Council builds new homes for Christmas SEE PAGE 12 FOR DETAILS
News for tenants of Ipswich Borough Council - Winter 2014
tTwiteter @InpswichaGov n facteboosk/Ip’swi chGtov i mwww.ipsweich.gos v.uk 2
e g a housing matters P Health and Wellbeing - There is much talk at This is why I welcome a Housing and Health present of the challenges faced by the NHS in Charter being pioneered in Suffolk. It is early days meeting increased demands on the service. but we are keen to ensure Housing is fully Some of the discussion surrounds benefits that involved in efforts to achieve a more joined-up could be achieved through more integrated and effective service. working between the NHS and Social Care . This, clearly, makes a lot of sense. Housing, too, is part Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our of the picture. tenants. Those with a special reason to have a good Christmas are those moving into their new It has long been acknowledged that housing homes as the first Bader Close houses conditions are a major factor affecting public are completed. health and the physical and mental health of individuals. Taking steps to help people remain in Councillor John Mowles their own homes can often free up a hospital bed: Housing Portfolio Holder making very good sense.
Housing matters 2 Tenants’ Questions and Answers 12
Tenant Scrutiny Panel 3 Play bus Maggi 13
Tenant Conference 3 Drug-related Litter 14
Holiday Bin Collections 4 Don’t Let Thieves Spoil Christmas 15
Community Speedwatch 16 Celebrating with tenants 5
Empty Homes policy 17 At your service over Christmas 6
HEARS 18 Big Local Trust/Quids In 7
Fitness First 8 Chantry Fundraisers 19
Peoples Community Garden 9 Measuring up 20
Eat healthily 10 Useful Contacts 20 Tenants’ editorial panel Caring about your health 11 Angela Griffiths, Pamela Pamment, Front cover shows John Richardson, Clare Lovell, Cllr Mowles, The Mayor, Cllr Bill Quinton, Cllr Ellesmere and Chris Throrgood (builder) Brian Laffling and Derek Rusher 3
e g www.ipswich.gov.uk a P Updates TENANT scrutiny PANEL
Dear Tenants
My name is John Wragg, a Tenant Scrutiny Panel We are now scrutinising Customer Services to member since it formed. Recently I was voted Vice- assess their service delivery. If you receive a Chairperson, a position I accepted with trepidation questionnaire asking for your opinion on the as I didn’t know what would be expected of me! service you receive, please take time to fill it in to help us get an understanding of how you feel The panel has been working extremely hard about this service area. If you would like to know making sure your interests are being looked after. more or share your experiences with Customer Service please contact us on Over the past three years we have attended many [email protected] training events and meetings with Council officers and scrutiny panels countrywide to exchange Have a great Christmas. ideas. We have completed two scrutiny projects (kitchens/bathrooms and community caretakers) John Wragg and revisited one (kitchens/bathrooms) to check Tenant Scrutiny Panel Vice-Chairperson on progress. Tenant conference
Tenant representatives of Ipswich Borough Council and social landlords across the region came together on 21st November for a day of learning and sharing.
Delegates listened to the Portfolio-Holder for Housing, Councillor John Mowles and Head of Housing, Ian Blofield, talk on the future of social housing. Delegates also learnt about “tackling anti-social behaviour” and “making effective complaints” and had the chance to meet Chief Executive of the Council, Russell Williams. deliver you can express your views through the The event was held at the Council offices at Tenant Participation Programme. There are lots of Grafton House and was well attended. different ways to get involved so please ring 01473 433313 or email If you would like to get involved in supporting [email protected]. the places you live and improving the services we Facebook page: IpswichBoroughCouncilTenants 4
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www.ipswich.gov.uk a P
Bin collection dates for Christmas and the New Year 2014/15
Remember to recycle old clothes Happy Christmas and textiles Use the council textile bags, tie it up to protect the contents and place in the top of Normal collection date Christmas collection date your blue bin. Need a bag? Tuesday 23 December Monday 22 December Ring 0345 603 9412
Wednesday 24 December Tuesday 23 December email: [email protected] or collect from council offices and libraries Thursday 25 December Wednesday 24 December
Friday 26 December Saturday 27 December Recycle your real tree chopped up in the brown bin, or placed Tuesday 30 December no change beside the brown bin if too big to go inside Wednesday 31 December no change www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk Thursday 1 January Friday 2 January for lots of Christmas recycling and Friday 2 January Saturday 3 January composting information Collections return to normal Tuesday 6 January 2015 www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for tips and recipes to reduce food waste Find your local glass recycling banks and use up leftovers www.recyclenow.com or www.ipswich.gov.uk Remember to put bins out by 6am please
@IpswichGov www.ipswich.gov.uk 5
e g www.ipswich.gov.uk a P tenants Celebrating with
Some of our long-term tenants had a special celebration when they visited the Mayor's Parlour. A lively discussion over tea and cakes were on the menu as the tenants chatted to Mayor, Councillor Bill Quinton and Housing portfolio-holder, Councillor John Mowles. They shared fascinating stories about their family lives moved away leaving just the old ones behind. and the community in which they live and even Having lived on a road for many years you always brought in their original tenancy agreements and bump into someone you know. rent books. One tenant produced a 7s 6d receipt Outside toilets were removed years ago to make for their deposit and asked if the Council would way for bigger kitchens. That was a welcome be repaying this in full when the tenancy ends! change - now a quick trip outside would be Town Sergeant Andrew Beal talked about the preferable to climbing the stairs! history of Ipswich and its Mayors. The Mayor People don’t rush to collect the horse manure presented tenants with a commemoration plate when the coal merchant visits. Horses would be and thanked them for their loyalty and no good today because they don’t understand commitment to Ipswich Borough Council. We traffic lights! chatted with the guests afterwards and got some fascinating insights ... What advice do you have for young people in social housing? What are some of the changes since you first Pay the rent and look after your property! signed your tenancy? Everyone has grown old! When we were young Pictured: Mr & Mrs Oxford, Mrs Barrell and Mrs with children the area was vibrant and active, now Reed with the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Bill the children have their own families and have and Margaret Quinton and Cllr John Mowles Your rent payments over Christmas If your rent account is paid up-to-date there are two weeks annually where no payment is due. These rent-free weeks are: 22ND DECEMBER AND 29TH DECEMBER 2014
If you are in rent arrears you must continue to pay these two weeks. This is particularly important if you are subject to a County Court Order. If you pay monthly these weeks are included in your calculations and your payments stay the same. If you have fallen behind or are struggling to keep up with your payments please contact Tenancy Services for advice on 01473 433370.
For money saving tips/advice on managing your money visit the Money Advice Service at www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk. The following organisations offer free, impartial support and advice to anyone in debt, worried about debt or facing bankruptcy. Citizens Advice Bureau 01473 219777 Debt Advice Foundation 0800 0434050 StepChange Debt Charity 0800 1381111 Payplan 0800 2802816 National Debt line 0808 8084000 6
e g www.ipswich.gov.uk a P At your service for Christmas
The Customer Services and the Contact Centre at the Town Hall will be open on the following days and times for any tenant enquiries:
Day Customer Contact Centre & Main Switchboard Customer Services Centre
Monday 22nd December 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5.30pm Tuesday 23rd December 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5.30pm Wednesday 24th December 8.30am-3pm 8.30am-3pm Thursday 25th December Closed Closed Friday 26th December Closed Closed Saturday 27th December Closed Closed Sunday 28th December Closed Closed Monday 29th December 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5pm Tuesday 30th December 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5pm Wednesday 31st December 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5pm Thursday 1st January Closed Closed Friday 2nd January 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5.30pm
You can contact us on 01473 433444 for emergencies only outside these opening hours.
Victorian Christmas at the Mansion
On Sunday 14th December you can explore the Christchurch Mansion in all its Christmas glory during a full day of free family fun.
Meet Victorian characters learn traditional dances and make simple crafts to take home.
Drop-in sessions: 10 to 4pm Free entry. Meet Santa and receive a gift: £3.50
To book your place please visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/museums 7
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www.ipswich.gov.uk P Big Local Trust
The North West Groups supported so far include: Ipswich Big Local Trust • Avenues East • 24th Ipswich Scout Group is three years old and • Suffolk Positive Futures the past year has been • Ipswich Cycle Speedway Club and a busy one. • Suffolk Young People's Health Project.
The Trust allocates The year started with the Big Local Event in Whitehouse Park which was grants to local attended by more than 1500 people. A large part of the credit for the event’s organisations and it success went to Leah Douglas, the officer at that time. Leah was instrumental has increased uptake in getting the Big Local Trust started but has since returned to her roots in for the Community Basildon. Chest which awards up to £500 to local Faye Smith has since taken over the post and she is pleased to announce the groups and events and launch of the Inspiration Awards. Grant Award, which To find out more visit www.nwipswichblt.co.uk or call gives up to £10,000. Faye on 07976 565329 .
Mon-Fri
Ipswich Borough Council and its partners have got also offering £1 fares for inward journeys after together to provide cheaper parking for residents 3pm during the week. The Borough Council and and visitors in the run-up to Christmas.The County Council are helping out with Park & Ride, Council's car parks continue with the Quids In £1 too. There will be free services on Sundays until after 3pm Mondays to Fridays offer - ideal for Christmas. afternoon shopping or a night out or both! The normal tariff is good value too: £1 an hour - and Ipswich Borough Council Leader David Ellesmere just 70p at Fore Street and Athena Hall (on the said: "It is important we make Ipswich as attractive Waterfront off Duke Street). So make Crown, as we can for Christmas shoppers. These bold William Street (Crown Pools), Regent (Woodbridge moves will help visitors and businesses at this Road), Portman Road, West End Road and Upper important time of year and help to ensure that Barclay Street car parks your destination. Ipswich, with its fantastic entertainment and events package, offers the best festive offer to Ipswich Buses and some First Group services are people from across the region." 8
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www.ipswich.gov.uk P programme Ipswich 18 skills recruiting now
The Eastern Enterprise Hub is currently recruiting for another four-month free course delivered in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council. The course will support 18 students to develop new entrepreneurial skills and self-confidence. The programme encourages and inspires people aged 18+ living or working within IP1-IP4 areas of Ipswich, to develop entrepreneurial skills from local, established business professionals. The course is designed to run alongside day-to-day tasks of setting up a business. Fran Sibthorpe, founder of Fran Joy and previous Ipswich 18 Programme student said: “ While on the programme I learnt the importance of leadership; engaging with people while pitching and marketing my business. The programme also provided a clear indication of what my business was lacking and where it needed to be developed further. The EEHub facilitators and external speakers were very helpful, and it was great to have the opportunity to use the in-house resources as well as the 1-to-1 support. ” To apply for the programme, please contact Chanel Olding, Learning Manager on 01473 527100 or email [email protected] Put your fitness first eeping a active and k find staying Workout with a friend, shared goals are more fun We all winter. iet harder in ll-balanced d and great for motivation. we tion tips these motiva Choose enjoyable activities - exercise should be fun. Why not try exercise whether you Join a class. Sport centre classes are instructed by t at home or a enthusiasts and can be social too. re? a sports cent Short on time? Ten minute workouts across the day are as efficient as a thirty minute session. Ask the experts. Gym instructors will happily talk you through a programme to help you reach your goals. An exercise and diet log will keep you on track - seeing your progress is rewarding. Being active can boost your energy levels; take stairs instead of the lift, walk instead of drive to the shops, a walk at lunch all help. Reward yourself. After setting goals buy new gym equipment or some new trainers. To find out about exercise classes at your local Profile gym visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport or call 0800 0371 371 See page 13 for details of our new Waterfront gym. 9
e g www.ipswich.gov.uk a P ments Maidenhall allot ity together brings commun Hello from Jo Whittle “In August, I started as the new Project Co-ordinator for the Community Resource Education & Skills Space (CRESS) at the People’s Community Garden. While finding my gardening feet (and green fingers) I have been working towards developing the CRESS project, funded by Ipswich Borough Council, East of England Co-operative and Esmee Fairbairn Trust. I have met lots of community members and groups who really want to be involved.
I have been working with our volunteers to prepare our Greenfingers Garden as an educational resource for local schools and school groups visited in October. Teachers also used the Community Hub for training. We will also be working in partnership with the East of England Co-op on through their Healthy Living Campaign. Finally, I would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped me to settle in. ”
Community Hub After signing a lease in June, the ActivLives team is transforming the bowls pavilion on Maidenhall Road into a community hub. Cookery courses, a regular produce market and café, neighbourhood meetings and bowls are just some of the proposed uses.
Volunteers have been preparing for a new kitchen to be fitted. The kitchen will allow local residents to cook fruit and vegetables harvested from the neighbouring allotment gardens. Together with the market should give the community access to fresh locally grown food.
There’s still a lot to do so volunteers are needed for all aspects of the project. No matter what skills you have, if you are interested in being part of a healthier community, ActivLives want to hear from you.
To find out more contact [email protected] or ring 07760583950 0 1
e g www.ipswich.gov.uk a P budget Eat healthily on a this winter
LiveWell Suffolk offers advice to families on eating healthy this winter. Despite reports that healthy food costs more than junk food, Karen Davies, a LiveWell Suffolk registered dietician, reassures residents eating healthily on a budget is possible.
“During cold weather, nourishing stews and casseroles are a good meal choice for families. Not only filling and healthy, they are quite cheap to prepare, ” she says. Karen advises buying cheaper cuts of lean meat, avoiding processed foods and removing the skin from meats such as chicken. She adds: “ Make sure you bulk stews and casseroles up with lots of vegetables - it’s really important everyone aims to eat five portions of fruit and veg a day and doing so doesn’t have to be expensive. Buying produce that is in season will help to keep the cost down, and you can also pick up fresh fruit and veg cheaply from the local market. ” LiveWell Suffolk is the county’s free healthy lifestyle service and has published a series of Although fresh produce is the best option frozen, healthy and affordable meal suggestions and tinned and dried fruit and vegetables also count recipes for families on its website. LiveWell as one of your five-a-day. Make sure you buy them Suffolk runs ‘Lose Weight with LiveWell Suffolk’ - canned in water, rather than salted water or a programme to help both adults and children to syrup. Karen also recommends choosing manage their weight by eating healthier and wholemeal varieties of starchy carbohydrates (eg being more active. bread, rice and pasta), which will help fill you for For more information, call LiveWell Suffolk on longer and stop you feeling hungry between 01473 229292 or visit www.livewellsuffolk.org.uk. meals. The way we register to vote is changing IER means there are now quick, easier and more secure ways to register. If you haven’t received a letter confirming you are on the Electoral Register you may not be registered to vote. If you don’t think you are registered go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or call our Helpline on 01473 432533 - you will need The transitional canvass to Individual Electoral your National Insurance number to register so Registration (IER) is nearly at an end, but this make sure you have it to hand. doesn’t mean it’s too late to register. Your vote matters make sure you’re in! A D O t s P m T 3 F w E H g D w y y m w N p o k n W p n o H g y d D r h o A e h 9 o o o n o r n o r e f u e r o p a o o e e o w h a i o a o f e o h e r e u u u o c c t o
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e g www.ipswich.gov.uk a P w homes Council builds ne for Christmas
Ipswich Borough Council is building more homes - and the first of 108 at Bader Close in South-East Ipswich will soon be ready.
Most of the development will be completed next year and mark the first large-scale building of Council homes in Ipswich for a generation. Housing portfolio-holder Councillor John Mowles said Bader Close underlined the Council’s commitment to providing homes for local people.
More homes will be built across the town in the next few years.
TENANT Q+A
If you have a question for Tenancy Services, contact us on [email protected] and we will publish your questions and answers so other tenants might benefit from your enquiry. Please don’t make your question about private issues as we cannot print private information.
How can I minimise condensation in my home this winter? Paul Fowler There are some simple steps you can follow to reduce condensation in your house. • use extractor fans where supplied in kitchens and bathrooms • avoid drying clothes indoors. If this isn’t practical then the door of the room in which the clothes are drying should be kept closed and the room well ventilated • open windows to let air circulate • keep wardrobes, cupboards clear of walls to allow air to circulate
Who supplies my gas as a Council tenant? Julia Bird Tenants choose their own gas supplier. In England and Scotland, if you do not know who supplies gas to your home you can contact the Meter Point Administration Services on 08706 081524. They can also give your Meter Point Reference Number which will help your suppliers set up your account with them more quickly. You can visit www.consumercouncil.org.uk
If I had my gadgets stolen from my property would the landlord replace them? Dan Lee When a Council property is rented it is sometimes wrongly assumed the landlord’s insurance policy will cover loss or damage to personal property. The Council is responsible for insuring the building, as the tenant you have responsibility for insuring the contents (your belongings) against theft or damage.
To have your housing questions answered here or join our Facebook group then please email: [email protected] or ring on 01473 433313 3 1
e g www.ipswich.gov.uk a P 4 1
e g www.ipswich.gov.uk a P elated Reporting drug-r g litter activity and dru
There are a wide range of materials that may be associated with drug use, the highest concern being discarded hypodermic needles (also known as sharps). Drug litter also includes the equipment used for taking drugs which is known as drug paraphernalia. This can include: • Needles or syringes • Silver foil • Spoons • Bottles which are used to make ‘bongs’ • Gas canisters
Ipswich Borough Council is responsible for the collection and safe disposal of drug-related litter irresponsibly disposed of on public land. If you see any of the above, please ring the Cleaner Ipswich Hotline immediately on 01473 433000 with details of the litter you are reporting and the location items are to be removed from. You may also refer to www.ipswich.gov.uk/ cleaneripswichhotline for further assistance. (A nominal charge may be made for removing needles found on private land, although we would ask any ‘find’ is still reported via Cleaner Ipswich Hotline for further advice). Please do not attempt to dispose of needles or drug paraphernalia yourself as it could be potentially dangerous. Ipswich Borough Council works in partnership with Suffolk Constabulary in order to address drug-related issues. Please help us by reporting any drug-related activity (including drug litter finds) which will allow us to direct resources more effectively.
Call 999 if you require an immediate Police response (i.e. a crime is in progress or about to happen). You don’t have to provide your details if you don’t want to.
You can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 . Should you or someone you know receive a needle stick injury please visit www.nhs.uk for medical advice. For further information about drug related litter please visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/drl Are you experiencing one or more of the following?
Loud noise/music drug activities neighbour nuisance damage to property by known individual(s) intimidation and harassment foul/abusive language constant dog barking domestic violence prostitution from property graffiti (homophobic/racial) fly tipping unsuitable/dangerous pets
If you are a victim of Anti-Social Behaviour please report it to the Tenancy Support and Enforcement Team on 01473 433325 or
Dave Bevan email: Housing [email protected] Louise Siu 5 1
e g www.ipswich.gov.uk a P spoil Don’t let thieves your Christmas
As the holiday approaches any property can be vulnerable to theft. These tips may help keep your property safe over the festive period. Keep blinds and curtains closed at night, keep any valuable items and presents out of sight. When out in the evening use timers to switch on lights and make it look like you are at home. Dispose of gift packaging carefully (break up large boxes so not to advertise your new gifts to thieves), during Christmas refuse collection may be at different times. Make sure your rubbish is out just before the collection. ANTA When decorating your home do not feed extension cables through S windows, opt for solar or battery operated lights or install outdoor electrical outlets. Be careful not to advertise your empty home on social media - this is a common tool used for scouting targets. Uploading expensive Christmas presents can also be a problem at it allows burglars to go shopping in your house just by viewing your Facebook or Twitter account.
Don’t make it easy for a burglar to spoil your family’s Christmas. In an emergency call 999 when: • there is a danger to life or risk of injury being caused. • a crime is in progress such as robbery, burglary, criminal damage or theft.
The immediate attendance of police is necessary if someone is acting suspiciously or about to commit a crime. Scoop the poop There is no excuse to leave your pets poop behind and you could be fined if you do!
Please always - bag it, tie it and bin it, you can place bagged dog poo in a litter bin if a dog bin is not nearby, or take it home and place in your black wheelie bin.
Don’t leave it for a little child to step in.
Report incidents to the Cleaner Ipswich Hotline: 01473 433000.
e: [email protected] 6 1
e g www.ipswich.gov.uk a P d watch Community spee
Do you … Have any spare time? Want to reduce the speed of vehicles in your community? Have pets that may wander around your neighbourhood?
Community Speed Watch makes a valuable community and use speed detection equipment to contribution to Ipswich road safety and we need monitor traffic speeds in your area? This helps additional volunteers. raise awareness to the dangers of speeding and The Police provides the right level of reassurance helps improve the safety of where you live. and enforcement but cannot always carry out speed enforcement checks on a regular basis in If you are interested please contact your local every location that wants them. Safer Neighbourhood Team. Details can be found at www.suffolk.police.uk or If you can spare an hour weekly, why not get ring 101 and ask to be put through to Anna Stout, together with like-minded members of the Community Safety - Suffolk Constabulary.
Helping victims of anti-social behaviour
The new Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 has brought sweeping changes to the way agencies deal with anti-social behaviour.
The law introduces a "community trigger" which gives victims the right to ask local agencies to review how they responded to previous anti-social behaviour complaints and consider what further action might be taken where the behaviour persists. The aim is to offer a safety net for vulnerable victims and to help avoid individuals being passed between agencies without their complaint being resolved. There will also be a review and appeal stages.
There also exists a “community remedy” document prepared by the Police and Crime Commissioner which details the actions they feel appropriate to be carried out by the person who engaged in anti-social behaviour or who has committed an offence. This document deals with punishment and rehabilitation.
For more information please visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/communitytrigger or email: [email protected] 7 1
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www.ipswich.gov.uk P licy Empty homes po a success
The Council's Private Sector Housing team is why we are bringing empty homes back into use and offers building new advice and support to owners. Grants are houses and that is available for first-time buyers or owners willing to why we take action renovate a property for letting at affordable rent, to bring empty homes back into use .” allowing the Council to nominate tenants. As a Six owners also benefitted from an Orwell last resort, enforcement action can be taken Housing Association grant and lease scheme through compulsory purchase of the property. where the Association manages the property on the owner’s behalf by letting the property and Since April 2012, 110 properties have been providing advice and renovation help. People returned to use. Housing portfolio-holder interested in grant schemes should contact Private Councillor John Mowles said “ While there are Sector Housing for further details on 01473 people in the town without a decent home we 433003. Anyone concerned about an empty should do all we can to meet that need. That is property can report it online. The future’s here Apprentices work across the whole building and refurbishment spectrum. A senior council tradesperson oversees each apprentice. The Council’s training The Maintenance and programme allows apprentices to learn in a safe working environment and Contracts services ensures they can learn all aspects of their trade. offers the opportunity These apprentices are finishing their first year: of trade Ben Prime, Carpenter : Ben attends day release at Suffolk New College and apprenticeships that enjoys the formal course training. Co-workers say he looks more like a allows employees to carpenter every day. Nathan Williams, Plumber: ‘Natty’ enjoys nothing better learn a trade which than helping customers. Working with multi-skilled trades people has includes on-site and widened his building knowledge. Jordan Godbold, Electrician: Jordan also academic training at attends college on day release. His electrical training has expanded his areas college. of work thereby broadening his knowledge and experience. Planned maintenance In our continuing efforts to improve our service to you, we would like to hear your comments on how we are performing with our Planned Maintenance Refurbishment Programme.
Please complete and return (postage is already paid) the feedback forms which are left with you after completion of the various works carried out on your property. This will help our team to record all comments and where possible take actions to improve our services for future Planned Maintenance years.
You can return this via email to [email protected] or by returning the feedback form by post. w o s W H I J w I a t c C w c t c r a w H p p u o e e e a o a u v f a o h e h s s w l s
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e g www.ipswich.gov.uk a P ers Chantry fundrais
Chantry residents have been raising money for charity this autumn.
Volunteers and locals took part in both the MacMillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning where they raised £105 and also the Breast Cancer Campaign ‘Wear it Pink Fridays’ where they raised £90. Volunteers baked cakes and donated goods and all the shop takings for both days were donated to the respective charities. Residents Association Chair, Charles Moore, said: “ It’s all about the volunteers’ hard work. They are the ones who give their time and care for good causes and all of the support we give to the community through the shop ”. Tickets are on sale from the shop for the Christmas Raffle Prize Draw on 19th December.
Lavender Hill Community Shop is open for donations, shopping and refreshments: Monday to Friday: 10am-2.30pm and Saturday: 10am-1pm. Call 01473 683680 for more information.
On 27th September Maidenhall Residents Association enjoyed a social A night with evening, which was a great success. Some £300 was raised to support DJ John Potter charity work. Well done to everyone who helped make the night a success. Make time to go to the ball Maureen Nolan, Lee Latchford-Evans (from Steps) and CBBC’s own Gabrielle Green are coming together in true panto style to serve up a festive treat in "Cinderella" at the Regent Theatre ...
Add in glamour, a mixture of Ugly Sisters and a big dollop of jokes and you have the perfect recipe for a pantomime for all ages. Cinderella is on stage from 20-30 December and is being produced by Enchanted Entertainment.
Tickets are on sale now, so visit www.ipswichregent.com or call the Box Office 01473 433100. Measuring up Update on housing performance - Period covering August-October 2014 RENTS At the end of October £793,767 in rent payment was outstanding which is 2.21% of the total due for the year. Target <2.66% COMPLAINTS 4 complaints about Tenancy Services. All received a full response within deadline of 20 working days. 1 was upheld and 3 were not upheld. COMMUNITY CARETAKERS 912 pledge visits/1026 minor repairs in communal areas completed. GAS SERVICING At each month end all our properties should have an up-to-date gas safety certificate, at the end of October 2014 no services were overdue. TENANCY Due to make 249 visits to introductory tenants, we completed 252. ALLOCATIONS On average 8.7 working days taken to process a housing application. Target <20 REPAIRS 4793 repairs raised an average 98% were completed on target each month. Target >98.5% TENANCY Averaged 18.1 days between tenancy ending and the next starting. Target <15 days CUSTOMER SERVICE Of 19,540 calls made to Housing and Repairs 82.2% were answered. Target >90% ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR 61 open anti-social behaviour cases at the end of October
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS You can contact us on 01473 433370 To report a repair or if you have a repair enquiry 01473 432100 (including out of hours emergency repairs) To order a gas repair or gas service 0800 533 5630 or 01473 835145 Environmental Health 01473 433015
REUSABLE RECYCLING BAG Sort it, Store it, Recycle it! Do you live in a flat or share a communal recycling bin? The handy reusable blue bag may make it easier to sort, store and carry your recycling out to the bin store. Make sure your recycling is clean, dry and loose (only textiles need to be bagged) Please contact the recycling team to request a handy bag. e: [email protected] t: 01473 432099