FIRST ASBO IN STOCKBRIDGE VILLAGE
Daniel Begley (15) of Round Hey, Stockbridge Village has been made the subject of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) which runs until 1st November 2008. Daniel risks arrest and could be jailed if he breaches this Order.

Daniel has caused anti-social behaviour within Stockbridge Village and has been reported as “causing misery to local residents”. His behaviour has been UNACCEPTABLE and Villages Housing, Knowsley Council and Merseyside Police have worked together with Liverpool City Council to obtain an ASBO to address his behaviour and improve matters for people living and working in Stockbridge Village.

Villages Housing have a zero tolerance stance towards anti social behaviour and are committed to stamping it out in the communities we serve. This ASBO could not have been achieved without the cooperation of the police and the community, and we hope it reinforces our message that anti social behaviour will not be tolerated.

This is the first Anti-Social Behaviour Order that has been served in Stockbridge Village, and if others behave in a distressing way then we are committed to working with the community to bring them to justice. It is only by working together that we can make a safer neighbourhood for ourselves and our children. 

You can help us achieve this by reporting any instances of anti-social behaviour.  By completing an Incident Diary (download one by clicking here) or contacting your Estate Management Officer you can help us gather evidence and pursue more ASBOs.

Alternatively you can call the Neighbourhood Wardens on 0151 230 0407 and Merseyside Police on 0151 709 6010 and ask for Huyton Police Station.

ALL INFORMATION WILL BE DEALT WITH IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE AND YOUR DETAILS WILL NOT BE USED UNLESS YOU GIVE YOUR PERMISSION.


GOING FOR GREEN
In August our Housing Corporation Assessment 'Traffic Light' was changed from Green to Amber, which resulted in some adverse press statements, particularly in regard to our work in Fitton Hill.

We are proud of what we have achieved in Fitton Hill in such a short time since the stock was transferred from Oldham Council and of our success in tackling the issues which matter most to our tenants, such as anti-social behaviour. It is great that both the Audit Commission and the Housing Corporation recognises this work, and acknowledges that "Villages has an effective track record in delivering Transfer promises."

We are obviously disappointed to be given an amber rating, but recognise the constructive criticisms that have been made. We are working to an action plan to address the recommendations.

We would also like to state that 98% of our homes in Fitton Hill had their central heating boilers either serviced or replaced in 2005/06 .

NEWS ARCHIVE

STOCKBRIDGE GARDEN COMPETITION 2006
After much deliberation, the winners of this year's Garden Competition in Stockbridge Village were announced this week.

Mrs Freda Pickles of The Spinney (pictured below with the judges) was our overall winner. Our other winners were:

Mrs Steele (Pool Hey Community Centre) - Best Communal Space

Mr G Simpson (The Court, Dannette Hey) - Best Pensioner

Donna McKenna (Cremorne Hey) - Best Garden

Miss Yvonne Donnelly (Whincraig) - Best Container / Hanging Basket

Villages would like to say a big thank you to all those who entered this year and we hope to see you again next time.

STOCKBRIDGE IN BLOOM
Villages’ Landscape Team recently organised a Hanging Basket workshop for residents in Stockbridge Village, giving advice and tips on how to plant up and maintain an attractive colourful display for the upcoming North West in Bloom competition.

Judges from North West in Bloom will visit Stockbridge Village on the morning of 14th July were they will tour local schools, churches and community projects and will be assessing the estate for the competition.

Last year Stockbridge Village achieved a score of 126/200 and the area of Pool Hey received a special commendation.

VILLAGES HOUSING VISIT OLDHAM CARNIVAL 2006
What started as a small challenge early last year soon became Villages entry into the re-launch of Oldham Carnival the weekend of 24th and 25th June. 

We entered a float in the Carnival Parade for the family fun day on Saturday, and a marquee in Alexandra Park for the whole Carnival weekend complete with our very own caricature artist to capture happy faces.

Many staff entered into the spirit of the event by dressing up to represent different countries entered in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. 

To view our Oldham Carnival Photo Gallery please click here.

RESIDENTS FLY THE FLAG
Villages Housing residents in Fitton Hill and Stockbridge Village are backing England in this year's World Cup by decorating their houses with flag and banners. You can view a gallery of the decorated houses by clicking on the link below.

If you have decorated your house and would like to be included in our World Cup gallery, please contact your local Villages Housing office.

To view our World Cup Photo Gallery please click here.

REPAIR SERVICE REVIEW
As part of our continuous efforts to improve the service that we offer to our tenants, we are currently reviewing our day-to-day repairs contracts.

In order to ensure that we are sufficiently meeting your repair needs, we are inviting all our tenants to a series of drop-in sessions across local areas. At these sessions tenants can ask any repair questions to our staff and complete a questionnaire to identify thier specific needs.

The first sessions will be held on Friday 9th June at the Stockbridge Village office (9am-3pm) and the Fitton Hill Office (7.30am-12 noon).

For a complete timetable of open days please click here

VILLAGES HOUSING PROVIDES 'FAIR SERVICE
Following their visit in March, the Audit Commission has announced the findings of their inspection of Villages Housing.

The Audit Commission said that Villages delivered a ‘fair’ service but had uncertain prospects for improvement. The Commission awarded Villages a one star rating, the same rating received by more than half the 108 social landlords inspected in the last two years.

The Commission added that Villages was effective in supporting vulnerable tenants, committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and delivered quality improvements to tenants’ homes.

It also highlighted the association’s impact on Oldham’s Fitton Hill estate and noted that it has delivered on key promises made within just two years of taking over the homes from the local authority. However, the Audit Commission said that Villages needed to address some inefficiencies in its service and establish a more planned approach to its work.

Villages Housing chief executive Vernon Jackson said: “It’s great that the Audit Commission recognises this work. Equally, we welcome the constructive criticisms made and are already following the Commission’s recommendations to ensure that the same level of quality applies to all aspects of the organisation.”


Villages Housing's response to the report will be posted here shortly, but you can read our initial Press release by clicking below.

To view the Audit Commission's press release click here
To view Villages Housing's response press release click here
To visit the Audit Commission website click here

ALLPAY UPDATE
AllPay, our new rent payment system, was successfully launched on 8th April, and since that time we have processed close to 1000 transactions.

With AllPay, tenants can make their rent payments at various locations across the North West, including all Post Offices.

Click here to download our "AllPay - Frequently Asked Questions" pack

WELL DONE JACKIE!!
On Sunday 21st May, Estate Management Officer Jackie Bradley completed BUPA's 10K Manchester Marathon in 52 mins 53 seconds.

Along with a friend, Jackie helped to raise funds for the Friends of Chernobyl charity. This group are dedicated to helping those who were affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, regularly bringing children over to Manchester for medical treatment and outings.

For more information on Friends of Chernobyl, please visit their website by clicking on the following link:

http://www.focc.org.uk

INTRODUCING ALLPAY
A new Rent Payment Swipe Card system will be introduced on 10th April 2006 to replace the old rent cards.

This new system will allow tenants to make rent payments other locations, including all local Post Offices.

All tenants will shortly be receiving their payment cards and further information about the new service.

Click here to download our "AllPay - Frequently Asked Questions" pack

STOCKBRIDGE OUTREACH SURGERY
The Citizen's Advice Bureau now offer a free, impartial and confidential advice service every Tuesday (10.15 - 12.30) at the Villages' housing office in Stockbridge Village.

If you would like to speak to someone about benefits, employment, housing or any other issues, please drop in to the Outreach Surgery for free, confidential advice.

NEW VILLAGE TIMES
On 31st March, the Spring 2006 edition of the Village Times will be delivered to all our Knowsley tenants.

This issue contains information about our new AllPay scheme, a look at the new quarterly rent statements and information about upcoming cyclical maintenance.

There is also news from local schools, Stockbridge Library and the Village's community.