Your GREATNeighbourhoodPromiseGedling and Phoenix

2014-17

At Gedling Homes we want all ourneighbourhoods to be great placesto live. We want them to look great,have great services, feel safe and bea place for both work andrecreation. We believe that bothGedling Homes and our tenantshave an important role to play inshaping how our neighbourhoodsgrow and develop. Throughreviewing and improving theservices we provide to our tenants,we feel we can have a positiveeffect on our neighbourhoods.

We have produced aneighbourhood promise for each ofGedling Homes’ neighbourhoodareas and this one is yours. It detailsthe issues raised by you and acommitment from Gedling Homesto review and develop our servicesto contribute to improving yourneighbourhood.

The promise will run for 3 years andwill be reviewed annually withtenants, to assess our progressagainst the actions.

Gedling and Phoenix

2

Gedling Homes’ Properties in Gedling and Phoenix

Occupied properties

Occupied: 246

Empty: 5

General needsaccommodation

Flat: 20

House: 160

Ethnicity

White British: 218

BME: 5

Unknown: 23

Gender

Female: 153

Male: 93

Shelteredaccommodation

Bungalow: 36

Flat: 35

Tenant age

18-29: 9

30-39: 40

40-49: 36

50-59: 34

60+: 115

Unknown: 12

Totalaccommodation

Bungalow: 36

Flat: 55

House: 160

Number ofproperties:

251

3

*Data accurate as of November 2013

Gedling is situated four miles north-east ofNottingham City centre. It is a small village that lendsits name to the local borough and council. Gedling wasa mining village from 1899 until the colliery closed in1991. Work has recently begun to transform the formerGedling Colliery site into a £1.1m country park.

There are two main shopping areas in Gedling.Westdale Lane has a number of independent retailunits providing takeaways, newsagents, hairdressers,a pet shop and post office. Wollaton Avenue has a stripof shops and amenities with a general supermarket andtake-away. The Ark drop-in centre, on WollatonAvenue opens four days a week offering help withadvice on benefits, housing, debts, money managementand general life skills. It also offers computer access forresidents.

This area is predominantly privately owned with a smallproportion of Gedling Homes properties and othersocial landlords. Our properties are predominantlyfamily homes, but we also have some 1 and 2bedroomed flats and two sheltered housing schemes.

Your GREAT Neighbourhood

● Berry Hill Grove● Besecar Avenue● Bramble Court● Charles Close● Conway Crescent● Conway Road● Coronation Walk● Earl Crescent● Elizabeth Grove● Florence Road● Freemans Terrace● Grange Crescent● Harlow Grove● Jessops Lane● Lambley Lane● Lymn Avenue● Margaret

Crescent● Mountbatten

Grove● Newcastle

Avenue

● Orlando Drive● Perlethorpe

Avenue● Perlethorpe

Close● Perlethorpe

Crescent● Perlethorpe Drive● Philip Grove● Phoenix Avenue● Princess Close● Priory Road● Queens Avenue● St. Austins Court● St. Michaels

Avenue● Vernon Avenue● Waverley Avenue● Willow Avenue

Gedling Homes has properties in:

4

Old Railway Bridge, Gedling

Rating Your Neighbourhood

Working with our tenants we have identified a numberof areas that tell us how well we are performing in yourneighbourhood. These are called neighbourhoodindicators and will be used alongside the feedback wehave collected from tenants and residents. Theinformation will tell us what we need to focus on tohelp improve your neighbourhood.

We have also identified some external indicators whichwere identified as having an impact on the widercommunity.

Our tenants have told us to use a simple star rating,from 1-5, with 5 being the best. We will give a starrating to a range of indicators to identify a final,overall score for your neighbourhood.

5

Remembrance memorial

Indicator Brief Summary STARRating

GedlingHomes’Indicators

Percentage of tenancies in rentarrears

There are significant levels of rent arrears. This meansthat a relatively high number of tenants will beexperiencing financial hardship and are at risk of losingtheir home

HHH

Percentage of customer satisfactionwith their neighbourhood as a placeto live (STAR survey)

Tenants in this area have a high satisfaction level withtheir neighbourhood as a place to live

HHHHH

Turnover of stock Tenants stay in the area for a longer than averageamount of time

HHHHH

Average number of days to relet aproperty (excluding properties wherea major repair has taken place)

The average time it takes us to let a property in this areais relatively high

HHH

Percentage of opened anti-socialbehaviour (ASB) cases per areaagainst organisation average

The neighbourhood experiences very few ASB cases HHHHH

Percentage of evictions per area There are a very few number of evictions in this area HHHHH

ExternalIndicators

Employment - Percentage of peopleeconomically active

Economic activity in this area (employed, part-time,self-employed, seeking work) is relatively high

HHHHH

Education- Percentage of pupilsachieving 5 GCSE’s grade A-Cincluding English and Maths

Educational attainment is good for pupils aged 16 inthis area

HHHHH

Level of good health in theneighbourhood

Residents’ perception of their health is good, but not ashigh as in other areas

HHHH

Barriers to housing and services /accessibility to services

People in this area have good access to a range of shopsand services from a variety of organisations close totheir home

HHHHH

Crime & Safety - Offences andincidents

People experience an average level of crime whencompared against other areas within Gedling borough

HHHH

Summary STARRating

Gedling Homes have devised a detailed action plan which highlights many of the above areas. Work in theseareas will be undertaken in the next 3 year period to improve Gedling Homes properties.

HHHHH

Your GREAT Neighbourhood Rating

The above information has been sourced from Gedling Homes’ own performance figures, the 2011 Census, GedlingBorough Council and the South Nottinghamshire Community Safety Partnership. The external data information relates toward data and is not necessarily representative purely of Gedling Homes’ tenants.

6

The indicators we use to rate your neighbourhood helpto point us in the right direction, but to further identifywhat needs doing we need local knowledge, to addressspecific issues and problems.

We have spoken to local people who live and work inyour neighbourhood. This is what we have been told:

Our Neighbourhood Team told us:● Levels of litter around the area are generally

good. Most properties in the area are detachedor semi-detached with their own driveways,so road sweepers are able to clean the streets

● Princess Close garage site is a fly tipping hotspotand regular checks are carried out by GedlingHomes staff in order to keep the area clearof rubbish

● Dog fouling has been an issue around PrincessClose; however a recently installed dog foulingbin has reduced this problem

● Community spirit is high in the area withmany residents taking pride in their propertiesand gardens. A monthly surgery is carried outby Gedling Homes at The Ark Surgery onWollaton Avenue

● Gedling has a good supply of local services andit has a regular bus service, which operatesevery 10 minutes, taking different routes into thecity centre

● The majority of streets are appealing as mostproperties are well kept

Local Knowledge - Auditing Your Neighbourhood

7

The Ark, Wollaton Avenue

You told us:On average the people we spoke to rate theneighbourhood 9 out of 10 as a place to live.Despite some concerns, the majority werepositive about the area.

● Some of the best features identified were:

● Gedling is nice and quiet

● Friendly neighbours

● Good local schools

● Some of the worst features identified were:

● Lack of local services

● Some concerns around Princess Closeparticularly with regards to fly tipping

● Concerns expressed included:

● The footpath at the side of CoronationWalk has poor lighting and residentsexpressed a concern about using it at night

● Coronation Walk has some issues withparking

● Desired improvements included:

● Formation of a Neighbourhood WatchAssociation

8

Other organisations told us:● Local police have received reports of ASB;

the majority of the incidents were noiserelated. The police patrol around the shops atWollaton Avenue and The Phoenix pub areato prevent offences occurring. The police arecommitted to conducting high profile patrolsusing Beat Officers, Police CommunitySupport Officers (PCSO), Special Constablesand Gedling Borough Council NeighbourhoodWardens

● A small number of criminal damage reportswere received by the police mainly involvingvehicles. The police continue to work closelywith Gedling Borough Council and otheragencies in relation to this area to preventoffences

● The local police have identified a concernabout speeding on Shearing Hill

Together, we saw:● Some isolated areas have poor lighting

● A small number of Gedling Homes areas areaffected by fly tipping

9

What? Why? When?

Target low level nuisance by an increased staffpresence and joint working with the Police in thespecific area identified. Where appropriatemonitor low level noise and other inconsideratebehaviour generally in the neighbourhood

To reduce the incidence of ASB in theneighbourhood and improve tenants andresidents quality of life

March 2015

Introduce a restorative justice scheme withpartner agencies and utilising volunteers from thecommunity to help reduce levels of ASB and toproduce long lasting solutions to it.

To engage communities in helping to solve theASB and the offending that affects them.This will increase community engagement andprovide a voice for victims of crime and ASBand those who have been harmed eitherdirectly or indirectly

August2015

Increase the signposting of tenants to healthadvice and other support services

To improve the health of tenants in theneighbourhood and make them aware of thesupport that is available

September2015

Consistently signpost and refer tenants and theirfamilies to training and income advice services,working with partners to develop people’semployment readiness

To improve services and maximise input intothe neighbourhood from other serviceproviders

September2015

Improve and focus our Caretaking service on theareas identified by our tenants

To ensure that tenants get the best possibleservice from our Caretaking team and tomaximise their impact on the neighbourhood

March 2015

Work with partners and other agencies tosupport initiatives to help improve theneighbourhood

To improve services and maximise input intothe neighbourhood from other serviceproviders

December2015

Neighbourhood Team to increase targeting of flytipping and litter hotspots within Gedling Homesareas; including the use of surveillance cameras

To improve the neighbourhood appearanceand quality of life for residents

March 2015

Continue to work in partnership with GedlingBorough Council’s (GBC) NeighbourhoodWardens to reduce dog fouling

To reduce incidents of dog fouling in theneighbourhood and raise awareness of theissue in the community

March 2015

Your GREAT Neighbourhood Promise -What needs to happen?

Neighbourhood and community

10

What? Why? When?

In consultation with GBC provide more dog binsin identified Gedling Homes problem areas

To improve neighbourhood appearance andquality of life for residents

September2015

11

What? Why? When?

Work towards publishing a plan of internalimprovement of communal areas in ourapartment blocks

To improve the appeal of properties and thequality of life of existing tenants

June 2015

Improve and introduce where possible scooterstorage in our schemes

To improve tenants quality of life April 2016

Review the refuse storage provision for flats andthe recycling options available

To identify ways to reduce storage issues andthe effect on neighbourhood appearance

March 2015

Implement an external painting programme To improve the appearance of GedlingHomes’ properties and of the neighbourhood

March 2016

Improve the green spaces in our IndependentLiving Schemes

To improve the scheme and area appearance March 2015

Consider all options available to improve theappearance of Gedling Homes’ properties

To improve the appearance of theneighbourhood and quality of life of tenantsand residents

March 2015

Undertake a review of the condition of all garagesites and produce a programme for futureimprovements

To improve the management, security andappearance of garage sites and improveparking provision

December2015

Home

12

What? Why? When?

Continue to provide support to sustain tenanciesand wherever possible prevent evictions

To help more tenants successfully sustain theirtenancies

June 2015

Continue to make targeted calls and visits tocustomers in rent arrears. Provide advice andassistance to enable the customer to pay the rentdue and come to a sustainable agreement torepay any arrears owed

To reduce arrears in the neighbourhood andthe number of customers whose home is atrisk due to debt issues

June 2015

Continue to provide increased support toidentified families and tenants and link them toour support and advice services

To help identified customers successfullymanage their tenancy and reduce lifestyleclashes with other residents

June 2015

Continue to signpost and refer customers whomay benefit from the help of our Money Wiseteam

To reduce the number of evictions for non-payment of rent and provide more help andadvice on managing finances

June 2015

Continue to signpost support services to tenantswho may be experiencing drug and alcoholrelated problems

To reduce levels of neighbour nuisance anddisputes and help identified tenants accesshealth support and services

September2015

Work with tenants to create a sense ofcommunity and reduce isolation throughbefriending

To help new tenants settle into theneighbourhood and create links to thecommunity and neighbours

March 2015

Neighbourhoods team to continue with regularestate inspections (open to all tenants)

To provide regular monitoring of street levelappearance and visible issues

June 2015

Increase the use and targeting of mediationservices in neighbour disputes

To reduce neighbour disputes and improveneighbour relations

June 2015

Target fast track enforcement for serious ASBperpetrators with targeted resources from ourTenancy Services team

To remove disruptive tenants quickly andimprove the quality of life for other residents,protecting demand for properties

December2014

Tenancy

13

What? Why? When?

Set up a regular neighbourhood improvementgroup with tenants

To ensure services are more customer andneighbourhood focussed

March 2016

Continue to work with Tenants and Residentsgroups and provide any support they requireto develop their activities

To obtain detailed feedback from tenantsand residents specifically on services andwider neighbourhood issues, and workwith them jointly on neighbourhoodpriorities

September2015

Extend and improve activities for older tenantsvia Sheltered Scheme events

To improve community links betweenolder tenants in different parts of theneighbourhood and improve communityspirit and quality of life

September2015

Develop a Time Bank scheme where tenantscan provide skills and support to each other

To build community cooperationnetworks, increase community spirit,self-help, improve inter-generational linksand build respect

March 2015

Develop and improve CommunityRegeneration initiatives within ourneighbourhoods

To improve neighbourhood appearanceand allow the community to target areasthey think are a problem and to build asense of community spirit

March 2016

Extend our links with furniture recyclingcommunity enterprises to help new andexisting tenants furnish their properties

To improve community access toaffordable furniture, build communitynetworks and develop a community’sability to work on projects together

March 2016

Involvement and empowerment

14

Work has already begun in your neighbourhood on thevarious actions outlined in Your GREATNeighbourhood Promise.

We will be reviewing the plan frequently and will keepyou updated on the progress with an annual report.You will have the opportunity to be involved in this soplease watch out for advertised activities or requestsfor feedback.

However, if you have something to say, don’t wait forus to call you! If after reading this you have anyquestions, comments or suggestions, or if you wouldlike to get involved in fulfilling the plan, please contactus:

Phone: 0115 905 1515

Email: enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk

Twitter: @Gedling_Homes

Facebook: facebook.com/gedlinghomes

We can also arrange for someone to call and visityou in your own home.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you!

We hope that over the next three years, through theactions outlined in Your GREAT NeighbourhoodPromise , we will really make a visible difference toyour neighbourhood.

We believe that the key to achieving the goals set out inthis plan is to continue working together, with you, ourtenants and leaseholders.

Final Thoughts

What happens next?

15

Princess Close

Phone: 0115 905 1515

Email: enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk

Website: www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.co.uk/gedlinghomes

Twitter: @Gedling_Homes

Write: Gedling Homes, Gedling House,Wood Lane, Gedling, NG4 4AD

Contact UsIn person:

Customer Contact Centre,The Civic Centre,Arnot Hill Park, Arnold,Nottingham, NG5 6LU.

Opening times are9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday,9am to 4.30pm Friday