Trans Pennine Housing News

Forthcoming dates of Board Meetings

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For information Board meetings take place on the following dates at Green Vale Court:

27th July 2009

17th August 2009

26th October 2009

7th December 2009

For further information please contact our Board Administrator - Robert Dawson - robert.dawson@greenvalehomes.co.uk

Pennine Housing 2000 has launched a new feature which allows customers to acquire a new home quicker than ever before!

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We currently have a number of properties available for immediate occupancy and, subject to viewings and approvals, customers could potentially begin their tenancies within the day of enquiry!

Fastrack properties are not advertised in the normal Keychoice way via a bidding cycle, instead we will advertise them via our website and the display section within the Keychoice office, Bull Green House, Halifax. They are available for anyone interested in a Pennine Housing property whether you're a member of Keychoice or not - and there are no bandings or bids to worry about! Simply find a property you like from the list and either contact the telephone number listed to arrange a viewing or call into the Keychoice office to discuss further – it's as simple as that!

Keep checking our website or call into the Keychoice office for properties available!

** FOR A LIST OF CURRENT FASTRACK PROPERTIES PLEASE CLICK HERE **

At Longfield estate, Todmorden on Sunday 7th June 12 - 3pm

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There's lots going on at the IncrEdible Roadshow... !

Pulp Kitchen
Gardeners Question Time
Healthy Eating
Every Egg Matters
Apple pressing
face painting

and much more.... (see leaflet)

Pennine Housing 2000 Working in Partnership with;

Incredible Edible Todmorden / Mind Exercise Nutrition... Do it ! / NHS Calderdale / Todmorden High School

Gas cookers with a separate grill warning

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Gas Cookers with a separate grill and oven manufactured by Beko and Belling are at the centre of an investigation surrounding six cases of fatal carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, according to Which?.

The danger is that toxic CO can build up if the grill is used while the door is shut.

Beko says that the models fulfil all safety regulations and that closing the grill door while using the grill is ‘incorrect use’.

12th September 2009 - Customer Celebration Day - 10am - 3pm

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We are holding our Customer Celebration Day on Saturday 12th September at Fearns Sports College between 10am and 3pm.

Please click here for more information: userfiles/file/Greenvale%20Documents/CHECK%20IT%20OUT%20FLYER.PDF

Get involved....

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A recent report in Inside Housing read: Young people from Rossendale, Lancashire, have benefited from environmental charity Groundwork's three-year programme to get them more involved in their neighbourhoods. They worked to change their local media's perception of them and improve relationships with adults. They also raised £1,000 from their local housing association Green Vale Homes, as well as from police and tenants, to make a housing estate in their area cleaner and greener.

Willow Court, Elland - Show apartment open Saturdays & Sundays 11am - 3pm come and have a look around.

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ten apartments available to buy through shared ownership and the remaining 42 will be available for rent.

Come and have a look around before its too late, these will go quickly! Willow Court show apartment can be found off Victoria Road (Recreation Road), Elland.

For a brochure please telephone: Sarah Mozeley on Brighouse 01484 824354.

Directions: Leaving M62 at Junction 24 take 2nd exit signposted Halifax/Elland, leave at first exit, go left at first round-a-bout, left at 2nd round-a-bout then take the third exit at the next roundabout, follow the road through Elland and Victoria Road (Willow Court) can be found by continuing staight ahead at the Bethesda Church on the left hand corner (bottom of Victoria Road).

Calderdale Neighbours Day 2009

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Action Halifax are holding a 'Calderdale Neighbours Day' at The Piece Hall on Friday 29th May.

Lots of fun activities will be taking place such as:

Circus skills & playbus
Live Music
Dance workshops
Magical History bus
Street Dance
live Road Crash demo
Grow your own food
Community market

Come and join in the fun.

For more information call: 01422 321028.

Choice Based Lettings (CBL)

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Choice Based Lettings (or CBL as it is sometimes known) is on its way. The ‘B-with-us’ logo will be something you will see more and more of over the coming months. Promotion of the B-with-us Green Vale brand will be starting soon, with letters and forms containing the logo landing on customers doorsteps.

The attached document may help answer any questions you may have. Click here for more details.

Bacup and Stacksteads and Waterfoot Tenant Elections

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tenant Elections

Green Vale Homes has recently conducted election processes for the Waterfoot, and Bacup and Stacksteads areas in order to elect Tenant Members to the Board of Green Vale Homes.

Janet Staig was the only candidate to stand from the Waterfoot area and as such was elected unopposed. The Bacup and Stacksteads election was conducted by the Electoral Reform Services, in which Frank Evans was the successful candidate. The full result can be found here.

Change in Senior Management Team Responsibilities

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

From Monday 9th February some changes in our Senior Management Team responsibilities will come into effect.

This means that George Paterson will head up Corporate Services, Amanda Garrard Operations, Hilary Brady Development and Lynn Hurrell Asset Management across the Group.

TSA Events

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Saturday 21 February, Underbank House, Burnley Road, Bacup - 10.30am - 12.30pm - for Eastern European tenants

Thursday 26 February, Masseycroft Sheltered Housing Scheme, Whitworth - 1.30 – 3.30pm – Sheltered Housing Forum

The following events are open to all housing association tenants in Rossendale

Monday 2 March, Bacup Leisure Hall, Burnley Road, Bacup - 2 – 4pm

Tuesday 3 March, Haslingden Community Link, Bury Road, Haslingden - 7 – 9pm

The following events are for waiting list applicants only.

Monday 2 March, Longholme Methodist Church, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall - 10am – 12

Thursday 5 March, Bacup Leisure Hall, Burnley Road, Bacup - 10am – 12

If you would like further information please contact our Resident Involvement Co-ordinator, Irene Ledsham on 01706 836317 or email her at irene.ledsham@greenvalehomes.co.uk

Mystery Shopping

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For more information click here

Here is your chance to join a conversation with the nation!

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Standards of homes and services provided by ourselves and other housing associations across the country are to be set by a new authority and you are invited to take part in a 'National Conversation" to tell it what those standards should be.

The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) has been formed as a watchdog covering all housing associations.

Top of its action list is to draw up a new set of standards covering homes and services provided by landlords like Pennine.

It will watch how we match up to the demands - and take action against any landlords who fail to make the grade.

Its National Conversation is your chance to help make sure our services continue to improve. We arranged some events for you to give us your views.

Calderdale Events

Halifax Central Library, Halifax - 10.30am - Saturday 7th February

Todmorden Town Hall, Todmorden - 10.30am - Tuesday 10th February

Wainright Hall, Elland - 10.30am - Saturday 7th February

Sheffield Events

Wisewood Methodist Church, Ben Lane, 6.30pm - Tuesday 24th February

William Temple Church, Manor Park, 6.30pm - Thursday 26th February

Harold Lambert Court Committee Room, 6.30pm - Monday 2nd March

Just come along to any of the events or ring 01422 284609 for more information about how to have your say.

We will be running lots of other events for tenant's groups, sheltered housing tenants, people on our waiting list and shared ownership residents.

You can pick up a chat pack from the TSA on 0845 230 7000 (Option 1), or visit their website at www.nationalconversation.co.uk

Pitch Perfect Pennine

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Changing rooms created in a £25,000 project by Pennine Housing have been officially handed over to Elland Junior FC!

Team members now have their own block at the ground in Halifax complete with separate showers for visiting players and referees.
Work carried out by the housing association transformed a former disused toilet block into the new changing rooms.

Club chairman John Silvester said: "Our previous changing rooms were in a converted garage and what we have now is much better.
"We very much appreciate the assistance we have received from Pennine and would now like to further develop the block to at least double its size!"

There are two pitches on the recreation ground and the club is home to teams ranging from adults to under sevens.

The changing rooms were created part of a package agreed for the development of nearby Willow Court.
It is Pennine Housing's third Extra Care Housing Scheme designed for older residents and it will sit in its own landscaped grounds.

Willow Court is due for completion in September 2009, and will feature 52 two bedroom apartments and be provided with 24 hour staff cover.

Pennine project manager Andy Roy, who presented the keys to club chairman Mr Silvester, used the old garage changing rooms as a visiting player - 30 years ago!

"We feel proud that we have been able to provide the changing rooms which are a big improvement on the previous ones
"The block is also right at the side of the ground," said Andy. "It's pitch perfect!"

Work included repairs to the roof, providing new showers, benches, and toilets, new window frames, electrics and new doors.
Support for the project also came from Calderdale Council, which owns the block, and contributed £2,000 towards the overhaul.

Santa's Pennine present present boost!

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Santa's Pennine present present boost!

It’s a wrap! Kind-hearted Pennine Housing staff have helped provide 150 gifts for youngsters in Calderdale.

Santa gained the helping hand though donations of presents and money to buy more gifts to load up the sleigh.

Another big boost came from Pennine putting more into the pot instead of splashing out on cards.

The result was a sleigh – or transit van – stuffed with gifts ready for the party held by young families help group Home-Start.

Youngsters of all ages from all over Calderdale attended the party at Hippotastic, Ovenden, Halifax.

Housing officer Laura Snell and colleague Debra Cooke, based at Brighouse, went on a six hour shopping expedition for the gifts.

“We shopped till we dropped for six hours and then with some more help spent a full day wrapping,” said Laura. “It was great and exhausting!

Home-Start senior co-ordinator Linda Crowther said: “This is the fifth year Pennine has done this for us.

“The task gets bigger every year and they still take it on with the same enthusiasm and good cheer every time.

“Just seeing the children's faces as they opened their gift from Santa makes us realise how much of a difference the staff at Pennine make.

Home-Start linked up to Pennine through Calderdale Cares, which connects community groups with local business for Cares at Christmas.

Martin Reed, community investment manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted to support Home-Start in its efforts to ensure children are visited by Santa.

“The generosity shown by our staff in contributing presents and making donations is heart warming and we are proud to bring a little seasonal cheer to the children.”

Green Vale Homes Inspection Report - A Strong Start

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Green Vale Homes Inspection Report - A Strong Start

Green Vale Homes welcomes the Audit Commission report produced as a result of its recent Inspection visit.

Berenice Leyland, Chair of the Green Vale Homes' Board, said, "I am pleased with the many positive comments in the Inspection Report that reflect how hard we have been working to achieve and maintain high standards of service for our customers. I would like to thank and congratulate our Board members, staff and partners as well as our customers whose involvement has helped us to achieve this very positive outcome."

Lynn Hurrell, Executive Director of Green Vale Homes, added, "We have made a strong start since Green Vale Homes was formed in March 2006, but as a young Association we still have a long way to go. The Report's recommendations for service improvement support many of the action plans that we have in place and work that is already underway. These recommendations also give us a focal point for the continued improvement of services to our customers."

"We are committed to improving customer services - We are looking forward to working with our customers to implement these recommendations and to deliver even better services that meet the needs and expectations of Green Vale customers."

If you wish to read the full report from the Audit Commission please click here or see their website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk

Woolworths no longer take Swipe card payments for rent or household bills

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Woolworths have informed us that, until further notice, they are no longer accepting bill payments in their stores. Please do not use Woolworths to pay your rent or household bills.

Allpay have advised that customers wishing to pay over-the-counter can continue to use the extensive Post Office and PayPoint networks which both accept cash payments.

The Paypoint network numbers over 19,000 terminals located in local shops in all parts of the UK. The Post Office numbers over 13,000 branches

VAT windfall for private garage renters

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People who rent Pennine garages who are not tenants of Pennine pay VAT on the garage rental.

This weeks announcement by the Government to reduce VAT temporarily, will mean slightly lower garage rent payments for these customers.

For further information please contact your local district office.

Challenge Pennine

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

By 2012 Pennine Housing aim to be on of the best Housing Associations in the area.

All tenants have received an invitation to attend a Challenge Pennine event taking place near to them during the month of November.

Details of actual events are listed below, for more information please contact your local Housing Office or the Tenant Involvement Section on 01422 284518.

Please come along, have your say and make a difference.

New Housing Rights Website Launched

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and the Housing Associations' Charitable Trust (hact) have launched the first housing rights website to be specifically aimed at answering housing rights queries for new migrants in England. Click here to visit: http://www.housing-rights.info.

Visitors to the site are able enter as either frontline housing advisers or new arrivals to receive advice and guidance about their housing rights, including the law on eligibility for social housing and related welfare benefits. The site includes sections on the specific housing rights of new migrants who are: refugees, EEA workers and other EEA nationals and family members, A8 nationals, Bulgarians and Romanians, work permit holders, people fleeing domestic violence and people with social care needs. Visitors are also be able to select links to relevant documents and websites, including DWP and the Home Office.

Arten Llazari, Manager of the Refugee & Migrant Centre based in Wolverhampton, said: "This website is easy to use and extremely timesaving. It will prove an essential tool for all agencies providing housing advice and assistance to refugees and new migrants. Our advisers already have it on their PC favorites list!"

Cecilia Ngeze, a refugee based in London, said: "I found the site very straight forward, well arranged and informative. It gave me lots of new information that I didn't know before hand. I gave my friend details for the site and it helped her find answers to a difficult housing situation."

Sarah Walker, a housing officer at Staffordshire Housing Association, said: "The website is easy to use and informative. It provides up-to-date, relevant information for housing professionals and people seeking accommodation which hopefully will make the process less confusing for all concerned. It is certainly a website that we will be using on a regular basis."

The site was developed as part of the joint hact/CIH Opening Doors project, which is funded by Communities and Local Government and the Housing Corporation, and is testing practical ways that housing associations can meet the housing needs of refugees, asylum seekers and other newly arrived migrant communities.

Heather Petch, hact's Director, said: "This website fills an information gap and will do much to combat some of the informal gatekeeping that can occur as a result of opinion, rather than fact. It also unravels the complex and often misunderstood position regarding areas such as access to local authority waiting lists and how the law affects access to housing association stock."

John Perry, CIH Policy Adviser, said: "One of the commonest problems that housing professionals meet in dealing with housing inquiries from migrants from abroad is knowing whether they have any entitlement to housing or homelessness assistance, and whether they are eligible for housing benefit. This web resource should fill this gap - and we hope that it will help to ensure that migrants get the help to which they are entitled."

Two other sets of resources from the Opening Doors project are also available: � a review of recent studies and reports about national and local programmes and projects working with new migrants, especially EU migrants (downloadable at www.hact.org.uk and www.cih.org/policy/openingdoors); � a set of 10 training modules on refugee and new migrant housing issues (downloadable at www.hact.org.uk and www.cih.org/policy/openingdoors ).

Smoke Alarms Saves Lives!

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

A family on Osborne terrace who were victims of an arson attack thank their recently installed smoke alarm for saving their lives.

Gail Elsworth of Osborne Terrace, said, “Thank God for smoke alarms. It woke us all up; otherwise, we’d all be dead.”

Green Vale Homes fitted the smoke alarm two months ago as part of their capital improvement programme.

Phil Ridings, Electrical Engineer for Green Vale Homes, said, “We are undertaking this work for the safety of our tenants. We are in the process of supplying all our properties with smoke alarms and heat detectors in the kitchens. Since homes were transferred from the Council we have installed 1400 alarms – Approximately 90% of our homes now have alarms and the remaining 10% will be done as part of our improvement programme.”

Nigel Cooke, Head of Asset Management for Green Vale Homes, said, “I am glad that our safety measures have shown their worth in this situation and that the Elsworth family have escaped the fire. This incident highlights the importance of smoke alarms in all properties – whether they belong to Green Vale Homes or not.”

Update to CIN

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our Decent Homes Programme

A rigorous development programme has ensured that Rossendale-based Green Vale Homes continues to make strong inroads into its Decent Homes programme, as Nigel Cooke, Head of Asset Management, recently outlined to CIN.

“When Green Vale Homes was created in March 2006 we had a non-decency level of 71 per cent, so we were starting off with an extremely high figure,” highlights Mr Cooke. “The work that we have carried out to date has helped us to decrease this figure to around 38 per cent, so we have excellent progress in this area and we’re on schedule to meet the Decent Homes deadline by 2011.

“The reasons for this success include a good understanding of the stock condition database and the verification work that we have put into it, coupled with the fact that we’ve been able to invest £22m in the first two years since the creation of Green Vale Homes. The organisation was developed with Decent Homes in mind and the hard work we’ve put in is now coming to fruition.”

Working predominately with Rok, which is carrying out around £8m-worth of work with Green Vale, the housing association is in the third year of the investment programme with an overall budget of around £11m. In terms of how this money has been spent so far, in Year One and Year Two combined Green Vale installed 1,129 kitchens, 572 door and window sets, 966 central heating systems, 368 bathrooms, 281 re-roofs and 75 re-wires. In addition it spent £600,000 on adaptation work and approximately £1,500,000 on environmental improvements. This year it is well on its way to installing 735 kitchens, 194 door and window sets, 663 central heating systems, 412 new bathrooms and 30 re-wires, whilst the adaptation and environmental work also continues apace.

“Once our Decent Homes targets have been achieved we will then begin to concentrate on environmental improvements work and building community initiatives,” adds Mr Cooke. “We’re extremely concerned with energy efficiency and we’ve been able to secure funding from energy suppliers. We’ve completed a programme of cavity wall and loft insulation for all of our stock.”

In addition to its refurbishment and sustainable retrofit works programmes, Green Vale’s first new build project was completed in Year Two and involved the creation of 16 two-bed and four one-bed flats, which were constructed by Bramall Construction to very high efficiency standards. The development of the second new build scheme of 42 extra care sheltered housing units has just commenced at Brookville in Whitworth, also with the involvement of Bramalls. Project management for both schemes has been undertaken by Synergy Housing Solutions.

“We’re keen to expand our property portfolio, whilst we’re also driving through a number of new initiatives, such as introducing new management systems to look after our stock condition survey database, which will help us to carry out repairs faster and generally operate more efficiently,” concludes Mr Cooke. “This is an initiative that we are embarking upon in Year Three, as we move away from paper-based systems to a hand-held operation that will link in with all of our databases.”

Your may be on CCTV

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Green Vale Homes have a new CCTV system to help deal with complaints of nuisance and anti social behaviour. It was first installed at the Family Centre in Whitworth following recent vandalism to the property and attempted break-ins. The digital equipment can record continuously for up to a month, and we are able to use infrared cameras that can capture images during the night. Because the system is portable it may be moved to other properties around the Borough where a watchful eye is needed. Another example of our commitment to the Respect standard and to reducing anti social behaviour in our neighbourhoods!

More Accessible Website

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

More accessible website!! Our website now has two new features to make it easier for you to access information: Following a recommendation from a Tenant Inspector we have installed Browsealoud on our website. If you're not familiar with the Browsealoud product, it's used by people with sight impairments who might struggle to read text on a website. It "reads" out the text to them through the computer's speaker. Just click on the Browsealoud logo on any page and follow the directions. The Green vale Homes website now has the option to change the font size. There are some symbols, i.e. A A A that get bigger - simply click on the size you want and it changes. If you have any difficulty in using these features please contact Mary Buchanan, Communications and Marketing Manager on 01706 836331.

National Customer Services Week 2008

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What is National Customer Service Week?

National Customer Service Week was held on 6^th -10^th October. It was designed to raise awareness of providing excellent customer service and the vital role it plays within an organisation. It was also an opportunity to say a big thank you to all those members of staff who provide excellent customer service for a job well done. It was an ideal opportunity to celebrate the work of all those staff who work hard and go that extra mile for our customers. To find out more try the link below.

www.csweek.com

And don't forget that to celebrate this event we launched the first Trans-Pennine TipTop awards to recognise members of staff who have provided excellent customer service. These awards will be presented regularly in the future.

Congratulations to our first ever Green Vale Homes' TipTop winners!!!!

Terry Ashworth has been employed as a labourer/driver for many years and is now a general trades person. He has always turned his hand to other skills whatever was required, and returned to full time employment after a serious illness.

Ian Clegg has worked hard to keep the young people living at Cutler Greens engaged, involving them in gardening at a local sheltered scheme, and latterly has devoted a lot of his own time in researching the setting up of a Fishing Club for young and older residents, arranging evening meetings and weekend tidy ups, etc

Julie Lewer is very conscientious and has recently taken on Inspection Champion role. She has ensured notice boards in all 21 sheltered schemes display current literature and that a supply of up-to-date information packs that she compiled in her own time are available.

Barbara McWade was one of the representatives on the Corporate Workwear Team. She took the lead on arranging meetings and fittings, liaising with the supplier, ordering workwear, dealing with complaints, and alterations - and she did much of the work in her own time. Barbara provided an excellent service for her colleagues.

Phil Ridings - Helmcroft Court had an intermittent fault with the electricity supply for over a week. Even though Phil was on holiday he answered and dealt with all calls from Sue, and liaised with the services, workmen and Sue over the weekend to resolve the problem. He even called in to check everything was ok the following week whilst still on leave.

Police and Communities Together - PACT

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Please see www.lancashire.co.uk/index to see what's happening in your area. Enter your postcode in the section on the page to see dates for your local PACT meeting.

Estate Walkabouts

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Please click here for more information on our Estate Walkabouts

Local Surgeries

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Please click here for more information

Spending Your Money Conference

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thank you to those of you who attended the "Spending Your Money" Conference in June. We promised to give you feedback on the events of the day and the difference that you have made so here it is - Feedback Special.

Read full article

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Building work has started on Rossendale's first Extra Care housing development

The first brick of a £5 million housing development for older people in Rossendale was laid during a celebration of the start of construction work for the pioneering scheme. Berenice Leyland, Chair of the Board at Green Vale Homes, will officially mark the beginning of construction work in Brookville, Whitworth, with residents and representatives from partners involved in making the scheme a reality.

The much-needed development will be Rossendale's first 'Extra Care' scheme, designed to help older residents live independently with flexible support and accessible amenities. As well as containing 42 apartments, it will also boast a restaurant, activity suite, consulting room, hairdressers and laundry facilities. It is the result of a partnership between Green Vale Homes, Bramall Construction, who are building the four-storey development, and Synergy Housing Solutions, who are handling the project management. The development has been made possible thanks to almost £2 million in funding from the Housing Corporation and support from the local borough and county councils.

Berenice Leyland said: "A number of organisations have worked hard together to make this development possible and I am delighted to be launching this scheme. "But the work doesn't stop here - in fact it is only just starting. Once complete, dozens of older residents will be able to enjoy state-of-art facilities that will match the living standards of any residential development in the area. "I am looking forward to coming back next year to see the end result!" Brian Crawshaw, Bramall's Contracts Director, added: "We are delighted to be supporting this scheme and developing solutions that meet the needs of older local people. "People are living longer and there needs to be more housing like this to accommodate this trend. "This is one of a number of schemes we are working on at the moment, but is the first of its kind in Rossendale. As the needs of our population change, there will be an increase in this type of development in the future." Elsie Rowlands, a resident at Green Vale Homes' nearby sheltered housing scheme at Masseycroft, said: "When I saw what was planned I thought it was a brilliant idea. It is something that is needed in this community - it will fill the gap between sheltered accommodation and residential care." David McKeown, Synergy's Group Development and Regeneration Director said: "It is great to see that work is starting on this site - this is a much needed scheme for the area. "Working with Bramall and Green Vale Homes, I am sure we will deliver a scheme that meets the expectations of partners and, most importantly, the residents."

Results of our survey have been collected and the results are in...

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

602 surveys were sent out with 51% being returned - and we are please to report that the results were very positive. For more details see our

results leftlet.

New Housing Rights Website Launched

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and the Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust (hact) have launched the first housing rights website to be specifically aimed at answering housing rights queries for new migrants in England. Click here to visit: http://www.housing-rights.info

Arten Llazari, Manager of the Refugee & Migrant Centre based in Wolverhampton, said: “This website is easy to use and extremely timesaving. It will prove an essential tool for all agencies providing housing advice and assistance to refugees and new migrants. Our advisers already have it on their PC favorites list!”

Cecilia Ngeze, a refugee based in London, said: “I found the site very straight forward, well arranged and informative. It gave me lots of new information that I didn’t know before hand. I gave my friend details for the site and it helped her find answers to a difficult housing situation.”

Sarah Walker, a housing officer at Staffordshire Housing Association, said: “The website is easy to use and informative. It provides up-to-date, relevant information for housing professionals and people seeking accommodation which hopefully will make the process less confusing for all concerned. It is certainly a website that we will be using on a regular basis."

Heather Petch, hact’s Director, said: “This website fills an information gap and will do much to combat some of the informal gatekeeping that can occur as a result of opinion, rather than fact. It also unravels the complex and often misunderstood position regarding areas such as access to local authority waiting lists and how the law affects access to housing association stock.”

John Perry, CIH Policy Adviser, said: “One of the commonest problems that housing professionals meet in dealing with housing inquiries from migrants from abroad is knowing whether they have any entitlement to housing or homelessness assistance, and whether they are eligible for housing benefit. This web resource should fill this gap - and we hope that it will help to ensure that migrants get the help to which they are entitled.”

Two other sets of resources from the Opening Doors project are also available: • a review of recent studies and reports about national and local programmes and projects working with new migrants, especially EU migrants (downloadable at www.hact.org.uk and www.cih.org/policy/openingdoors); • a set of 10 training modules on refugee and new migrant housing issues (downloadable at www.hact.org.uk and www.cih.org/policy/openingdoors ).

New Housing Rights Website Launched

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thieves face DNA Scare

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sophisticated DNA technology is today being deployed by Pennine Housing to combat a rash of thefts.

Invisible paste has now been applied to all boilers and copper piping in the fight against both being plundered from empty homes across the area.

Thieves have hit a string of houses and flats in Halifax, Hebden Bridge, Elland, Sowerby Bridge and Brighouse.

Jonathan Howarth, Pennine empty properties co-ordinator, said: "It has reached epidemic proportions and we have had to take drastic action.

Read full story

Heptonstall Junior & Infants School children in Garden Golden Hour

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Youngsters are combining forces with tenants in a special golden hour of gardening to transform a popular park.

Around 27 pupils from Heptonstall Junior and Infants School will link up with residents to plant up the area in double quick time.

Their aim is to brighten up Heptonstall Memorial Park with a mass of bedding blooms to provide a splash of summer colour starting at 10am, Friday June 20.

Pennine Housing Officer Heather Hartwell said: “We are really pleased the youngsters are taking part with residents in making the park bloom.

“It is very good that the pupils will be gaining a sense of shared ownership of the park and taking responsibility for how it looks.”

Members of the Heptonstall Tenants and Residents Association and construction firm Strata are contributing towards the cost of the plants.

Strata is currently building 22 two bed apartments near the garden for Pennine, including seven shared ownership properties and four for people with disabilities.

Rita McWhirter, association chairman, said: “We aim to make an impression on the park - many hands make light work! “It is quite a large area and very popular, people sit in the park all the time so we are looking forward to brightening it up for everyone.”

Blooming marvellous 2008

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Pennine staff will this week be visiting over 200 entrants to the Calderdale annual garden competition.

The event is also being held for the first time for our Sheffield tenants with judging on the 4th & 5th August.

Pictures are taken of the gardens and shown at the Presentation Award Ceremony to be held in October.

Sensory Garden Sensation !

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new sensory and wildlife garden created by volunteers from Pennine Housing and the community is to come into full bloom at high noon!

Deputy Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor David O’Neill performs the opening ceremony tomorrow (Thurs) at Mytholm Meadows sheltered housing complex, Hebden Bridge

Many tenants properties overlook what was a wasteland before Glen O’Donnell of Pennine Housing 2000 took on the task of transforming the area.

Supported by volunteers and a whole list of sponsors she has turned the waterlogged and overgrown grounds into a fully landscaped and planted area.

Green Champion Glen, community investment co-ordinator at Pennine, said: “The garden has been designed for the five senses.

“We have plants that are scented which will be especially important for blind and partially sighted residents.
“There are also colourful flowers as well as herbs to touch and taste, along with the background rustle of bamboos in the breeze.” Young people and community groups are being invited to help maintain the garden which will also include a wildlife area. Many of the residents have limited mobility and the landscaped area provides a much needed outdoor area to enjoy The garden includes grassed areas able to take the weight of wheelchairs and features paths, walkways, a water feature, benches as well as raised and level flowerbeds. A timber deck area has been created where residents can meet, have tea and chat in attractive surroundings. Glen said “We couldn’t have achieved this remarkable transformation without both the financial contributions made by sponsors and dozens of volunteers who gave their time.

“All the contributors and residents have been invited to the opening ceremony which will include a band and buffet to celebrate a great team effort.”

Support included volunteers from Ryburn Valley High School, Hebden Royd CE Primary and sponsors including The Bearder Trust, Keepmoat and Hebden Bridge Rotary Club. The band, a guitar trio, includes Pennine electrician Simon Conway who has a special interest in the opening – he worked on the fountain

We're going green

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We're going green!

As from October 2008 you can receive your quarterly statements from us electronically.

To take advantage of this all you need to do is complete the following details and e-mail them to generalenquiries@greenvalehomes.co.uk. Alternatively you can send them to Green Vale Homes, Green Vale Court, New Hall Hey Road, Rawtenstall, Rossendale BB4 6HR.

-----------------------

Name

Address

e-mail address

To thank you for supporting our environmentally friendly scheme we will send you a £5 voucher.

ROC visits local school

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bolton builder Rok has been giving youngsters at a Lancashire primary school an
important lesson ahead of the summer holidays.

Rok is carrying out work in homes across the Bacup area for Green Vale Homes,
upgrading kitchens for residents, and the team visited 5t Joseph's RC Primary
School in Stacksteads to deliver their message.

Ivor Goodsite, the mascot of the industry image and awareness scheme,
Considerate Constructors, joined Rok on their visit to meet 84 Key Stage 1 and 2
pupils.

The youngsters were shown a DVD and given the opportunity to dress up in
personal protective equipment (PPE). A poster competition, which will see the
children's work displayed on site hoardings near the school, was also launched.

Ian Winrow, Rok's area leader for Bolton, said: "With the summer holidays
coming and Rok starting work in the area around the school, we wanted to raise
awareness in health and safety among the young people who l�ve in the area.

"Not only will work be taking place in some of the�r homes, but there wil also be
site cabins set up in the area, 50 it is important that those children are aware of
the safety issues around work sites.

"It was great for us to be able to take Ivor Goodsite to the school with us and the
poster competition, with the winners being displayed on the hoardings, wil also
help to create a better understanding and a sense of involvement for the
youngsters."

Mrs J M Gibson, Headteacher of St Josephs RC Primary School, commented, "The visit
was very informative and we are grateful to ROK for their time and expertise. All
our children thoroughly enjoyed the entertaining presentation."

Green Fingered Builders lend a hand as homes project blossoms

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bolton builder Rok has helped to add a spray of colour to a new community garden on an estate where it is working.

Rok is currently working with Green Vale Homes on its home improvement programme in Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Haslingden.

On the Top of the Town estate in Haslingden, residents have created a community garden. Green Vale Homes assisted by preparing the land and donating some plants.

Rok has teamed up with the residents to complete the project by donating hanging baskets and plants.

Following a successful two years as Green Vale Homes’ main partner on the improvement programme, during which 600 new kitchens and heating systems, 200 new windows and doors and 200 new roofs have been installed, Rok has recently been awarded further work.

This additional work will result in Rok installing a further 600 new central heating systems, 550 kitchens and 450 new bathrooms during the third year of Green Vale Homes’ five year investment programme.

Ian Winrow, Rok’s area leader for Bolton, said: “Rok is always keen to become a part of life in the communities in which it works. We were delighted to be a part of his garden which has been a great initiative by the residents and Green Vale Homes. .

“I believe the end result will be a fabulous community facility to be enjoyed by the current generation of residents and for years to come.”

Anthony Bradshaw, one of the residents who took a lead on planning and working in the garden, said, "I loved doing it. We have all made contributions - whether it was ideas, plants, or the hard work needed to make the garden a reality. It was really inspirational and has helped to bring our community together. We have even entered the Community category of the Green Vale garden competition."

Jaki Howorth, the Green Vale Estate Management Officer who has been working with tenants throughout the project, commented, "Although they have had some help from ROK and Green Vale Homes, the residents have put in a phenomenal amount of work. The result is a stunning community garden - Its a lovely place for neighbours to get together and socialise."

Website Launch

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homes window opens on the web

Green Vale Homes has launched its new look website designed to make it easier to find information and to communicate with the organisation.

Lynn Hurrell, Executive Director of Green Vale Homes, said, "We have listened to customers' comments and taken this into consideration when building the new site. You will, for example, find Board minutes included at the request of tenants. The site also has a number of on-line forms. For example you can now report a repair, request a rent statement, and fill in applications for houses and jobs."

Before it went live the website also received the thumb's up from Green Vale's Easy Read Group - a group of tenants who check all printed material to ensure that it is clearly written, jargon free and easy for everyone to access. Group member Vera Berry, from Helmcroft Court, in Helmshore, said, "It is very informative and really interesting. When it goes live I will look at it on my own computer."

The Green Vale web area is part of the new Trans-Pennine Housing Group website.

Tom Miskell, Group Chief Executive, said: "We've built a site to pull every element together, to be easy to navigate and bring us up to date. We are also celebrating the success of our Group. By working together we are achieving economies of scale and savings on administration which are invested in improved services for our tenants."

The Trans-Pennine Housing Group is made up of three companies: Green Vale Homes and Pennine Housing 2000 that provide affordable homes in Rossendale, and Calderdale and Sheffield, respectively, and Runcorn based Optima Housing Consultants.

The address for the new group web site is www.tph.org.uk but Green Vale Homes can be accessed directly on www.greenvalehomes.co.uk.

Welcome to our new AA Standard website

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

On 16th June 2008 Pennine Housing launch its new AA Standard website.

The website contains upto date information and images and is easy to navigate.

Once you have visited the site please use your Vote to say how useful you found the information.

New features include:-

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Paul Bayes, Income Generation Manager, said he was delighted that rent arrears for Green Vale Home tenants fell from £204,205 to £189,620 in the last financial year - a reduction of £14,585. Paul said, "I would like to thank my team for all their hard work. Their performance in rent arrears as a percentage of the gross annual debit was 1.79% -Organisations with arrears of 3.1% or less were in the top quarter of performance in the country." "I realise that tenants go into rent arrears for a variety of reasons - but it was important that they contact us. If anyone is having difficulties in paying their rent or with their housing benefit, they should ring me, or any member of my team on 01706 836336, 836309,836310 or 836311 to discuss their case and see how we could help."

Housing Corporation Assessment Result

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Trans-Pennine Gets GREEN light

The Housing Corporation uses a traffic light system to illustrate overall assessment of an association's compliance with the Regulatory Code and development performance.

A green symbol indicates no material concerns about performance, the association is either complying with the regulatory code or taking sufficient steps to comply with the Code within a reasonable timescale; an amber symbol indicates some material concerns about performance, resulting in corporation action above the minimum; a red symbol indicates serious concerns about performance.

Click here to read the report.

Audit Commission Inspection Result - May 2005

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Audit Commission assessed Pennine Housing 2000 as providing a ‘good’ two-star service that has promising prospects for improvement in May 2005.

View Inspection Report

Click here to link to Audit Commission website for more information.

ROK starts work on phase 2 of Green Vale Homes' capital improvement work

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Builder Rok has been awarded the contract to undertake the major part of Green Vale Homes' improvement work in the Bacup and Stacksteads and Whitworth areas of the Borough.

This follows a successful two years as Green Vale Homes' main partner on the improvement programme in Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Haslingden.During this time 600 new kitchens and heating systems, 200 new windows and doors and 200 new roofs have been installed, representing an investment of £8 million on behalf of Green Vale Homes' tenants.

The additional work will result in Rok installing a further 600 new central heating systems, 550 kitchens and 450 new bathrooms during the third year of Green Vale Homes' five year investment programme by the end of which a total of £48 million will have been invested in improving tenants' homes. Work has already started in the Grange Road area of Whitworth.

Ian Winrow, Rok's area leader for Bolton, said: "We are delighted to be working on this second phase of work with Green Vale Homes.

"Rok has a strong track record of working in people's homes to carry out refurbishment work. This coupled with our many satisfied customers in Rawtenstall, have been major factors in us being entrusted with this latest phase of decent homes work."

Green Vale tenant Marion Durkin, of Hardman Avenue, Rawtenstall who had her kitchen installed by Rok, supported this view. "I would like to say how delighted I am with my new kitchen. Many thanks to all the wonderful tradesmen who contributed to the end result, which has surpassed all my expectations. Everyone was very polite, considerate and did everything they could to make sure I was not disrupted more than was necessary. All the materials were delivered on time and the rubbish removed immediately. A big thank you to Scott Aspinall from Rok who progressed everything so expertly."

Nigel Cooke, Head of Asset Management for Green Vale Homes, said, "Rok have played a significant part in assisting Green Vale Homes not only in delivering high quality improvement work at competitive prices but also in our aim of using local labour and suppliers to boost the local economy and community. This arrangement provides value for money for tenants, who are at the heart of our business."

Creating the Future - The ASC Awards for Sustainable Communities

Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

and the winner is....

The ASC awards for sustainable communities is the leading national awards scheme for the sustainable communities sector, with support from Government and a wide range of national agencies. Across the country there are many individuals, groups and organisations striving to improve local communities and the lives of the people who live and work in them. This year there were more than 200 entries countrywide of which 29 projects went through to the final. A Celebration dinner was held in London on 7 th June.

Congratulations therefore go to Mixenden Community Link, Halifax who won in the ' Partnership Working across the Public, Private and Third Sectors category.'

Val Morris and Audrey Smith from Voluntary Action Calderdale initially worked together to set up the Mixenden Community Link. This brings together tenants, residents and minority groups to work together on ideas and projects within the Mixenden Community. It is also about rewarding voluntary effort. One of these projects was the painting of a church in which local people and asylum seekers from a variety of faiths worked together in multi-cultural co-operation. This project was entered and said to be an outstanding example of sustainable change at the local level. Amongst those attending the ceremony were Val Morris, Sue Hodgson, Val Barker, Suzanne Wilson, Tony Fitton, Audrey Smith, Sarkaw Aziz, Hassan Azrkish, Nasser Majidi and Callista Muteswa. Martin Reed also attended. Well done to all!

Green Vale enter Race for Life

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Green Vale Homes joins 2008

Cancer Research UK Relay for Life

The organising committee of the 2008 Cancer Research UK Relay For Life are delighted to announce that Green Vale Homes is the latest group to enter a team into this year’s event being held at Marl Pits athletics track on Saturday 5^th and Sunday 6^th July.

The team from Green Vale Homes - made up of 16 members of staff - is organised by Deputy Operations Manager Lee Rogers who commented “Green Vale Homes is delighted to be part of this exciting event which brings the whole community together to raise money to support the fight against cancer.” The team is hoping to raise money by holding a number of fundraising activities between now and the event.

Relay For Life brings together the whole community in a 24-hour festival of hope and remembrance to celebrate the strides being made to beat cancer and to raise funds to conquer the disease. There will be information available to raise awareness of cancer and survivorship, and of healthy lifestyles. It is also an opportunity for the public to find out more about the work of Cancer Research UK.

As part of the event, teams of people from all sections of the community take turns to walk, run, skip or crawl around a track in a relay following an opening ‘Lap of Honour’ by cancer survivors. At nightfall the atmosphere quietens with the poignant Candle of Hope Ceremony.

Event organiser Steven Farr said, ”We aim to build on the spectacular success of last year’s inaugural event where we raised £21,000 for this worthwhile charity. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better with more teams taking part and more entertainment planned over the whole of the 24 hours. Members of the public are welcome to come and enjoy the carnival atmosphere. They can join our teams on the track whilst enjoying the live music and fun and games going on around them. At 10 pm I hope everyone will attend the candle light ceremony where we remember all those people we have lost to cancer.”

Anyone wishing to find out more should contact Steven on 01706 224485, email relayforliferossendale@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.cancerresearcuk.org/relay

Notes for editors:

Photo – Green Vale staff Joanne Crawshaw, Alison Halstead, Sue Haworth, Dee Duckworth, Irene Ledsham, Maureen Coates, Lee Rogers and Jill Jackson with event organiser Steven Farr.

About Cancer Research UK Relay For Life – Rossendale

.Approximately 250 people in 13 teams took part in the first Relay For Life – Rossendale in July 2007 and raised £21,000 for Cancer Research UK and the fight against this group of diseases.

.The 2008 event is being supported by Councillor Christine Gill, Mayor elect and widow of the late Councillor Peter Gill who lost his battle with cancer earlier this year.

.Relay For Life Rossendale 2008 will take place at Marl Pits Sports Complex on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July 2008.

About Cancer Research UK

· Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to beat cancer.

· Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer.

· Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make.

· Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer.

For further information about Cancer Research UK or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7009 8820 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk.

PH Event1 Full Title

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

PH Event1 Description

Green Light for Calderdale's Third Extra Care Scheme

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Flexible Housing Options for an Ageing Society

Calderdale Council’s Planning Committee yesterday gave approval on the borough’s third Extra Care Housing scheme, at Melrose Court, Elland.

The original application was refused by planning in March 2007, because it was felt the proposals made the building overbearing and could have an impact on the local community. Having taken on board these concerns, Pennine went back to the drawing board, completely redesigned the scheme in its entirety and went to the local community to undertake further consultation on the new proposal.

Now that the go ahead has been given, Melrose Court, one of Pennine Housing 2000’s sheltered housing schemes, will be demolished and replaced with a brand new, state-of-the-art Extra Care Housing Scheme. It is a fundamental part of improving Pennine Housing’s services to older people, a core objective for the Council and in keeping with the Government’s new ‘National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society’. With the expectation that by 2026, there will be 2.4 million more older households than there were in 2007 (Communities and Local Government commissioned research 2007), Extra Care housing schemes like Melrose Court will play an important role in providing housing for an ageing population.

This will be Pennine’s third Extra Care housing scheme, following in the footsteps of other successful developments at Mytholm Meadows, Hebden Bridge (built and opened to the public in 2004) and Clement Court (built and opened to the public in 2001). The £7m Melrose Court development is a joint project between Pennine Housing and Calderdale Council.

Councillor Amanda Byrne, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Calderdale Council said:

“Over the next decade or so, Calderdale will see a significant increase in the numbers of older people, particularly those aged 75 years and over – many of whom will have increasing needs. Most older people want to remain in their own home for as long as possible receiving care there, rather than moving into a residential home. The development of the third scheme at Melrose is a key priority for Calderdale Council.”

The development will also receive Housing Corporation funding, which has been secured through the Synergy Partnership. If approval is given, work is anticipated to start on site in March 2008. Pennine Housing will be working with local contractors, Southdale Homes, to deliver the project.

Sue Lewis, Head of Supported Housing Services at Pennine Housing 2000, said:

“The approval means that we’ve got the proposal right both for our customers and the local community. Our third Extra Care Housing scheme will give the older people of Calderdale more housing choice and shows how Pennine Housing is able to deliver housing options that meet changing aspirations.

“It’s an exciting development which provides, not only a higher standard of housing but also makes sure that older people can continue to live independent lives, with the care and support that they need. In addition, we are also increasing housing choice by offering 10 apartments for part rent/part buy and 7 family houses for sale.”

The existing scheme at Melrose Court is well past its sell-by date. Whilst it is an extremely popular location, the current scheme is very old-fashioned and well below the standards that people nowadays, quite rightly, find uacceptable. In order to meet the future needs and expectations of our customers, the existing building will be demolished and rebuilt as an “extra care housing scheme”.

The new scheme will have 52 self-contained apartments, all of which will be 2-bedrooms and have been carefully designed so they are suitable for older people, including those with disabilities. The new building will also include a range of communal facilities, including: foyer seating, lounge, bistro-style restaurant, health suite, hairdressing salon, guest room and IT suite.

Pennine will also be providing new changing room facilities for local football clubs in the nearby park, as the existing facilities will be part of the demolition. The whole project will take around 18 months to complete, once work on site begins in March 2008.

What is Extra Care?

Extra Care housing is a special type of housing scheme for older people, providing independent apartments, together with services, within the scheme, which help people to keep their independence. Simply, your own front door with help to manage. It is a ‘step up’ from general sheltered housing as Extra care schemes are often seen as bridging the gap between sheltered housing and residential care. Extra Care housing schemes:

• are specially designed

• have extra facilities

• have staff based within the scheme to support and care for those who live there, including a Scheme Manager and Home Care staff.

Injunction - Margaret Gilheaney

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Injunction Order for Rubbish

From the day she moved into the property in 2000 Margaret Gilheaney of 70 Hillside Rd, Haslingden continually dumped rubbish in her front and back gardens. Neighbours regularly complained about the sight and smell coming from the rubbish bags

Following numerous warnings and costly assistance to clear the grounds, Green Vale Homes were forced to take legal action against her.

On 6^th November 2007 a 3 year Injunction Order was awarded against Mrs Gilheaney. She was ordered to remove all refuse and waste material from the gardens within 7 days and keep the grounds neat and tidy in future. Mrs Gilheaney was also ordered to pay Green Vale Homes £500 in costs.

Mrs Gilheaney failed to abide by the terms of the Injunction and on the 22^nd February Green Vale Homes returned to court for a committal hearing. As the garden had been cleaned by Social Services only days before, the application was withdrawn. Mrs Gilheaney was ordered to pay an additional £200 towards the legal costs incurred.

ASB Officer John McGlinchey commented "The sight and smell of the rubbish was totally unacceptable. I hope Green Vale's action sends out a clear message to other tenant's who decide to use their gardens as a dumping ground. We will now be pursuing Mrs Gilheaney to recover the legal costs incurred"

Background to Sheffield Stock Transfer

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Background to Transfer Proposal

The Wisewood, Wadsley and Loxley estates comprise of 624 properties made up of 415 at Wisewood, 118 at Wadsley and 91 at Loxley.

The Neighbourhood Commissions were composed of local tenants, residents and Councillors and their first priority was addressing the condition of local Council homes. An important part of the Commission’s job was to consult with tenants about which option they felt was the best way of bringing in extra money for their homes and their area and recommend a way forward.

The recommendation of the Commission in relation to Wisewood/Wadsley/Loxley (WWL) estates was, “Support for a local stock transfer to a Registered Social Landlord be tested with tenants and if support is demonstrated through a test of opinion tenants be balloted on a transfer proposal.” Subsequent tests of opinion showed support from tenants for exploring stock transfer and on 27th October 2004 Cabinet resolved, authority be delegated to the Head of Housing Strategy in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods to agree and implement a competitive selection process for the selection of an RSL, in conjunction with tenants; such recommendation to be reported to Cabinet for approval.

0n 14th September 2005, Cabinet considered a report on the outcome of that competitive selection process and resolved that, Pennine Housing 2000 Housing Association be appointed as prospective landlord of the Wisewood/Wadsley/Loxley estates, subject to a ballot of tenants, and officers be authorised to prepare a formal Offer Document for the approval of the City Council.

Read a full summary of the transfer proposal on Sheffield City Councils website

Transfer Result Details

In July 2006, tenants voted yes to transfer to Pennine Housing 2000, with 76% of the votes in favour, kick starting an initial £15million improvement programme, due to begin in the New Year. Official date of transfer - 20th November 2006.

Of the results Tom Miskell, Chief Executive of Pennine Housing 2000 said: “The transfer is an important milestone for the residents of Wisewood, Wadsley and Loxley as it means we can now push forward our exciting plans to regenerate their homes and the area.

“We have worked closely with residents over the past 15 months and will continue to work in partnership with them to ensure that their hopes and visions are delivered.

Sheffield City Council proposed stock transfer for Wisewood, Wadsley and Loxley after local tenants said it would be the best way to improve homes and the estates.

Tenants helped decide what improvements would be made during a series of open days and meetings during 2006.

Work to reach the decent homes standard required by 2010 will include new kitchens, bathrooms, new central heating and double glazing. However, tenants will also get extra improvements including, a living room fire and surround, new front and back doors and modern door entry systems for flats. In addition, tenants can join local scheme panels to help decide how £1m of investment can be spent across the estates. This could include providing extra works to the estates such as hard standings or driveways. We will also improve the environment and safety on the estates, this may be by improving pavements and grass verges, by improving street lighting and tree management.

View or Download Offer Document (1249KB large file)

Manor Park & Harold Lambert Court tenants vote YES to transfer to Pennine Housing 2000

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Stock Transfer Results

Manor Park and Harold Lambert Court: Turnout 56.8% - those in favour 77.6% (Pennine Housing 2000)

Date of Transfer - March 26th 2007

Background

Sheffield City Council proposed stock transfer for the estate after local tenants and residents said it would be the best way to improve homes and the estates both now and in the future. All tenants had the chance to help decide what improvements would be made during a series of open days and meetings that took place throughout this year.

Work to reach the Government's Decent Homes Standard required by 2010 will include new kitchens, bathrooms, central heating and double-glazing. However, tenants will also get extra improvements including, a living room fire and surround, new front and back doors and modern door entry systems for flats.

Tenants can join local boards to help decide how money for additional improvements should be spent across the estates. This could include the provision of extra works to the estate such as hard standings or driveways.

The housing associations will also improve the environment and safety on the estates. This could include providing off street parking, improvements to grass verges and improved security lighting. Tenants' key rights will be protected and rents will remain affordable.

Karl Tupling, Sheffield City Council Director of Housing said: "Tenants and residents' representatives in Woodthorpe, Lower Manor, Wybourn, Harold Lambert Court and Manor Park told us they wanted much more than the basic decent homes standard. They wanted a good standard of improvements now, and investment for the next 30 years to carry on improving and maintaining homes"

He continued: "The transfers are a real tribute to the team of tenants and residents who have worked so hard over the years to realise their vision for their estates".

These transfers follow the two recently completed at Shiregreen and Wisewood, Wadsley, Loxley. Alongside the work being delivered by the Sheffield Homes ALMO (Arms Length Management Organisation) the transfers will play a big part in delivering one of the Council's key objectives, which is to create successful neighbourhoods.

The Council will now work with Acis Group, Manchester Methodist Housing Association and Pennine Housing 2000 to make sure the transfers are a success and that local tenants get the homes they deserve.

View or Download the 'Road to Transfer' Offer Document (901 KB large file)

Background Information leading up to the stock transfer can be found on this link to Sheffield City Councils website.

Brookville £1.9 million bid successful

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

£1.9 Million Bid Successful!

Green Vale Homes in partnership with Rossendale Council, Lancashire County Council and Supporting People has received £1,920,000 from the Housing Corporation for a purpose built extra care sheltered housing scheme for older people on the existing Brookville site in Whitworth.

Berenice Leyland, Chair of the Board at Green Vale Homes, said, "I am delighted at the news. This will be the first purpose built extra care facility in Rossendale. Extra care housing is a special type of housing scheme for older people, providing independent apartments, together with services, within the scheme, which help people to maintain their independence. The new development at Brookville will be a great help to those who need the next step up from sheltered housing but are not yet ready for residential care."

The new scheme will have 36 two bedroomed flats and 6 one bedroomed flats. Facilities include a restaurant, activity suite, lounge, consulting room, hairdresser, laundry room and guest suite.

Helen Lockwood, Deputy Chief Executive of Rossendale Borough Council, added, "This will make a big difference to older people in Rossendale and will also make a real improvement to the Whitworth area".

As part of the Trans-Pennine Group, Green Vale applied for Housing Corporation funding through the Synergy Group. Synergy Housing Solutions Ltd Is project managing the scheme on behalf of Green Vale Homes and homes are being constructed by contractor Bramall Construction, a Keepmoat company. Architects Langtry Langton prepared designs for the building. The total cost of the scheme is £4.9 million.

Christine Collins, Synergy Investment Manager, stated, "Synergy Housing Solutions are delighted to be working in conjunction with Green Vale Homes, Rossendale Borough Council and Lancashire County Council on this exciting extra care scheme. The Housing Corporation funding received for the project forms part of the £29.5 million allocation for the Synergy Partnership for the 2008/11 programme."

An open day was held in September to raise awareness of Green Vale Homes' proposal and to answer questions and discuss any concerns raised by local residents. Further public consultation will be publicised in due course. If you would like more information about the scheme, please contact Green Vale Homes Sheltered Housing Improvement Officer Alison Halstead on 01706 836303 or Derek Hepworth, Programme Investment Manager, on 01706 237043.

ASBO - Katie and Ashleigh Lynch

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

ASBOs in Edgeside

Identical twins Ashleigh and Katie Lynch of 70 Fairfield Avenue Waterfoot were both given 2-year Asbos. The order's compel them not to use threatening behaviour to people living in Waterfoot area. They must not be drunk in a public place or have an open alcohol container in public.

Neighbouring residents had been threatened, abused and ridiculed by the girls, now aged 20, for several years. This behaviour lead to the Lancashire Police to apply to the courts for an Asbo. Green Vale Homes assisted the Police throughout the case and ensured witnesses were forthcoming and protected during the proceedings.

Although lawyers representing the pair said that the twins suffered from Asperger's Syndrome, the Judge ruled that, while he accepted that the girls had problems, the order was necessary to protect people in the area.

One neighbour summed up everybody's feelings by saying "There will be a sense of relief in Edgeside because now people will know that this order is in place and they can get help".

Green Vale Staff Present Cheque to Hospice

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Green Vale Homes staff were delighted to hand over a cheque for £3,000 to Rossendale Hospice - the result of a year of fund raising activity.

Staff member Robert Dawson who presented the cheque, looked back over how the money was raised: "The Social Club has had a series of events - quizzes, car rallies, BBQs - and raffles to raise money for charity. Our "Fight the Fat" group also put in money every week and held a pamper evening at Tufties. Even our staff Christmas party generated cash for charity - we sold additional tickets and obtained sponsorship from our partners and suppliers."

Lynn Hurrell, Executive Director, added, "I am very proud of our staff and their efforts to make a difference in the local community. I would also like to thank our partners and suppliers for supporting our efforts and attending our events."

Vicki Beard, Hospice at Home Nurse Co-ordinator, responded, "Thank you very much for all the hard work from Green Vale staff. We couldn't run a Hospice without people like you."

Next year, Green Vale staff have voted to split the money raised between Rossendale Hospice and Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary.

Photo: Robert Dawson presents a £3000 cheque to Vicki Beard and Hospice at Home Administrator, Paula Vick.

Pitfalls of Right to Buy

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the present financial climate more homes are being re-possessed and this is happening to some former tenants who have purchased their property from Green Vale Homes through the Right to Buy. This may have happened because tenants have not realized the additional costs of home ownership such as responsibility for all their own repairs, maintenance, insurance and improvements to the property, as well as keeping up with their monthly mortgage payments.

Julie Smith, Head of Operations for Green Vale Homes, said, "We are concerned that tenants who sign up for the Right to Buy with some companies who do 'cold calling' are not being given comprehensive advice to ensure that buying their property is right for them.

We would strongly advise tenants to seek their own independent legal and financial advice before signing any agreement, particularly on the doorstep. You can also contact Green Vale Homes who will offer you free advice and guidance.

Green Vale Homes would remind all tenants who are considering purchasing their property under the Preserved Right to Buy that if they fail to keep up with their mortgage payments, the lender may repossess their home."

If you would like more information from Green Vale Homes, please contact your Estate Management Officer or Pamela Doidge, Right to Buy Officer on

01706 836344.

Faulty Immersion Heaters

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FAULTY THERMOSTAT GUIDANCE ISSUED TO RESIDENTS TO PROTECT THEM FROM DANGER

Following the tragic death of a baby who died from being scalded by water from a hot water tank which had a faulty thermometer, Rossendale Borough Council has urged tenants, private landlords and homeowners to watch out for telltale warning signs with their water system to help prevent any further tragedies.

The guidance, based on Health and Safety Executive alerts, has warned that particular consideration should be given to hot water systems over 10 years old and systems where homeowners and landlords may have other reason to suspect the adequacy of the initial installation or any subsequent work.

The warning signs people in any home should look out for include:-

o Excessively hot water coming out of the hot water taps;

o Excessive noise or 'bubbling' from the hot water cylinder;

o Hot water coming out of certain cold water taps (some storage cisterns also feed cold water taps in the bathroom);

o Steam/moisture in the roof space.

Nigel Cooke, Head of Asset Management for Green Vale Homes, added, "Green Vale Homes takes its responsibilities toward its tenants very seriously. Since this incident came to light we set up a program to replace faulty or worn out immersion heater elements and thermostats with those that have new British standard cutouts. There are approximately 600 old style units remaining throughout all of our homes and we are stepping up our program to get rid of these. To help us, if tenants regularly use or are aware the property has an immersion heater then please contact us via the Green Vale Homes Repairs Direct freephone number 0800 707 6666 and make an appointment to have the heater checked and replaced if this is necessary. Tenants with combi-boilers will not encounter this problem because they do not have stored hot water - water is heated as and when it is needed."

"In order to prevent any further tragic losses of life through faulty thermostats in addition to our tenants, all local homeowners - particularly those with systems more than ten years old - should be aware and alert to the warning signs that appear when a thermostat becomes faulty and make arrangements to get it fixed as quickly as possible."

Knowing Our Customers

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Knowing your Customers - With a Difference!!

Green Vale Homes is delighted to announce that - with the help of its customers and local artist Ruth Evans - its exhibition of valley art will be available from 19 January to 3 February at Whitaker Park Museum.

Berenice Leyland, Chair of the Green Vale Board, explained how the pictures came about: "We wanted to know more about our customers and potential customers and what is important to them. In order to find this out, we undertook a new method of community consultation with the help of Irwell 13 Community Arts.

Local artist Ruth Evans spent time with groups of various ages and types throughout the valley and has been asking people what they think of Rossendale and also what their home means to them. The results of this consultation are reflected in an intimate and touching collection of artwork that Ruth has designed based on the Valley and its traditions using fabric to reflect the textile heritage of the valley. She has incorporated material that Green Vale Homes uses in the building and repair of its homes. She has also included some of the comments that she collected: "Home is where I can be myself, where I can do whatever I want, where I am safe and secure".

The result is a celebration of the valley that we would love to share with local people."

Local artist Ruth Evans commented, "It has been interesting and heartening to see that whatever culture or age you may come from just how many common threads emerge between the many diverse communities that live in and love the valley."

Tong Lane Improvements

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Changes welcomed by residents!!!

Residents in the Springfield Avenue and Tong Lane area of Bacup will soon be benefiting from a £250,000 Environmental Improvement Scheme currently being undertaken by Green Vale Homes. The scheme tackles structural repairs, while at the same time enhancing the appearance of the neighbourhood.

Sharon Loney, Bacup Neighbourhood Housing Manager for Green Vale Homes, said, "We have worked closely with residents and the TMO over the past eighteen months to gather the views of everyone and to ensure that this significant investment achieves maximum benefit for the local community. Residents have had to endure noise and unruly behaviour as a result of the estate being used as a shortcut to and from the town centre. The removal of several points of access to the estate and new fencing should significantly improve the quality of life of all residents in the area."

Residents Jackie Moran and Sheila Morten have lived on the estate for a total of 20 years and have both been actively involved in the consultation process. They are delighted that work is now underway. Jackie said, "We are all looking forward to the work being completed - We really do think it will make a big difference to the quality of our lives and the area we live in. I would like to say a big thank you to Sharon and the team at Green Vale for all their efforts on our behalf "

Nigel Cooke, Head of Asset Management for Green Vale Homes, said. "This project is an excellent example of Green Vale Homes and residents working together. The design process has been complicated and involved Structural Engineers, The Environment Agency, Rossendale Borough Council and our own in house team. The main Environmental Improvement Programme is scheduled for 2009 but owing to the urgent need for this work, funding was brought forward into year two of our Investment Programme."

Work commenced on 24^th September and is scheduled for completion at the end of January 2008. The Contractor undertaking the work on behalf of Green Vale Homes is Heritage Civil Engineering and Construction Ltd who have worked in Rossendale for many years.

Repossession Order - John Heyworth

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Repossession for Noise

John Heyworth lived at 47a Schofield Road - a one bed ground floor flat in a quiet road in Rawtenstall. Complaints of noise were received in February 05. Neighbours reported that they were regularly disturbed by loud music and war films throughout the night, and that Mr Heyworth would get abusive when they requested that he turn the volume down.

The Environmental Health Department served Mr Heyworth with a Noise Abatement Order. He subsequently breached this Order and a warrant to confiscate his TV and hi-fi was executed in Sept '05.

The problems continued on and off until Green Vale Homes took legal action against Mr Heyworth. On the 22^nd November 07 we were awarded with an Order for the possession of the property in 7 days and £500 costs

John McGlinchey, the ASB Officer for Green Vale Homes, said, "Mr Heyworth caused continual suffering to his neighbours by playing his music and TV at full volume. Green Vale Homes gave him numerous opportunities to change his ways but he chose to ignore these warnings. This has now cost him his home. "

Healthy Life Style

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

History Repeats Itself!!!

Green Vale Homes and Rossendale Leisure Trust have agreed a partnership agreement aimed at reducing ill-health caused by lack of physical exercise, and at promoting exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

Under the new Green Vale Homes corporate membership scheme, Green Vale staff will be able to access a range of activities at Haslingden Sports Centre, Marl Pits Pool and Haslingden Pool at a discounted rate of admission. In return, Green Vale's Health & Safety Manager Mike Craven will provide the Leisure Trust with a programme of Health & Safety training. Training subjects include Risk Assessment, Fire Safety, Manual Handling and Working at Height. The partnership will run for 12 months and the results and benefits will be reviewed regularly by both organisations.

Mike Craven said, "I am sure that Green Vale staff will take advantage of this deal and use the excellent facilities provided by the Leisure Trust. Exercise and fitness is very important for a healthy lifestyle and I am very pleased to be working in partnership with the Leisure Trust to help tackle the challenges caused by ill-health and an inactive lifestyle."

Speaking on behalf of the Leisure Trust, Area Manager for Sport Diane Scott said, "As a major provider of leisure services, we are delighted to be working in partnership with another of Rossendale's major employers to promote healthy living. Company membership schemes contribute to our mission of Getting Rossendale on the Move, and we are also pleased to be able to enhance the safety of our own staff through the provision of health and safety training."

The scheme has been welcomed by Green Vale staff, including members of the company's "fight-the-fat club", a group set up by employees at the company's Green Vale Court HQ, which has helped staff to loose weight whilst raising money for the Rossendale Hospice.