Residents and local school representatives joined members of Cosmopolitan Housing Association, Wirral Council and the Homes & Communities Agency, to witness the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

Previously a street of terraced houses dating back to 1919, the site has been redeveloped by Cosmopolitan Housing Association and Lovell Partnerships Ltd to provide 36 new homes which include a mix of two, three and four bedroom bungalows and houses.

Each home has its own parking space and rear garden and is equipped with solar panels to provide hot water and state-of-the-art ‘smart meters’ to measure gas and electricity. Smart meters take readings automatically and provide accurate, up-to-the-minute information for residents on energy consumption, allowing them to monitor their energy use more efficiently. The properties also benefit from automatic meter reading water meters.

This means the entire development meets Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, the system for assessing properties’ environmental performance. They also meet the Lifetime Homes standard by providing accessible, adaptable accommodation and Secured by Design standards, through the incorporation of security measures into their design and construction.

Residents at the event were unanimous in their praise of the new homes, particularly the warmth of the accommodation. Debbie Pratt, aged 46, who lives on Springfield Place with her 6 year old daughter Emily, said:

“Everyone can’t believe how warm the homes are, they’re just lovely. I moved here from a two bed terrace in Birkenhead and I’m paying less than a third on my gas and electric compared to there. Even in weather like this you only need to put the heating on for about four hours a day and the house is lovely and toasty.”

“Emily loves it too” she added. “The rooms are much bigger and we’ve got a really nice garden at the back – when she first saw it she said it looked like a park! It’s lovely and quiet as well. I feel like I can give her a better life here.”

Speaking at the launch, Cosmopolitan Group Chief Executive John Denny, said:

“Developments like this one are the product of real partnerships. Partnerships with the residents are most worthwhile; the result here is based on talking to people and putting something on the ground that meets needs. We are delighted with the feedback from residents on Springfield Place and Rice Lane about the quality of this flagship development and how quickly they have settled in. This development delivers cutting edge eco-living at a very high standard on Merseyside.

“We have worked closely with partners such as Wirral Council and stakeholders, including residents, to ensure the success of this initiative, which is an important part of our wider development programme. We are delivering sustainable communities that signal our intent to continue to regenerate for the benefit of Merseyside and Cheshire and beyond. Our new Group is committed to develop and will deliver several thousand homes across the region over the next few years.”

Cllr George Davies, Wirral Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, added:

“It is great to see a new scheme come to life in one of our former Housing Market Renewal areas, providing much-needed, high-quality, affordable, energy-efficient homes for Wirral residents, replacing the poor quality, older housing that was there before.”

Post from JamesRae.co.uk

Wirral Mayor opens new £4.1m eco-friendly housing development in Wallasey (06/02/2012)

The project, which should be completed in time for the summer, has been a joint initiative between the residents, Guinness Care and Support, Guinness Northern Counties and Groundwork Wakefield who worked with residents to develop a design suitable to their needs and aspirations.

It has also received positive support from the wider community, Age UK, the local MP, councillor and voluntary organisations.

There are 60 residents at Montpellier Court, in Cold Bath Road – which is managed by Guinness Care and Support and Guinness Northern Counties- and they have been involved in all aspects of the work including digging the borders, planting flowers, fruits and shrubs and overseeing the construction works contract

“We first had the idea about three years ago so it has taken a long time to get it off the ground” says Scheme Manager Lesley Walton. “When we heard we had actually got the cash we were delighted, the residents were over the moon.”

“There just hasn’t really been anywhere for them to sit outside so this garden will really make a huge difference to them.”

The garden, which is being funded by Community Spaces, Big Lottery Fund, will have a gazebo and pagoda at the entrance, with seated areas all around, a herb garden and a sensory garden.

“This summer really is going to be the best for everyone as we will be able to enjoy the outdoors for the first time and we are really grateful for all the help” adds Lesley.

Bruce Miller, a resident who has been involved in the application process, said residents were delighted with the award and looking forward to being able to get the most from the garden over the summer months. He thanked all the partners and fund facilitators for their invaluable support with the project.

Post from JamesRae.co.uk

Sheltered scheme residents hit the jackpot! (08/02/2012)

Residents and local school representatives joined members of Cosmopolitan Housing Association, Wirral Council and the Homes & Communities Agency, to witness the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

Previously a street of terraced houses dating back to 1919, the site has been redeveloped by Cosmopolitan Housing Association and Lovell Partnerships Ltd to provide 36 new homes which include a mix of two, three and four bedroom bungalows and houses.

Each home has its own parking space and rear garden and is equipped with solar panels to provide hot water and state-of-the-art ‘smart meters’ to measure gas and electricity. Smart meters take readings automatically and provide accurate, up-to-the-minute information for residents on energy consumption, allowing them to monitor their energy use more efficiently. The properties also benefit from automatic meter reading water meters.

This means the entire development meets Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, the system for assessing properties’ environmental performance. They also meet the Lifetime Homes standard by providing accessible, adaptable accommodation and Secured by Design standards, through the incorporation of security measures into their design and construction.

Residents at the event were unanimous in their praise of the new homes, particularly the warmth of the accommodation. Debbie Pratt, aged 46, who lives on Springfield Place with her 6 year old daughter Emily, said:

“Everyone can’t believe how warm the homes are, they’re just lovely. I moved here from a two bed terrace in Birkenhead and I’m paying less than a third on my gas and electric compared to there. Even in weather like this you only need to put the heating on for about four hours a day and the house is lovely and toasty.”

“Emily loves it too” she added. “The rooms are much bigger and we’ve got a really nice garden at the back – when she first saw it she said it looked like a park! It’s lovely and quiet as well. I feel like I can give her a better life here.”

Speaking at the launch, Cosmopolitan Group Chief Executive John Denny, said:

“Developments like this one are the product of real partnerships. Partnerships with the residents are most worthwhile; the result here is based on talking to people and putting something on the ground that meets needs. We are delighted with the feedback from residents on Springfield Place and Rice Lane about the quality of this flagship development and how quickly they have settled in. This development delivers cutting edge eco-living at a very high standard on Merseyside.

“We have worked closely with partners such as Wirral Council and stakeholders, including residents, to ensure the success of this initiative, which is an important part of our wider development programme. We are delivering sustainable communities that signal our intent to continue to regenerate for the benefit of Merseyside and Cheshire and beyond. Our new Group is committed to develop and will deliver several thousand homes across the region over the next few years.”

Cllr George Davies, Wirral Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, added:

“It is great to see a new scheme come to life in one of our former Housing Market Renewal areas, providing much-needed, high-quality, affordable, energy-efficient homes for Wirral residents, replacing the poor quality, older housing that was there before.”

Post from JamesRae.co.uk

Wirral Mayor opens new £4.1m eco-friendly housing development in Wallasey (06/02/2012)

The Hanbury properties make up Spinner Mews on Wigan Road and will offer a total of nine properties for shared-ownership. The first phase will see three 3-bedroom homes complete this month (January) with a further six, 2-bedroom apartments ready later this year.

All of the semi-detached homes will include new fitted kitchens and bathrooms, gas central heating, UPVC double glazing, front and rear gardens and a front driveway.

The three-bedroom properties also feature a master bedroom with en-suite facilities.

The properties are being built by Persimmon Homes.

Shared ownership allows would-be homeowners to purchase a share in their property’s value, paying rent on the un-owned portion to the housing association, with the option to progress to outright ownership as financial circumstances allow.

Prices start at £75,000 for a 50% share in the Hanbury properties but 25% and 75% shares are also available.

To find out more about this or any of Cosmopolitan’s other properties please contact Sarah or Joanne on 0151 227 3716 or visit:

http://www.cosmopolitanhousing.co.uk/findahome/homesforsale.php

Post from JamesRae.co.uk

New Year brings new properties in Ormskirk, ready for shared ownership (09/01/2012)

The work experience programme will be delivered by RE>BUILD, which already provides training at Bury to help people gain relevant and realistic work experience to improve their employment prospects.

Individuals taking part in the programme will do a half day of work experience plus a half day group session to improve their personal effectiveness, both at home and when looking for work.

The training is available to tenants of Guinness Northern Counties in the Heywood area and at the end of the training programme, individuals will gain certificates that accredit their achievements, proving to an employer that they have the experience and skills to do the work.

Liz Jackson, RE>BUILD Chief Executive, said: ‘We are very pleased to be working with Guinness Northern Counties and its residents. RE>BUILD have many years’ experience of supporting people as volunteers and 50% of our existing staff started out as volunteers, proving that volunteering can help people get back to work.

She added: “We hope that this programme will encourage people to give some time to helping our project, while at the same time gain recognition for their efforts.”

RE>BUILD collect donations of unwanted domestic furniture from the Bury Council area and also operate a Community Re>Paint scheme. The furniture is cleaned up and restored at their workshops so that it can be sold at a low cost to disadvantaged families. Alongside these services, a volunteering, training and work experience programme for people from all backgrounds is run at the Bury premises.

In addition to this, RE>BUILD has also recently run a bike refurbishment course for young offenders and a furniture refurbishment programme designed specifically for people with disabilities.

Allan Higginson, Estate Services Manager with Guinness Northern Counties, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Re>Build, this should be of great benefit to our customers in Heywood in helping them to furnish their new homes with affordable furniture.

He added: “The training packages available will also be of great benefit to local people who are currently out of work and looking for a way back in to employment.”

Post from JamesRae.co.uk

New training programme will help provide hope to the unemployed and affordable furniture to low income families (16/01/2012)

Housing provider Guinness Northern Counties chose Loxley Court on Limbrick Close, Hillsborough, out of 11 contenders around the East Region, based on the overall running of the scheme, the well-maintained gardens and levels of resident involvement.

Both Janet and her colleague Eric Pickersgill, who work for The Guinness Partnership to provide 24 hour support to residents at Loxley Court, impressed the judging panel with their excellent team working skills to provide high quality support and a safe and homely environment for their residents.

This included maintaining and improving the gardens whilst involving residents in the maintenance of hanging baskets and decorative areas. Inside the scheme, information and advice is on display regarding vulnerability issues, walkabout information and a ‘Praise and Grumble’ book to air their views or suggestions.

Paintings done by residents hang on the walls of the scheme and a well-stocked library is kept refreshed. In addition there are numerous activities for residents to enjoy, including bingo, flower arranging classes and trips out together.

Joan Negson (84), who has been a resident at Loxley Court for 13 years, said: “I can’t say anything wrong about the place, I really enjoy living here, we all get along, it’s a close community and we all support each other. The scheme managers are A1 in my opinion, they dedicate a lot of time and energy into Loxely Court.”

Mrs Anne Grant (54) is one of the youngest residents at Loxley Court and has lived there for seven years. She said: “Janet and Eric put so much into it themselves. The award is a great tribute to all of us who live here, for making it such a good community.”

Scheme Manager, Janet Shipman lives on site at Loxley Court, she said: “Eric and I work very closely as a team and we both feel this has helped to build a ‘community’ here. The best part of my job is the satisfaction of being able to help people to live as independently as possible and provide them with a happy, comfortable environment to live in.”

Loxley Court is home to 28 residents aged from 60. Anyone interested in learning more about the scheme please contact Guinness Northern Counties on 0845 605 9000

Post from JamesRae.co.uk

Dedicated staff help scheme scoop Sheltered Scheme award (10/01/2012)

They were joined by Cllr Peter Rush from Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council and John Cockerham, Director of Neighbourhood Services at Guinness Northern Counties, the local housing provider which purchased and developed the land.

Previously home to just one derelict building, the Hill Street of today is barely recognisable, with one 2-bedroom and four 3-bedroom homes for rent which are already fully occupied. The split-level design of the scheme takes advantage of the small steeply sloping site.

All four of the new homes meet Code Level 3 for Sustainable Homes and achieve Lifetime Homes Standards along with Secured By Design accreditation.

Contractor Denton Construction ensured minimal disruption to existing residents by adopting the Considerate Constructors approach to building, which is geared towards lowering the impact of building sites within residential areas.

The land and existing derelict property were redeveloped with funding from the Homes & Communities Agency, Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) and Guinness Northern Counties, in a bid to stimulate regeneration and provide much-needed homes in the area.

John Cockerham, Director of Neighbourhood Services for Guinness Northern Counties, said: “This is a fantastic scheme that meets a great need in Heywood for family houses. It shows just what can be achieved by organisations working together and we are very grateful to Rochdale Council for their support particularly in terms of the land acquisition.”

The scheme is one of three regeneration projects in the borough to be given the go-ahead under the Greater Manchester Local Investment Plan.

Post from JamesRae.co.uk

No more blues at Hill Street as derelict site becomes new homes (25/01/2012)

Local housing providers Orbit Heart of England, Guinness Northern Counties and Midland Heart have teamed up with the Open Door project, which has already helped to establish several other successful work clubs around the West Midlands.

The club’s first event was an informal drop-in session at the Communal Hall on Tanyard Close, Tile Hill in Coventry last week where visitors could speak to representatives from local agencies such as Job Centre Plus and Pertemps about opportunities to get back into employment or training.

The Work Club will run every Monday from 16th January in the Communal Hall and is completely free of charge to attend. The club has been part-funded by Orbit Heart of England and Midland Heart, who along with Guinness Northern Counties will help by encouraging residents from their estates who could benefit by going along.

Chris Lowe, Guinness Northern Counties Housing Officer, said at the event, “With unemployment currently at a 17 year high, there will be many people living locally who can benefit from the help and advice on offer as well as the support that Work Clubs can provide when it comes to getting a CV together and applying for jobs. This is a very practical way in which housing providers like ourselves can help their residents and I hope people will take full advantage of it.”

Manjit Sehmar, Employment Development Officer from Midland Heart, said: “This is an ideal opportunity for anyone looking for employment, training, voluntary work and further education to receive one-to-one advice and guidance along with ongoing support to fulfil their goals”

Anyone interested in coming along to the Work Club should contact Manjit Sehmar on 07990 640 781 for more details.

Post from JamesRae.co.uk

Coventry residents are offered an Open Door to new opportunities (18/01/2012)

Residents at Woodway Park celebrated the garden’s completion along with Police, councillors Ed Ruane and Lynette Kelly and local housing provider Guinness Northern Counties, who have all worked together to rid the estate of teenage troublemakers.

The garden has been created on the site of a former play area, which had become the focal point of antisocial behaviour for several years.

A group of out of control youths had been making life a misery for many of the law abiding residents with Police regularly being called to deal with arson attacks, smashed windows, drunken street brawls and drug abuse as well as graffiti and vandalism. Many residents say they were terrified to go in or out of their own front doors, whilst other complained of youths urinating and having sex in doorways.

The residents, many of them elderly or with young families, eventually decided the only way to beat the problem was to stand together against the thugs.

Working closely with Guinness Northern Counties, the Police and local councillors they provided the vital evidence needed to secure legal injunctions against four of the main perpetrators in September 2010.

Their success in the Courts restored relative peace to the estate, especially after one of the alleged ringleaders moved away.

Since then they have worked together to transform the play area to make it a facility for all to enjoy. With funding of £17,500 from Guinness Northern Counties and labour provided by the housing association’s property care team, the dilapidated play equipment, hard surfacing and railings have all been removed. The new garden has been designed around the Olympic theme in anticipation of next year’s Games in London, with five circular beds set into the newly laid turf and directional signs installed showing the distance from Woodway Park to former Olympic host cities around the world.

“By the time the games commence in July 2012 these beds will be a blaze of five different colours” said Simon Curry, Estate Services Manager from Guinness Northern Counties. “ Together they will represent the Olympic spirit of peace and unity that residents have helped to bring back to this estate.

“It’s been a long struggle” he said, “but like true Olympians they have persevered to get the result they want for their neighbourhood. We’re delighted to have been able to help bring this garden to life and to have dealt with the troublemakers who were making life so intolerable for their neighbours.”

Local resident Mrs Iris Essex, aged 82, from Jonathan Road, said: “The area has been transformed from what it was and it looks lovely. Everyone who comes to the area comments on it. The team from Guinness Northern Counties have really worked hard on it and we’re looking forward to next year when it’s all in bloom.”

Neighbourhood Police Officer Chris Booth commented: “At the height of the antisocial behaviour problems, we were getting over 20 complaints a month but since June it has dropped significantly to less than one a month. We know we still have further work to do but our joint efforts are clearly paying off and the team from Guinness Northern Counties have done a lovely job of the play area.”

Ray Shaw, 77, another resident of Jonathan Road, added: “I carry out scheme inspections on walkabouts on Woodway Park with the Guinness Northern Counties neighbourhood team and I would give the work they have done on the park and the rest of the area an Olympic gold medal!”

The seven week project also provided work experience supporting National Vocational Qualifications in Environmental Services for Guinness staff and apprentices, in partnership with training provider Upturn Enterprise.

Post from JamesRae.co.uk

Coventry residents hold their own Olympic opening ceremony as harmony returns to their estate (15/12/2011)

The celebrations opened with a presentation of flowers to Mrs Jean Walton (86) of Lonsdale Court and Mrs Gwen Best (96), one of the first residents to move into Vicarage Court when it opened in 1986.

Janet Turnbull from Guinness Care & Support manages both schemes and organised the celebration, which included entertainment from local singer John Smith & Friends and a fish ‘n’ chip lunch for everyone who attended.

The party ended on a high note with an abundance of raffle prizes on offer, including food hampers, gift vouchers and a voucher for Sunday lunch at the York Hotel, in Hartlepool.

Speaking at the celebrations, Janet said: It has been a lovely. All the residents said they really enjoyed themselves and it was nice to see so many residents come together to celebrate the 25 years.

The event was organised entirely by Janet and funded by local housing provider Guinness Northern Counties, which owns both schemes.

Overall the two schemes are home to 55 residents over the age of 50.

Post from JamesRae.co.uk

Residents gather to reminisce as two Hartlepool housing schemes celebrate their 25th anniversaries (21/12/2011)