Landlord taking care of communities

Published by Jon Land for Riverside Group in Housing and also in Communities

Local landlord Riverside North East has teamed up with housing services provider Connaught to provide employment for a tenant on York’s Coggan Close estate.

Connaught, which provides cleaning and maintenance services for Riverside North East, worked with the landlord to recruit a local person to take up the role of estate caretaker.

Peter Harrison, who lives in Coggan Close, started his new job this month, which includes estate patrols, cleaning and grounds maintenance of the area.

Julie Riseborough, head of community engagement at Riverside North East is delighted with the appointment. Julie said: "Peter is not only providing an invaluable service, but will be the eyes and ears of the community. We are working hard to combat worklessness for our tenants and this appointment is a real step forward in cementing community relations. He is already making a real difference and of course as a resident knows the area well.”

John McSherry, Connaught environmental regional director said: “This example of community liaison is typical of the way we work across the country. Our relationship with Riverside is based on our mutual commitment to excellent service and value for money for our clients.”

Riverside North East manages 53 flats on the estate.

Connaught and The Riverside Group have been working together in the Liverpool area since April 2008. Their partnership has expanded to include properties and tenants in Manchester, York, Newcastle and the South East.