenance by investing in new machinery for grass cutting, and we are already seeing the results of this in the work they do”.
Struggling for
somewhere to park/store your car? We have garages in most areas, although in Stamford there is a long waiting list. Some areas in Grantham, Bourne and some of the villages have garages available immediately.
West Street, Barkston Queens Road, Bourne Eastcliffe Square, Caythorpe Dry Doddington, Newark Wheatsheaf Lane, Long Bennington Pinfold Lane, Pointon If you would like to rent a garage, please request an application form.
Call 01476 40 60 80. Details can also be found at www.southkesteven.gov.uk under garage lettings your council working for you