Ethos Public Relations Manchester

New life for ‘Honiton shops’

by Ethos public relations

A joint planning application by Peak Valley Housing Association and Rowlinson Construction for new shops and apartments on Honiton Road, Hattersley, has been submitted to Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council.

Phil Corris Managing Director of Peak Valley Housing Association said: “The ‘Honiton shops’ are currently in a poor state of repair and with only two retail units out of the current seven open for business – are something of a blight on the area.”

The £4.7 million project has been supported by £2.5 million funding from the Homes & Communities Agency and will see the development of 33 two bedroom apartments built on the site of the current retail units. New retail units will be developed adjacent to the new properties.

Rowlinson Construction has purchased the existing retail units and will be building the new apartments which will be rented by Peak Valley to the over 55’s market.

John McCall architects will be designing the apartments which will comprise of a kitchen/dining room, a living room, a double bedroom and bathroom and an additional single bedroom or study. Car parking will also be provided.

Phil Corris adds: “The proposal has the support of the local community especially those people living close to the area, who recognise that this joint scheme will be a massive improvement to the area – as well as providing good local facilities.

“In addition, the new apartments will provide much needed accommodation for the over 55’s market which has been identified as being in high demand in this area.”

If the planning application is successful the joint partners anticipate starting work on the new retail units in the autumn with businesses opening in spring 2011. Once the new retail units are built, the old ones can be demolished and work should start on the new residential element of the scheme by March 2011.

Posted at 23^rd August 2010

Open day for Hattersley tenants

by Ethos public relations

Peak Valley Housing Association is inviting residents living in Hattersley to attend an open day at the Hattersley Community Centre where they can look at proposals for the next phase of the improvement work on the estate.

Phil Corris, Managing Director for Peak Valley said: “We have been cracking on with major improvement works to the inside of our housing stock in the area and next year we will be turning our attention to the external work. This event provides an opportunity for the local community to see what is proposed.”

The external works will include such things as new fencing, replacement of boundary walls and in-curtilage parking. The open day event will provide images and artists impressions of the work and tenants will also be able to see samples of the materials that may be used.

“The external work programme will be carried out on all of our 1500 housing stock subject to survey,” said Phil Corris. “It is a major multi million pound improvement scheme which will benefit not just Peak Valley tenants but everyone living in the area.

“As usual Hattersley residents will be provided with the chance to have their say on our proposals and their feedback will be taken into account when it’s time for the work to start.”

The event will take place on 24th August between 10.30am – 6.30pm at the Hattersley Community Centre.

Posted at 20^th August 2010

Unemployed youngsters help Hattersley residents

by Ethos public relations

The Hattersley in Bloom Group had to call in ‘extra muscle’ recently when it was faced with a major job as part of its efforts to get Hattersley ready for the next stage of this national competition.

Mark Tunstall from the Hattersley Neighbourbood Partnership which is supporting the Hattersley in Bloom residents group said: “A 136 m.sq. wildflower bed on Underwood Road which needed digging out and re-turfing would have been too big a project for our Hattersley in Bloom residents. We asked social landlord Peak Valley if it could help in any way.”

Peak Valley Housing Association is part of the Contour Housing Group which is one of the region’s biggest housing and regeneration companies.  Fortunately for Hattersley in Bloom it had recently employed a group of young men in Oldham via the Future Jobs Fund which provides work placements for 18 – 24 year olds.

Samantha McHale from Contour said: “When we asked the Oldham group if they fancied a day out in Hattersley they were more than happy to help local residents in their bid for Britain in Bloom.”

The young men shifted around 4 tonnes of soil and re-laid the area with turf. Mark Tunstall said: “They really worked their socks off and simply got on with this massive job with a lot of laughter and good humour. They were scheduled to be with us for one day but unanimously decided to return for a few hours the following day to make sure the job got done. Without their help I am not sure we could have completed it.”

The Hattersley Britain in Bloom project is community led and funded by local residents. The Group is also providing hanging baskets, planting boxes and street planters around the Underwood Road/Melandra Crescent area.

“The great thing about schemes like the Future Jobs Fund is of course the work opportunities created for unemployed young people,” said Samantha. “However on this occasion it is also supporting two local communities in the North West.”

Posted at 15^th July 2010

£11,000 to develop Hattersley Community Services

by Ethos public relations

Peak Valley Housing Association and Hattersley Community Forum have been given over £11,000 in funding to help develop activities for the new community ‘Hub’ which will be based on land off Stockport Road and Ashworth Lane in Hattersley.  The Hub is part of the Masterplan for the area and should open in 2012.

Sam Cooper who applied for the monies on behalf of Hattersley Community Forum and Peak Valley said: “The funding comes from The Housing Action Charity (HACT).  It will be used for training and activities that will allow the Hattersley Forum Community Association to plan its strategy for ensuring the new community facility is used well and to help transfer the strong community spirit over from the existing community centre.”

The new facility in Hattersley will physically house the library service, Hattersley Neighbourhood partnership, the police, the community association and Peak Valley Housing Association as well as numerous other community groups.

“We want to start as we mean to go on,” said Sam Cooper. “We want to ensure all the organisations work together and forge a strong bond for the future.We will be looking at joint training and development opportunities for our key members. We will be developing a clear brief for the management of the new Centre and looking to maximise community capacity and resident participation.

“It’s important that all community partners and stakeholders involved in the new district centre work together from the word ‘go’  We want to maximise both finances and resources to ensure that the Hattersley Community Hub is a well run and well managed resource that provides a wide range of community services for the people of Hattersley to enjoy.”

Posted at 6^th July 2010

450 jobs in store at new Tesco for Hattersley

by Ethos public relations

Local people turned out in force at a series of consultation events in Hattersley recently and gave their approval to plans which could create 450 new jobs when derelict land off Stockport Road and Ashworth Lane is redeveloped to build a multi million pound Tesco eco store and district centre.

The scheme, part of the Masterplan for the area, has the support of partners Peak Valley Housing Association, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and developer CTP.

Phil Corris Managing Director for Peak Valley Housing Association said: “It was good to see so many people attend the consultation and there was a real ‘buzz in the air’ as people realise that the long awaited plans for the redevelopment of this gateway site is now starting to take shape. This is an important part of the multi million pound regeneration plans for Hattersley and our partners are looking forward to bringing extensive retail facilities to the local community - and of course to creating many new jobs."

The proposal will be part of Tesco’s Regeneration Partnership scheme, which has helped over 6,000 long term unemployed across the UK back into work. The scheme provides help and advice on producing applications and interview skills. Recruits who complete a six week training programme would then be guaranteed a job.

Tesco Regeneration Partnership stores particularly focus on improving numeracy and literacy skills and provide opportunities for lone parents, older people who have been made redundant, people who have never worked before and those with disabilities.

Keith McCormack of developers CTP said, “We have been working with Tesco and land owners Peak Valley Housing Association and the Council to produce this exciting scheme. It was wonderful to get such positive feedback about the proposals from the local community.”

Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager Matt Magee said, “We are delighted to be joining the Hattersley partners on drawing up a scheme that will create hundreds of new jobs for the area and provide a great new supermarket for residents. In these tough conditions we feel that our Regeneration Partnership, through which we ring-fence a large number of jobs for people out of work or on benefits for at least six months, is more important than ever in a climate where many people are worried about job security.

The redevelopment also includes a new community ‘hub’ which will include facilities for local community groups, a library, police post, Credit Union, youth facility and new offices.

Feedback from the consultations will be taken into account when preparing the planning application which is scheduled for submission in June and a decision on the proposal is expected in October. If the scheme is approved Tesco is aiming to complete the Hattersley store by end 2011/early 2012.

Posted at 18^th May 2010

More new homes for Hattersley

by Ethos public relations

Work has recently started on four new bungalows for the over 55’s in Hattersley. The development by Peak Valley Housing Association in conjunction with Contour Housing Group, complements existing provision for the over 55’s which has been completed over the last four years.

Phil Corris Managing Director for Peak Valley Housing Association said: “Research has identified a high demand for housing for this age group and the four homes we are now building on Polperro Walk means Peak Valley will have built 31 new homes since 2007.

“The bungalows offer contemporary two bedroom rented accommodation which will be built using modern methods of construction. They will be built to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, and will feature new green technology resulting in very low fuel bills for its new occupants”

The new homes have been especially designed for the over 55’s market by John McCalls Architects and are being built by Bullock Construction at a cost of £0.4 million and supported by a grant of £160,000 from The Homes and Communities Agency which has been match funded by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council.

Phil Corris adds: “Even with these new homes we still have a considerable waiting list for bungalows and the exceptionally high demand demonstrates a clear need for this type of housing. As a result, Peak Valley is in early discussions with the council about ways to increase the provision of elderly persons housing in Hattersley in the future.”

Posted at 17^th May 2010

Street reps more visible

by Ethos public relations

Street reps from Hattersley and Mottram People’s Association (HAMPA) are more visible than ever thanks to new coats which have been donated by The Longdendale and Hattersley District Assembly.

The Assembly has kindly donated ‘all weather’ coats complete with HAMPA logos so that the ‘street reps’ are immediately identifiable to the local community of Hattersley.

Jean Davison, Secretary of HAMPA, said. “As far we know we are the only such Group operating in the North West. The street reps keep an eye on what’s happening in the local community and then look at ways of making sure any problems are resolved.”

The ‘street reps’ work closely with housing association Peak Valley which has assisted HAMPA in delivering the programme which it considers a great way to  communicate with residents.

Phil Corris Managing Director for Peak Valley said: “Street reps are now joining the Peak Valley team on its regular estate inspections so that they can be introduced to even more residents in the area. They are providing a valuable role in feeding back information from residents as well as allowing us to get key messages to residents in a way that is both personal and informal."

HAMPA would like to recruit more ‘street reps’ to the current team and if you are aged 18 or over and live in the Hattersley & Mottram area you are welcome to join.

Jean Davison said: “It’s a great way to get involved in the local community and meet new people – so please give me a call on 0161 351 1361 to find out more.”

Posted at 8^th April 2010

Young and old should get 'Surfing'

by Ethos public relations

Social landlord Peak Valley Housing Association is encouraging its residents to take advantage of the Government's Home Access scheme which has recently been launched.

The scheme provides low income families with grants to purchase a computer, get a least a year's home broadband or both. "The scheme which is primarily aimed at ensuring school age children have full use of the Internet will also help low income families access training," said Phil Corris Managing Director of Peak Valley Housing Association.

"It is widely accepted that many people living in social housing do not have access to the Internet and all the benefits that it can offer. Naturally school children will gain a lot from having this service at home, but we believe that their parents will also be able to enjoy more benefits including access to training and employment opportunities.

"Even having access to government and information websites, money saving information and price comparison sites could make a huge difference to somebody on a low income."

Families receiving income support or unemployment benefits will be able to apply for a Home Access grant which they can use to purchase a computer or broadband package from an approved supplier. At launch only families with children aged 7-14, in school years 3-9, will be eligible, but the programme is aiming to work towards universal home access for all school age children by 2011. However, Peak Valley say that if you are unsure on whether or not you qualify it is best to ask for full details of eligibility to ensure you don?t miss out.

As an extension to the Home Access scheme the Government has just announced that nearly 20,000 people living in sheltered housing will be switched on to the internet with the introduction of a new Get Digital programme designed to help silver sufers get Internet savvy. The scheme will provide residents with access to computers and the training they need to make the most of the new technology on offer.

"With around 10 million people in the UK never having used the Internet - and many of these socially excluded or over the age of 65, we welcome these measures which will expand access to the Internet," said Phil Corris. "Peak Valley and other local service providers already provide Internet training opportunities for residents in this area and we will be looking to develop more for people who want help and advice on using their new computers and accessing all the web has to offer."

Government funding for the Home Access scheme is available for around 270,000 households and you can apply by calling 0333 200 1004 for an application form.

Posted at 25^th February 2010

Peak Valley awards major gas servicing contract

by Ethos public relations

Peak Valley Housing Association has awarded an annual £150K repairs and maintenance gas servicing contract to Cheshire company PH Jones Ltd.

The contract covers properties managed by Peak Valley Housing Association in Hattersley and includes 1500 properties.

Phil Corris Managing Director for Peak Valley said: "This contract is based around some fundamental changes to the way our previous service was delivered and managed which will ultimately mean providing an enhanced service to our residents."

The new contract will see the introduction of job scheduling as well as a range of targets designed to monitor quality and drive up performance.

It is a five year contract with an option to extend for a further five.

Posted at 10^th February 2010

Joe should have called Peak Valley!

by Ethos public relations

Many millions of viewers are currently gripped by the Coronation Street story line which sees the character of Joe McIntyre struggle to pay off his ever increasing debt from an unscrupulous loan shark. Whilst Corrie fans may be shaking their head at the mess he is in, according to local housing association Peak Valley? ? loan sharks are not figments of a script writer?s imagination and could be operating in a street near you.

?This particular story line has obviously been written for dramatic impact,? said Joanne Danaher, Housing Manager at Peak Valley. ?However, many people in this area will have dealt with a loan shark or certainly been tempted to do so.?

In fact a recent report by the think tank Financial Inclusion Centre says around 100,000 of the UK's poorest families will be crippled with ?82 million of debt during 2010 after borrowing money from loan sharks to fund the cost of Christmas.

?If you don?t have enough disposable income it?s tempting, especially at Christmas, to borrow a few hundred pounds to make sure your family has the latest gifts,? said Joanne.? ?However, people don?t realise that loan sharks can charge such high interest that they simply can?t pay back the loan.

?This causes debt problems to increase even further and of course there is added stress as some loan sharks can threaten violence.?

Residents living in Hattersley & Mottram can approach Peak Valley Housing Association in confidence if they are getting into debt.? Peak Valley can help residents manage problems surrounding rent arrears, but will also point people in the direction of practical help on issues surrounding debt advice and money management.

Joanne said:? ?Financial problems and mounting debt can seem like the end of the world and cause a great deal of stress. But remember there are numerous organisations, agencies and services in this area that have been set up to help you. They can provide free debt advice and they will even liaise with your debtors to help manage the problem.

?If you are in debt, don?t bury your head in the sand like Joe.? You don?t have to suffer in silence and help is freely available.? Contact the Income Management Team on 0345 270 3501 and take a step in the right direction.?

Posted at 27^th January 2010

Hattersley Residents take to the Streets

by Ethos public relations

Peak Valley Housing Association residents have become the first in the North West to introduce ?street representatives? to help manage its estate.

Peak Valley has been supporting the work of Hattersley and Mottram People?s Association (HAMPA) in recruiting street representatives.? The ?street reps? keep an eye on their patch and report back any problems to HAMPA and Peak Valley.? They will also become a well known face in the streets they represent which will allow residents to approach them with any issues or suggestions they may have.

Jean Davison, Secretary of HAMPA, suggested the new scheme. ?We do have regular meetings but not all residents can attend,? she said.? ?So we wanted to look at alternative methods of communicating with people.?

Jean and her colleagues have been working closely with Aspire Housing in Newcastle under Lyme in Staffordshire who introduced street representatives some time ago.? HAMPA visited Aspire Housing to find out how their scheme was working there.

The team at HAMPA want to recruit ten street representatives to manage the area. To date, five people have agreed to take part in the scheme. If you would like to find out more about becoming a street representative for HAMPA, please contact Jean Davison, on 0161 351 1361.

Posted at 9^th December 2009

New Homes for over 55s in Hattersley now complete

by Ethos public relations

Residents have recently moved in to new bungalows developed by registered social landlord Peak Valley Housing Association in Hattersley, Tameside.

The new homes especially designed for the over 55s market by John McCall Architects have been built by Rowlinson Construction at a cost of £1.5 million and supported by a grant of £845,000.

Managing Director Phil Corris said: "In 2007 we built 14 two bedroom bungalows across three separate sites specifically for this age group. This year we have completed a further 13 similar properties across two more sites in Hattersley which marks the completion of this particular new build programme."

The bungalows offer contemporary rented accommodation which is connected to a warden call system and built using modern methods of construction.

Phil Corris adds: "The exceptionally high demand for these bungalows demonstrates a clear need for this type of housing and Peak Valley is in early discussions with the council about ways to increase the provision of elderly persons housing in Hattersley in the future."

Posted at 14^th October 2009

We're so happy in our new homes!

by Ethos public relations

Existing Hattersley residents have been moved to brand new architect designed homes in the area thanks to social landlord Peak Valley Housing Association.

Thirteen bungalows have been built on Ashurton Close and Cheriton Close especially for the over 55's, and long standing Hattersley residents are delighted to be living in these modern, purpose built properties.

Marion and David Martin originally approached Peak Valley to have their existing home adapted to cope with their mobility problems but were delighted to have the option of moving to one of the bungalows instead.

"We loved it here from day one,? said Marion. ?It?s much better for us with no stairs to climb and we have a lovely back garden where we can enjoy the sunshine."

Marion and David have lived in Hattersley for 44 years and like 84 year old neighbour Grace Parker they couldn't imagine living anywhere else.

"It was a bit daunting to move from my old house in Valley Road," said Grace. "But I am so happy here" she said. "I especially like my lovely walk-in shower which I use every day and my family are delighted that I have such a modern home."

Peak Valley Housing Association developed the bungalows at a cost of £1.5 million supported by a grant of £845,000.

In 2007 Peak Valley built 14 two bedroom bungalows across three separate sites specifically for the over 55 age group. This year it has completed a further 13 similar properties which marks the completion of this particular new build programme.

The bungalows offer contemporary rented accommodation which is connected to a warden call system and built using modern methods of construction.

Phil Corris, Managing Director adds: "The exceptionally high demand for these bungalows demonstrates a clear need for this type of housing and Peak Valley is in early discussions with the council about ways to increase the provision of elderly persons housing in Hattersley in the future."

Posted at 28^th September 2009

Everything - including the kitchen sink!

by Ethos public relations

462 toilets and baths, 1,267 doors and approximately 8,000 old radiators have been taken out of Peak Valley Housing Association homes in the Hattersley & Mottram area and recycled by The Casey Group.

Peak Valley Housing Association is half way through a five year £40 million pound investment programme of its housing stock in the area and The Casey Group has been charged with removing the old appliances and replacing them with new ones.

Phil Corris Managing Director of Peak Valley Housing Association said: "One of the reasons why we selected The Casey Group as our main contractor on this major investment programme was its commitment to recycling. The company has a dedicated recycling area on site and it?s certainly been very busy during the last couple of years."

Peak Valley is working to bring 1,300 properties up to the Government's Decent Homes standard. To date it has spent around ?21 million and though each property is evaluated individually as a general rule they will have brand new kitchens and bathrooms, a new heating system, new windows and doors as well as external work such as fascias and soffits.

Fred Myles from The Casey Group said: "As we remove all the old fixtures and fittings we take it to our recycling centre on site to be divided into separate re-cycling skips which are then sent to dedicated recycling centres - where somebody's old bath can be turned into new products."

UK households produced over 30.5 million tonnes of waste and our recycling figure is still quite low compared to some of our neighbouring EU countries. Peak Valley Housing Association and The Casey Group will continue to re-cycle what they can, where they can and do their bit for the environment.

Posted at 21^st September 2009

Landlord celebrates third birthday

by Ethos public relations

Staff at Peak Valley Housing Association in Hattersley have been celebrating their third birthday. Phil Corris, Managing Director for the housing association which took over 1,700 homes from Manchester city council in 2006, said the company had achieved a great deal in this short time.

?Three years ago the two main promises we made to residents were to pledge a massive ?40 million spend on our housing stock over the next few years and to improve services to new and existing tenants,? he said.

On the refurbishment side Peak Valley has spent almost ?22 million improving its properties. The improvements so far have included the:

- installation of new windows to 990 properties

- installation of fascias, soffits and rainwater goods to 850 properties

installation of new canopies over entrance doors to 750 properties

- installation of 1200 new central heating systems including highly efficient condensing boiler

- fitting of 380 new kitchens

- fitting of 380 new bathroom

- fitting of new external doors to 980 properties.

In addition to improving existing housing stock the company has been? reinvesting in the area by developing new build homes and 27 new bungalows for the over 55?s have been built at a cost of ?3.2 million.

?Our reputation as a good landlord is demonstrated by the healthy waiting list which has been established,? said Phil Corris.

?In the next four years we will be undertaking environmental works to public open spaces, car parks, boundary treatments and the provision of in-curtilage parking where possible."

Posted at 11^th September 2009

Resident Open Day in Hattersley

by Ethos public relations

Peak Valley Housing Association invited its tenants, residents and leaseholders to join it and other local partners at a Resident Open Day recently.

There was plenty to keep children entertained and many residents brought the whole family along to take advantage of the various attractions and also to pick up hints and tips about a wide range of issues.

A key focus of the event was the level of service residents could expect from the recently signed new repairs and maintenance contract with Manchester Working Limited which commenced on 1 July 2009 and the new gas servicing and maintenance contract with PH Jones which starts in December 2009.

Mary McCabe, a Peak Valley Board member and local resident said:? ?I?ve just had my house refurbished ? with a new kitchen, bathroom and central heating system fitted, as well as a re-wire. There?s no doubt that providing an efficient repairs service is one of the most important services a landlord can provide.?

Financial experts like Money Information Network Tameside (MINT), Housing Benefit advice and the Peak Valley Income Management were also on hand to give practical advice on how to save and make the most of your money.

The Casey Group, Peak Valley?s main contractor delivering investment works to the area, set up a brick-laying demonstration for residents to try their hand at being a builder as well as manning a stall in conjunction with Peak Valley?s project consultants, Arcus, giving away novelties and competition prizes.

A digital switchover presentation from DigitalUK provided information about the imminent switch from analogue to digital television.

Sharon Locke from Peak Valley Housing Association said: ?It?s always good to see so many people from the local community coming together. This event was intended to provide information and entertainment and I think we got the balance right.? Certainly people appreciated the wide range of advice that was available and hopefully everyone has come away from the event with a smile.?

Posted at 21^st August 2009

Peak Valley award multi million contract to Manchester Working

by Ethos public relations

Tameside-based Peak Valley Housing Association has awarded a new long term multi-million pound repairs and maintenance contract to Manchester Working Limited.

The contract, which commenced 1 July 2009 is worth ?0.5 million per annum, is for the provision of a range of repairs and maintenance services including day to day responsive repairs, out of hours repairs and void maintenance services to the housing association?s 1,500 properties in the Hattersley area of Tameside.

Phil Corris, Managing Director of Peak Valley Housing Association said: ?The official signing of this major contract was the culmination of a rigorous selection process. Residents consistently tell us that the provision of a first class repairs and maintenance service is a key priority and therefore this contract is a vital part of our customer service.?

Manchester Working, a joint venture between Morrison Facilities Services Limited and Manchester City Council, has secured the five year contract with an option to extend it for a further five years, following a competitive tender process. Peak Valley Housing Association is a subsidiary of the Contour Housing Group, which is an existing client of Manchester Working Limited.

Des Morris, Managing Director of Manchester Working Limited said: ?We are extremely pleased to have been awarded this new contract with Peak Valley Housing Association. This new contract will also allow us to extend our long term relationship with Peak Valley and build on both companies commitment to provide the best possible services to residents.?

As well as investing in new technology and new ways of working, both contractors will have specially commissioned vehicle livery, and ID badges to highlight the profile of the partnership and afford greater security to Peak Valley residents.

Posted at 6^th July 2009

An Inspector Calls (in Hattersley!)

by Ethos public relations

Peak Valley Housing Association has become one of the first housing associations in the country to use its own residents as Inspectors - and Joan Smith who lives in Hattersley is on the team!

Joan is a Peak Valley resident and she has recently completed an intensive 12 week Chartered Institute of Housing accredited course run by Just Housing, an independent best practice consultancy for everyone involved in social housing.

Jac Oldham, Head of Service Development at Peak Valley said:? ?Recent government reviews and the establishment of the Tenant Services Authority last year have put residents firmly at the forefront in the future development of social housing.

?As a major housing provider in this region, we were keen not just to adhere to proposals - but also to be leading the resident revolution. We already involve residents right across the business? from a local level in resident associations ? right up to the board room - and it seemed natural for us to take things a step further.?

65 year old Joan said: ?I am already very involved with Peak Valley and see my role as representing tenants voices locally.

?However, I was quite nervous about doing this intentensive course as it?s been a long time since I?ve been back to school! I did find it hard work and was even dreaming about it in my sleep - but it was definitely worth doing.?

?I had to do a lot of research about Peak Valley which is a group member of Contour Housing Group.? I was staggered at its size, its remit and the whole range of housing services it provides. Housing Associations don?t just take rent and then sit back ? they are responsible for so much more and housing is just one part of a whole range of services they provide.?

Peak Valley and Contour want their Resident Inspectors to be fully equipped with the skills, experience and support necessary to fulfill a role which will have real teeth and be an important part of the assessment by the social housing regulator.

The Resident Inspectors are free to ?inspect? any and every part of the business from deciding if its website is easy to use, to how quickly it returns empty properties back to the market to how it responds to resident queries.

?The future for social housing providers will see more residents and tenants being empowered to have a stronger voice in the way their landlord operates,? saidJac Oldham.

?Our primary role is to provide decent housing to as many people as we can and it?s only proper that those people have a voice in the business.?

Posted at 29^th June 2009

Landlord offers debt advice

by Ethos public relations

As the unemployment figures continue to rise, social landlord Peak Valley Housing Association in Hattersley & Mottram is developing plans to ensure that its residents do not get into financial difficulties.

Housing Manager Joanne Danaher said: ?The latest unemployment figures for Tameside show that almost 7% of the working population of Hattersley are unemployed. The April 09 figures show a 69.3% increase in unemployment here, compared to the same time last year - and we therefore believe it is important to take active steps to help people avoid debt.?

Joanne said that it is vital that people come to Peak Valley as soon as their personal circumstances change.

?The message we want to get across is that we can work with you to manage rent payments. Our policy is to start talking to customers as soon as we see any rent arrears so that the situation does not get out of hand.

?We can point people in the direction of practical help and advice but most importantly we will work up a rent payment plan that avoids massive rent arrears.?

Peak Valley works closely with other partners in the area. The Hattersley Neighbourhood Partnership can provide re-training and will advise on local jobs available; the local authority Housing Options team provides advice on benefits; MINT (Money Information Network Tameside) provides free debt advice and give practical information. There is also free advice available on saving money on fuel consumption, as well as a whole range of other useful guides.

?Unfortunately the rise in unemployment also means a rise in unscrupulous loan sharks who are only too keen to take advantage of people when they feel most vulnerable,? said Joanne.

?Financial problems and mounting debt can seem like the end of the world and cause a great deal of stress. But remember there are numerous organisations, agencies and services in this area that have been set up to help you and they will even liaise with debtors to help manage the problem.

?The clear message from Peak Valley Housing Association is don?t suffer in silence, contact us on 0345 270 3501,? adds Joanne.

*Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted at 22^nd June 2009

Going, going, gone!

by Ethos public relations

People visiting the Hattersley & Mottrram area of Tameside recently may be forgiven for thinking that ?something was missing?. And they?d be right ? about 350 properties have been demolished over the last two years and the demolition programme has now been completed.

Peak Valley Housing Association started its multi-million pound demolition programme in 2006 as part of the regeneration plans for the area.? Connell Bros. Ltd., the contactor who undertook the work on behalf of Peak Valley, completed its work in January following the demolition and site clearance of over 350 dwellings.

Managing Director of Peak Valley Phil Corris said: ?The demolition programme started with 200 timber panel properties on both sides of Ashworth Lane.? These properties were originally built in the 1960s as temporary structures and so they have certainly stood the test of time!? However, the cost of modernising these homes was simply too expensive and residents living there were offered a variety of alternative homes. The majority of people elected to remain in Hattersley ? either in a fully refurbished house or in a purpose built new dwelling.

?Owner/occupiers of timber panel properties were given assistance to enable them to move to an alternative home through either a shared equity scheme for the new build houses or through using the money they received for their timber panel property to pay for improvement work to existing dwellings which were then transferred into their ownership.?

Connell Bros. Ltd worked on a number of sites on Hattersley from the large timber panel site on both sides of the junction of Ashworth Lane and Stockport Road to small garage blocks dispersed across the estate.

?As the old buildings come down Peak Valley Housing Association has been busy investing in its other housing stock,? said Phil Corris. ?To date we have spent over ?18 million modernising homes and we?ve also built over 100 new homes for sale and rent.

?Already Hattersley in 2009 looks totally different to the Hattersley of 2006 and with considerably more plans in the pipeline, Hattersley will continue to be transformed over the next few years.?

Posted at 27^th May 2009