Russet Homes residents celebrate refurbishment

Published by Barbara H for Russet Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment, Health, Local Government

Residents of all ages joined around 30 pupils from both The Malling School and St James the Great on the Winterfield Estate to help bed plants and pick up unsightly litter to celebrate the exciting refurbishment of the neighbourhood.

A couple of years ago Russet Homes, who funded and carried out the work, worked with local residents to hear what they thought about the estate and how they felt it could be improved. These suggestions have been implemented over the past two years and a community planting event held in celebration of the improvements.

Ivanna Roberts-Cillia, Head of Housing, said: “The area was looking tired and had become a popular place for youths to congregate particularly around the old play area and the garages. There had also been acts of vandalism to the paving and garage areas which were easy targets as were not overlooked. Local residents felt that the area would benefit from external improvements and Russet was able to deliver the proposed suggestions.

A new pathway has been developed and two garage areas refurbished to make room for more landscaped parking bays - which was high on the list of the resident’s priorities. Another major concern was about safety, and CCTV has been installed. Local people have also welcomed the improved fencing and the new street lamps which have increased lighting throughout the estate.

Ivanna Roberts-Cillia continued: “Russet Homes is driven by the difference we can make to peoples lives by enhancing Life Chances and seeks to create safe and thriving communities which everyone cares about. It was fantastic to see so many young people help us with the planting and litter picking and we hope that this will encourage them to continue to look after the neighbourhood for years to come.”

Part of Circle Anglia – one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable housing, Russet Homes own and manage around 6,600 properties in Tonbridge and Malling.