Tenants Association

Newsletter

July 2008

A big pat on the back for Elland Lane and Travis House

What a difference a couple of months can make! At our last meeting both Elland Lane and Travis House tenants groups were able to report that they had successfully completed their respective campaigns.

The Elland Lane tenants had been informed that Pennine has decided to respect tenants wishes and leave the bungalows alone. Sue Montey, Elland Lane TA, however pointed out that this is only half of the solution, the next step is to help people see how desirable the properties are by accompanying the Housing Officer when empty bungalows are being viewed by prospective new tenants.

Travis House TA, where tenants had been having lots of problems with damp and condensation, were pleased to report to the Federation that Pennine Housing had awarded £100,000 to do the necessary building work to sort out the problems. Just goes to show what can be achieved when communities work together.

Voids Update

Pennine are now getting on top of the voids problem which recently left a number of Pennine flats and houses standing empty on our estates.
The problems which arose as a result of a combination of problems including the success of Key Choice and the improving the standard of work to empty properties prior to them being re-let. Pennine brought in external contactors: ROK, Wakefield & District Homes and Green Vale Homes to help them deal with the backlog. The cost of this should be met by the reduction in lost rent. Pennine is now handling all new voids, whilst the external contractors, who should be off site by the end of August, work on the backlog.

Who's made a difference to YOUR community?

Next year's Pennine Housing/Green Vale Homes calendar will celebrate the difference individuals, or group of tenants, have made to their communities. Every month a different achievement will be celebrated.

We want you to nominate any tenant or community group you feel fits the bill - this includes the Sheffield and Green Vale Homes estates.

You'll have to hurry up though because we need your nominations by the end of July so that progress can be made on producing next years calendar.

If you want to make a nomination, simply call the Tenant Involvement Office on:
01422 284609

Keep Britain Tidy

Is your neighbourhood in need of a Big Tidy Up? Are you tired of seeing litter scattered on the streets and spoiling your local area? Well now's your big chance to do something about it.

This September, Keep Britain Tidy is launching England's first ever Big Tidy Up - the country's biggest ever clean up. All you need to do is log on at www.thebigtidyup.org to register and we'll send you a tidy up kit containing everything you need to spruce up your neighbourhood, including tabard bibs, refuse sacks, a guide, posters to promote your clean up, badges, and stickers

The campaign will launch on 1st September 2008 and you're encouraged to carry out your clean up during September. However tidy ups can take place at any time throughout the year.