Housing association’s assisted decorating and gardening schemes proving popular

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities

Over 90 households in Peterborough have had rooms painted or have been given assistance in their gardens due to a scheme launched by housing association Accent Nene last September.

Subject to criteria, Accent Nene provides help to any of their residents who are finding it difficult to carry out their own decorating or gardening.  The scheme was set up after consultation with a representative group of Accent Nene residents to determine eligibility. All work is carried out free of charge. 

For selected residents who meet the criteria, Accent Nene arrange the redecoration of one room every three years, providing all labour and a choice of paints  free of charge, whilst specialist materials are provided by the resident.  All decoration work to date has been carried out by their contractors, Premier Decorators.

Meanwhile, eligible residents with unmanageable gardens are now having their lawns mowed, shrubs pruned, hedges trimmed and flower beds edged.  These services are provided for up to one hour a visit by five of Accent Nene's approved landscape contractors. 

One resident said: "The standard of work was more than satisfactory - it was excellent.  Thanks for a first class service."

Another commented:  "The service was of great benefit to me and has improved the look of the house inside.  I would not have been able to do this decoration myself.  The decorator was very polite and did a great job and I am very pleased with the result." 

Commenting on the scheme, Accent Nene's Technical Services Manager, Neil Cox, said: "We have been quite overwhelmed by the positive comments from our residents, all of whom appreciate this extra assistance in helping make their lives easier."