"Estate Action a Priority" » Environment » 24dash.com

“ESTATE ACTION A PRIORITY”

Picture: vehicle being removed on Hawtonville.
Approximately 50 Tenancy Breach Notices were issued by Newark and Sherwood Homes and one illegal vehicle removed by the Police in a recent Walkabout on Hawtonville. Everything from untidy gardens to illegal parking and fly tipping was tackled when partnership agencies joined forces to blitz the estate.
The Walkabout is organised by Newark and Sherwood Homes Tenancy and Estates Team to give tenants, leaseholders and other partners the opportunity to visit areas and give their views on how things can be improved. The Hawtonville event is one of 20 held across the district which aims to further the company’s vision of ‘Providing Excellent Housing Services’ and is part of a wide ranging consultation and involvement strategy.
Julie Davidson, Estates Manager with Newark and Sherwood Homes, said “Walkabouts are an excellent way of seeing life on the estate. The Company is taking a positive pro-active approach together with partners to deal with all types of issues. The majority of people are very hard working and look after their gardens and property. However there are some that need reminding about their tenancy conditions. The issuing of over 50 notices is unfortunate, but at the same time they are advisory and give people a chance to improve before we have to result to more serious enforcement remedies”.
Julie Madin, Housing Officer stated “We will continue to observe tenancy breaches on the estate and move forward with further action if needed. We want tenants to know that we will support them to improve their homes but will not accept constant breaches and need to see signs of improvement”.
Julie Davidson felt that the partnership approach was an ideal way of working. “I feel that the multi agency approach is the only way to tackle bad behaviour on an estate. Estate action is our priority” she said. “It is not about Newark and Sherwood Homes badgering people. It’s about residents having a sense of pride in their estate and realising that everyone should play their part. If that means that tidying their garden helps to make a street look better then this should be encouraged. It also means that tenants are not breaking their tenancy agreement”.
Terry Bailey, Housing Officer, felt that if one small area of the estate is left unattended then this has the potential for other areas to decline. He said “This would be the start of many more visits which means that Newark and Sherwood Homes would be keeping a close eye on developments. We will take further action on those tenants that don’t respond positively and that are constantly breaking their agreements.”
Councillor Girling, from Nottinghamshire County Council said “Newark and Sherwood Homes should be congratulated for facilitating the walkabout system. It [the walkabout] is a fine way of taking action on those within our community that seek to spoil it for everyone else. There are a few who need reminding about their responsibilities. I will continue to attend these events on behalf of my constituents and respond positively to any issues that need dealing with”.
End.


Picture: Rubbish identified on Hawtonville Estate .

Newark and Sherwood Homes Limited
Kelham Hall, Kelham, Newark-on-Trent
Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX