Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Peak Valley kicks off the season

by Ethos public relations

Hattersley FC’s new Under 8s team football season has kicked off to a great start with the help of sponsorship from Peak Valley Housing Association. The sponsorship has resulted in brand new kits for the team to begin their first ever season at the Club.

Chairman of Hattersley FC Neil Lonergan said: “We were thrilled when Peak Valley agreed to sponsor the kits, and the children feel very proud wearing them.”

The Club which is ten years old has has nine teams in total and has sponsorship for six of them but is looking for sponsors for its under 12s, under 17s and the veteran team - the over 35s! With 170 children paying football, the Club relies on local residents to volunteer their time.

“We are always looking for volunteers to help out with coaching,” said Neil.

“Our coaches are all Level 1 qualified and trained in first aid and child protection as well as being CRB checked.

“We have excellent facilities and fully-qualified football coaches, we compete regularly, and pride ourselves on our reputation and delivering safe and effective football sessions.”

In 2004, the Club gained the Charted Standard Award, which sets standards of coaching, administration and child protection for Clubs working with young people.

Frank Mullin from Peak Valley said: “Peak Valley is delighted to provide this sponsorship for Hattersley FC which is an integral part of the community in Hattersley.

"Many of the children live in Peak Valley homes and so we were keen to do our bit to support our residents. Hopefully their Peak Valley kits will provide them with a lot of luck this season.”

If you would like to find out more about volunteering, playing or sponsoring a team please contact Neil or Karen Lonergan on 0161 366 6483.

To read other news from Peak Valley click here.

Posted at 14^th November 2011

Superstore construction marks 5th Anniversary

by Ethos public relations

Peak Valley Housing Association marked its fifth anniversary this month with an event to celebrate the construction of a new Tesco store and community facilities on land off Stockport Road and Ashworth Lane.

Managing Director Phil Corris said the start on site was a milestone in the multi million-pound redevelopment of Hattersley.

“In 2006 Peak Valley Housing Association was established as a result of a housing stock transfer from Manchester City Council,” he said.

“At the time we promised to refurbish our housing stock and to revitalise the area with the help of our partners - Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and developer CTP. It’s a great feeling to have delivered on those promises.”

Morgan Sindall is now on site to construct a 90,000 sq ft superstore, which will create new employment opportunities, and to build a new community hub, which will bring core community groups and facilities under one roof in purpose built accommodation. This will include a police post, library, community centre and a new housing office.

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 for some time.

“It’s good to see the plans become a reality at last and bring much needed local facilities to the people of Hattersley.”

Earlier this year Peak Valley celebrated the completion of the £33.5 million refurbishment project, which saw its housing stock improved well above the Government’s Decent Homes Standard. Since being established in 2006 it has also built 64 new bungalows for the over 55’s, completed new Valley Parade shops and started a £5 million contract for environmental works in the area.

A further 41 new dwellings will be completed by the end of March 2012 Kieran Quinn, Executive Leader of Tameside Council said:

“It is exciting that all the partners involved in working to transform this area and bring jobs here, are finally seeing the plans coming to fruition.

“There have been some hurdles in our way – however, we’ve all worked extremely hard to make this project a reality and it promises to be an important chapter in the area’s continued development.”

The development is expected to open in summer 2012.

To read other news from Peak Valley click here.

Posted at 9^th November 2011

Hattersley make over

by Ethos public relations

After investing millions of pounds on bringing its housing stock up to date in Hattersley, Peak Valley Housing Association is now turning its attention to the estate environment with a £5 million investment in environmental works.

Sue Edge, Project Manager for Peak Valley Housing Association said: “We have now appointed The Casey Group to complete work to the value of £1 million in phase one of the environmental works on Hattersley.

“The contract will benefit not just Peak Valley tenants but everyone living and working in the area.”

The environmental external works will cover such things as new fencing, replacement of boundary walls and in-curtilage parking and will include around 350 properties – representing a quarter of Peak Valley’s housing stock.

Sue Edge adds: “We have worked closely with The Casey Group on other projects and they have already developed a great working relationship with residents in the area.

“This next phase of work will complement the refurbishment of our housing stock.”

Click here to read more press releases for Peak Valley from Ethos public relations.

Posted at 1^st November 2011

More Bungalows for Hattersley

by Ethos public relations

Peak Valley Housing Association is on site at Padstow Close in Hattersley to develop eight new bungalows for the over 55s.

Previously the site was home to a number of garages which have now been demolished to make way for the new properties being built by Seddon Construction and designed by John McCall architects.

The scheme has been supported by a £255,000 investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and a further £200,000 from Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council.

Deborah McLaughlin, executive director North West at the HCA said: “I’m pleased that we have been able to support Peak Valley and Tameside Council to help develop the new bungalows at Padstow Close.  With such high demand for homes of this type in Hattersley it’s great to see work on this much needed development now on its way.”

Phil Corris Managing Director for Peak Valley said: “Padstow Close will bring the total number of new bungalows developed by Peak Valley to 64. Tameside’s Housing strategy recognises the shortage of suitable accommodation for older people in this area and our waiting lists demonstrate the enormous demand for this type of housing. “

Peak Valley Housing Association own and manage over 1300 homes in Hattersley and is investing millions into the refurbishment of the existing properties as well as building new ones.

Phil Corris said:  “It is common knowledge that the UK has an ageing population and the demand for housing built to meet the specific needs of this demographic is huge.  We are doing all we can to accommodate and help the over 55’s get the home they want and need.”

It is anticipated that the new bungalows will be ready for occupation in December this year.

For more news from Peak Valley Housing Association click here.

Posted at 20^th June 2011

Housing associations hit new heights

by Ethos public relations

Colleagues from Peak Valley Housing Association, Hyndburn Homes and Symphony Housing Group along with family and friends recently challenged themselves to climb Snowden.

“The climb took around two and a half hours in very harsh wet weather, said Joanne Danaher one of the organisers from Peak Valley Housing Association. “We all met at the café at the top of Snowden where we attempted to dry off.

“It was a great experience and there’s no doubt we all felt a wonderful sense of achievement – last year we completed the 3 Yorkshire Peaks challenge and we hope to tackle Ben Nevis later in the year.”

For more news from Peak Valley Housing Association click here.

Posted at 6^th June 2011

New Year – new start for ‘Honiton Shops’

by Ethos public relations

Peak Valley Housing Association and Rowlinson Construction have now started work to build three new retail units on Hattersley Road West in Hattersley.

The overall masterplan for the site will also see the development of 33 two bedroom apartments built on the site of the current retail units which are being demolished and the construction of the new retail units adjacent to the apartment block.

The £4.7 million project has been supported by £2.5 million funding from the Homes and Communities Agency and will totally revitalise the area.

“This part of Hattersley needs the facilities offered by new retailers and the local community has given its support,” said Phil Corris, Managing Director of Peak Valley Housing Association. “The retailers will not only service existing residents but also new residents who will be moving into the area as part of a major new housing scheme.”

Rowlinson Construction will also be building new apartments which will be rented by Peak Valley to the over 55s market.

It is anticipated the scheme will be completed by March 2012.

To read other news from Peak Valley click here.

Posted at 16^th May 2011

Benefit roadshow for Hattersley tenants

by Ethos public relations

Peak Valley Housing Association is inviting residents living in Hattersley to attend a Benefit Roadshow at Tameside Court where they can receive help and advice with Housing Benefit and any monetary issues they may have.

Jane Bradford Revenue Services Officer at Peak Valley said: “We are working with Tameside MBC Welfare Rights Team who will be giving a presentation to help residents understand the changes to Housing Benefit, Non Dependant Deductions, Universal Credit and the Social Fund.”

Experts will be on hand to offer help with any Council Tax issues, Sickness Benefit Appeals and advice with debt, there will also be a payment method demonstration. For anyone looking to find work, recruitment specialists Step Ahead will be offering advice on jobs and training opportunities.

Money Spinner, a Tameside based Credit Union will be providing information on the benefits and service they offer - residents can enter a FREE prize draw where the winner will receive £10 to open a Money Spinner Savings account.

“We are committed to helping tenants with financial issues, ensuring they are able to access any benefits that they are entitled to and get advice on managing their finances - so pop along and see us for a drink and a chat, said Jane.”

“There will also be an opportunity to see the plans of the proposed external environmental work due to start in Hattersley and plans for the new shops that are being built at Valley Parade.”

The event will take place on Thursday 12th May between 2.00pm – 4.00pm at Tameside Court, Hattersley Road East, Hattersley, SK14 3EQ.

To read other news from Peak Valley click here.

Posted at 9^th May 2011

£33.5 million completes Hattersley homes

by Ethos public relations

In November 2006 Peak Valley Housing Association started a massive refurbishment of its 1342 property portfolio in Hattersley. Now the company is celebrating the completion of this £33.5 million project.

Managing Director of Peak Valley Housing Association is Phil Corris. He said: “The refurbishment work now brings Hattersley homes well beyond the government’s Decent Homes standard and we are pleased to have completed the refurbishment on time and on budget.”

Residents have benefited from new kitchens and bathrooms, re-wiring, central heating and modern bathroom installations. In addition, some properties have also had new doors, windows, fascias, soffits and canopies. Insulation standards have also been improved generating significant energy savings.

Jayne and Neil Gaffney live on Pudding Lane with their seven year old son Kyle and say their refurbished home feels like a new one.

“Before the work the kitchen was tiny - you couldn’t swing a cat,” said Jayne. “Peak Valley knocked a wall down which opened up the space and this together with the lovely new units and worktops make it feel huge.

“We’ve also had new windows and doors, new central heating and a smashing new bathroom. It’s like living in a new house.”

The family has lived in their current home for six years and have lived in Hattersley all their life.

“Like everyone here we were thrilled when Peak Valley started work on the houses,” she said. “Hattersley is a fabulous place to live and we’re delighted that our homes have been modernised.”

As well as the refurbishment work, Peak Valley has built 64 new bungalows for the over 55’s and is now set to embark on the next phase of its investment programme which will concentrate on environmental improvements in the area.

Phil Corris said: “The satisfaction rates from residents have been consistently high throughout this process – never below 97%.

“Our thanks must go to our contractor The Casey Group, our staff and Board members and of course to the residents who have allowed us into their homes.

“The next phase of our work will see the area further improved through our environmental and Public Realm programme ensuring that Hattersley remains a great place to live, work and play.”

To read other news from Peak Valley click here.

Posted at 11^th April 2011

Bungalow ideal for the Evans family

by Ethos public relations

When Beryl and Brian Evans moved into their new bungalow in Hattersley recently, their two year old granddaughter Jessica offered to buy them some stairs! But stairs were the main reasons for moving out of their old house into this new property – and so they declined Jessica’s kind offer!

The Evans family are one of four households that have just moved into brand new bungalows which have been developed by Peak Valley Housing Association in a £400,000 pound scheme on Polperro Walk. The scheme has been supported by a grant of £160,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) which has been matched funded by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council.

Phil Corris Managing Director for Peak Valley said: “This is our third development for the over 55’s in Hattersley comprising a total of 56 bungalows. Our research suggests there is a great demand for this type of housing in the area and we are looking at how we can provide more in the future.”

Peak Valley Housing Association own and manage 1550 homes in Hattersley and is investing millions into the refurbishment of the existing properties as well as building new ones.

Beryl and Brian moved into their new home in January and have only moved a short distance from their previous property in Underwood Walk. “We have lived at Underwood Walk for 30 years,” said Beryl, “but the stairs were proving too much for us. In fact we’ve both fallen down them on more than one occasion!

“It’s lovely to be in a house where there are no stairs and we love our spacious new home which includes a new kitchen and bathroom.”

The Evans have been waiting for a suitable property since 2006 and there are many more people like them who want a home that meets the specific needs of the over 55’s.

Phil Corris said: “The waiting list for housing for this age group means we are continually looking at how to meet demand. We are now on site at Honiton Road in Hattersley to build new retail units as well as apartments especially designed for the over 55 market.  In addition, there are a further eight bungalows in the planning pipeline at Padstow Close.”

Deborah McLaughlin, executive director North West at the HCA said: “We gave key support to Peak Valley and our other partners in the area to help bring Polperro Walk to completion so I am very pleased to see people happily living in their new homes.  There is a clear demand for housing of this type in Hattersley, so it’s great that this much-needed development is now available to local people.”

To read other news from Peak Valley click here.

Posted at 15^th February 2011

Superstore gets the go-ahead

by Ethos public relations

Partners in the multi million pound redevelopment of Hattersley are celebrating today as the Government Office for the North West has confirmed that the Secretary of State will not intervene in the recent planning approval decision for a new superstore to be built on land off Stockport Road and Ashworth Lane.

Peak Valley Housing Association and Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council are the landowners of the site which now has the green light for the development of a 90,000 sq ft Tesco store and a district centre.

“This is the news Hattersley has been waiting for,” said Peak Valley Housing Association Managing Director Phil Corris. “The land has been earmarked for commercial development since 2005 and we are delighted that our plans to bring local facilities and around 450 new jobs can at last be realised.”

The scheme is part of the Masterplan for the area and has the support of partners Peak Valley Housing Association, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency, developer CTP and the majority of the 7,000 Hattersley residents.

First Deputy, Cllr Jim Fitzpatrick, who represents Hyde Godley ward, which includes parts of Hattersley, is delighted by the decision. He said: “This is excellent news and adds to the regeneration and redevelopment of the area.”

Mrs Brenda Duddridge local resident and Chair of the Hattersley Environment, Housing and Regeneration Theme Group is also pleased that the views of the majority of Hattersley’s residents have been respected. “Residents are the main stakeholders in this,” she said. “It’s great that we will finally have the ‘significant retail outlet’ that has been called for in consultations and discussions with local residents dating back to before 2000.”

The new development will comprise a Tesco Extra as well as a ‘community hub’ which will provide a base for the library service, Hattersley Neighbourhood Partnership, the police, the community association, Peak Valley Housing Association offices as well as numerous other community groups.

Keith McCormack, from developers CTP, added: "We have been working closely with Tesco, land owners Peak Valley Housing Association and the council to produce this exciting scheme. It’s great news to have the final seal of approval on what will be gateway scheme for Hattersley.”

It is anticipated that work on the new development will start in April 2011 with the new store expected to open for business around Easter 2012. The new community facilities are likely to be ready at the same time.

Matthew Magee, Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager commented: “We're delighted with this news. Our store and the job creation involved will be a real boost for the area and we're grateful to all the residents of Hattersley for their support."

Posted at 4^th November 2010

Greenfingers secure Hattersley work

by Ethos public relations

Peak Valley Housing Association has awarded an £80,000 landscape maintenance contract to Crewe based Greenfingers Landscape Limited.

Phil Corris Managing Director for Peak Valley Housing Association said: “The contract is for two years and subject to review. Greenfingers will be responsible for the communal landscaped area of the Hattersley estate in Tameside complementing the work done by Tameside Council who look after the adopted areas.”

Staff from Greenfingers depot in Trafford Park will be delivering the contract. Director Lisa Higginbottom said: “We are very pleased to be working in Hattersley where residents and Peak Valley can be assured of our commitment to quality maintenance and customer care.”

Posted at 22^nd September 2010

Green light for new shops and homes

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 just been approved by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council.

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.

The existing Honiton Road shops are in a poor state of repair and considered blight on the area and Phil Corris Managing Director of Peak Valley Housing Association said: “This is great news for people living near the shops who will benefit from new facilities and an improved environment.

“We will also be able to provide much need new housing in the area.”

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.

Work on the new retail units will commence shortly 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 8^th September 2010

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