Your GREATNeighbourhoodPromiseKingswell, Killisick& Mapperley Plains

2014-17

At Gedling Homes we want all ourneighbourhoods to be great placesto live. We want them to look great,have great services, feel safe and bea place for both work andrecreation.

We believe that both GedlingHomes and our tenants have animportant role to play in shapinghow our neighbourhoods grow anddevelop. Through reviewing andimproving the services we provideto our tenants, we feel we can havea positive effect on our

neighbourhoods. We haveproduced a neighbourhood promisefor each of Gedling Homes’neighbourhood areas and this one isyours. It details the issues raised byyou and a commitment fromGedling Homes to review anddevelop our services to contributeto improving your neighbourhood.

The promise will run for 3 years andwill be reviewed annually withtenants, to assess our progressagainst the actions.

Kingswell, Killisick andMapperley Plains

2

Gedling Homes’ Properties in Kingswell, Killisick,Mapperley Plains

Occupied properties

Occupied: 378

Empty: 2

General needsaccommodation

Maisonette: 7

Flat: 86

House: 253

Ethnicity

White British: 333

BME: 12

Unknown: 33

Gender

Female: 246

Male: 129

Unknown: 3

Shelteredaccommodation

Flat: 34

Tenant age

18-29: 25

30-39: 66

40-49: 80

50-59: 54

60+: 124

Unknown: 29

Totalaccommodation

Maisonette: 7

Flat: 120

House: 253

Number ofproperties:

380

3

*Data accurate as of November 2013

Kingswell, Killisick and Mapperley Plains are wardsin the Arnold area of Gedling borough. These areasextend out towards Mapperley along Coppice Roadand out towards Woodthorpe down Arnot Hill Road.

In Killisick there are a small number of independentretail units on Beechwood Road, offering a butchers,hairdressers, post office, florist, cafe and newsagent.In Kingswell the shops on Rolleston Drive offer avariety of fast food and takeaway establishments.There is also a large Sainsbury’s supermarket just offNottingham Road.

There are several primary and junior schools in thisarea and the Arnold Hill Academy. All have goodreputations locally.

Killisick Park is a children’s adventure playground, multigym and five a side football area which is frequentlyused by children of all ages. In the summer this spaceoften entertains local events such as fairs and carnivals.

Kingswell, Killisick and Mapperley Plains arepredominantly residential wards and have good accessto local services, transportation links and Arnold towncentre.

This area is a mix of Gedling Homes properties, privateowners and other social landlords. Our properties arepredominantly family homes, but we also own 1 and 2bedroomed flats in the area, along with one shelteredhousing scheme at Tavill Field, Kilnbrook Avenue.

Your GREAT Neighbourhood

● Arnot Hill Road● Ashdale Road● Aylesham Avenue● Beechwood Road● Bentwell Avenue● Birchfield Road● Bonington Drive● Brook Avenue● Brook Gardens● Brookfield Court● Brookfield Road● Cedar Grove● Charnwood Lane● Chestnut Grove● Coppice Road● Elm Grove● Firbeck Road● Gedling Grove● Hallams Lane● Hawthorn

Crescent

● Howbeck Road● Kiddier Avenue● Killisick Road● Kilnbrook Avenue● Kilvington Road● Langford Road● Leverton Walk● Needham Road● Nottingham Road● Nursery Road● Oakdale Road● Pinewood Avenue● Rolleston Drive● Wardle Grove

Gedling Homes has properties in:

4

Bentwell Avenue

Rating Your Neighbourhood

Working with our tenants we have identified a numberof areas that tell us how well we are performing in yourneighbourhood. These are called neighbourhoodindicators and will be used alongside the feedback wehave collected from tenants and residents. Theinformation will tell us what we need to focus on tohelp improve your neighbourhood.

We have also identified some external indicators whichwere identified as having an impact on the widercommunity.

Our tenants have told us to use a simple star rating,from 1-5, with 5 being the best. We will give a starrating to a range of indicators to identify a final,overall score for your neighbourhood.

5

Indicator Brief Summary STARRating

GedlingHomes’Indicators

Percentage of tenancies in rentarrears

There are relatively few tenants in this area that haverent arrears

HHHH

Percentage of customer satisfactionwith their neighbourhood as a placeto live (STAR survey)

Tenants in these areas have a high satisfaction level withtheir neighbourhood as a place to live

HHHHH

Turnover of stock Tenants stay in the area for a longer than averageamount of time

HHHHH

Average number of days to relet aproperty (excluding properties wherea major repair has taken place)

Across the Kingswell and Killisick area, the average timeit takes to let a property is satisfactory

HHHH

Percentage of opened anti-socialbehaviour (ASB) cases per areaagainst organisation average

The neighbourhood experiences very few ASB cases HHHHH

Percentage of evictions per area There is an average number of evictions in this area.This may indicate that some tenants are sufferingfinancial difficulty

HHHH

ExternalIndicators

Employment - Percentage of peopleeconomically active

There are a number of people within this area whoare not economically active (employed, part-time,self-employed or seeking work)

HHH

Education- Percentage of pupilsachieving 5 GCSE’s grade A-Cincluding English and Maths

There is a good level of educational attainment for pupilsin the neighbourhood but not as high as in some areas

HHHH

Level of good health in theneighbourhood

Residents’ perception of their health is good, but not ashigh as in other areas

HHHH

Barriers to housing and services /accessibility to services

People in this area have good access to a range of shopsand services from a variety of organisations close totheir home

HHHHH

Crime & Safety - Offences andincidents

People experience an average level of crime whencompared against other areas within Gedling borough

HHHH

Summary STARRating

Gedling Homes have devised a detailed action plan which highlights many of the above areas. Work in theseareas will be undertaken in the next 3 year period to improve Gedling Homes properties.

HHHH

Your GREAT Neighbourhood Rating

The above information has been sourced from Gedling Homes’ own performance figures, the 2011 Census, GedlingBorough Council and the South Nottinghamshire Community Safety Partnership. The external data information relates toward data and is not necessarily representative purely of Gedling Homes’ tenants.

6

The indicators we use to rate your neighbourhood helpto point us in the right direction, but to further identifywhat needs doing we need local knowledge, to addressspecific issues and problems.

We have spoken to local people who live and work inyour neighbourhood. This is what we have been told:

Our Neighbourhood Team told us:● In Gedling Homes’ flats, there is insufficient bin

storage; this means that bins are often situated inlarge numbers outside the main entrance to ablock of flats. This gives an unattractive andunwelcoming entry to these blocks

● Buses run to a regular and frequent timetable,and there are lots of local taxi companies basedin and around this ward

● Incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour are relativelylow in this area, but when problems do occur ittends to be low level noise nuisance andneighbour disputes

● Fly tipping continues to be an issue in the area,with the hotspots typically in the shared areas inGedling Homes’ blocks of flats, and also ourgarage sites. Regular estate inspections arecarried out to identify any fly tips and reportsfrom tenants and residents are dealt with quicklyand effectively

● The police carry out regular patrols and anumber of operations in the area, Arnold alsohas its own police station. There is a visual policepresence around Arnold with local officerspatrolling the streets on a frequent basis.Gedling Homes works closely with the police todeal with joint issues

● Gedling Borough Council’s Locality Coordinatoris now working in Killisick and the following havebeen identified as key areas of work for partneragencies in this area:

● Engage with young people to increaseacademic attainment

● Encourage employment opportunities forlocal residents through apprentices,volunteering, job clubs and skillsimprovement

● Maximise the income of residentsthrough debt management and benefittake-up

Local Knowledge - Auditing Your Neighbourhood

7

Outdoor Gym Equipment, Killisick

You told us:On average the people we spoke to rate theneighbourhood 8 out of 10 as a place to live.Despite some concerns, the majority werepositive about the area.

● Some of the best features identified were:

● The range of shops

● Public transportation

● Access to open spaces

● Some of the worst features identified were:

● Anti-social behaviour

● Difficulties with parking

● Dog fouling in some areas

● Concerns expressed included:

● Some ASB on the Killisick Estate

● Young people hanging around on thestreets

● Lack of facilities for children, especiallyolder children

● Desired improvements included:

● Greater provision for dog fouling bins withinGedling Homes locations

8

Other organisations told us:● To reduce problems with dog fouling and

graffiti, Gedling Borough Council have adoptedmobile patrols and a joint initiative with use ofPolice Community Support Officers andNeighbourhood Wardens in the Killisick area

● The Police have employed sporadic measuressuch as vehicle checks, speed guns and mobilepatrols to reduce speeding traffic aroundschools and in highly concentrated pedestrianareas as this is a current issue in the area

Together, we saw:● Small pockets of waste land in the area could

be better utilised by the neighbourhood

9

What? Why? When?

Target low level nuisance by an increased staffpresence and joint working with the Police in thespecific area identified. Where appropriatemanage low level noise and other inconsideratebehaviour generally in the neighbourhood

To reduce the incidents of ASB in theneighbourhood and improve tenants andresidents quality of life

March 2015

Introduce a restorative justice scheme withpartner agencies and utilising volunteers from thecommunity to help reduce levels of ASB and toproduce long lasting solutions to it.

To engage communities in helping to solvethe ASB and the offending that affects them.This will increase community engagement andprovide a voice for victims of crime and ASBand those who have been harmed eitherdirectly or indirectly

August2015

Increase the signposting of tenants to healthadvice and other support services

To improve the health of tenants in theneighbourhood and make them aware of thesupport that is available

September2015

Consistently signpost and refer tenants and theirfamilies to training and income advice services,working with partners to develop people’semployment readiness

To improve services and maximise input intothe neighbourhood from other serviceproviders

September2015

Improve and focus our Caretaking service on theareas identified by our tenants

To ensure that tenants get the best possibleservice from our Caretaking team and tomaximise their impact on the neighbourhood

March 2015

Work with partners and other agencies tosupport initiatives to help improve theneighbourhood

To improve services and maximise input intothe neighbourhood from other serviceproviders

December2015

Neighbourhood Team to increase targeting of flytipping and litter hotspots including the use ofsurveillance cameras

To improve the neighbourhood appearanceand quality of life for residents

March 2015

Continue to work in partnership with GedlingBorough Council’s (GBC) NeighbourhoodWardens to reduce dog fouling

To reduce incidents of dog fouling in theneighbourhood and raise awareness of theissue in the community

March 2015

Your GREAT Neighbourhood Promise -What needs to happen?

Neighbourhood and community

10

What? Why? When?

In consultation with GBC provide more dog binsin identified Gedling Homes problem areas

To improve neighbourhood appearance andquality of life for residents

September2015

11

What? Why? When?

Work towards publishing a plan of internalimprovement of communal areas in ourapartment blocks

To improve the appeal of properties and thequality of life of existing tenants

June 2015

Improve and introduce where possible scooterstorage in our schemes

To improve tenants’ quality of life April 2016

Implement an external painting programme To improve the appearance of GedlingHomes’ properties in the neighbourhood

March 2016

Undertake a review of the condition of all garagesites and produce a programme for futureimprovements

To improve the management, security andappearance of garage sites and improveparking provision

December2015

Undertake a review of parking at our properties To improve parking provision in theneighbourhood, reduce congestion onselected roads and increase quality of life fortenants and residents

March 2016

Consider all options available to improve theappearance of Gedling Homes’ properties

To improve the appearance of theneighbourhood and quality of life of tenantsand residents

March 2015

Improve the green spaces in our IndependentLiving Schemes

To improve the scheme and area appearance March 2015

Home

12

What? Why? When?

Continue to provide support to sustain tenanciesand wherever possible prevent evictions

To help more tenants successfully sustain theirtenancies

June 2015

Continue to make targeted calls and visits tocustomers in rent arrears. Provide advice andassistance to enable the customer to pay the rentdue and come to a sustainable agreement torepay any arrears owed

To reduce arrears in the neighbourhood andthe number of customers whose home is atrisk due to debt issues

June 2015

Continue to provide increased support toidentified families and tenants and link them toour support and advice services

To help identified customers successfullymanage their tenancy and reduce lifestyleclashes with other residents

June 2015

Continue to signpost support services to tenantswho may be experiencing drug and alcoholrelated problems

To reduce levels of neighbour nuisance anddisputes and help identified tenants’ accesshealth support and services

September2015

Work with tenants to create a sense ofcommunity and reduce isolation throughbefriending

To help new tenants settle into theneighbourhood and create links to thecommunity and neighbours

March 2015

Neighbourhoods team to continue with regularestate inspections (open to all tenants)

To provide regular monitoring of street levelappearance and visible issues

June 2015

Target fast track enforcement for serious ASBperpetrators with targeted resources from ourTenancy Services team

To remove disruptive tenants quickly andimprove the quality of life for other residents,protecting demand for properties

December2015

Increase the use and targeting of mediationservices in neighbour disputes

To reduce neighbour disputes and improveneighbour relations

June 2015

Continue to signpost and refer customers whomay benefit from the help of our Money Wiseteam

To reduce the number of evictions for non-payment of rent and provide more help andadvice on managing finances

June 2015

Tenancy

13

What? Why? When?

Continue to work with Gedling BoroughCouncil’s Locality Co-ordinator and providesupport to develop their initiatives

To build on partnership working andimprove appearance of and facilities for theneighbourhood

June 2015

Set up a regular neighbourhood improvementgroup with tenants

To ensure services are more customer andneighbourhood focussed

March 2016

Continue to work with Tenants and Residentsgroups and provide any support they requireto develop their activities

To obtain detailed feedback from tenantsand residents specifically on services andwider neighbourhood issues, and workwith them jointly on neighbourhoodpriorities

September2015

Extend and improve activities for older tenantsvia Sheltered Scheme events

To improve community links betweenolder tenants in different parts of theneighbourhood and improve communityspirit and quality of life

September2015

Along with partners consider the provision ofdiversionary activities for young people duringschool holidays

To reduce instances of ASB by youngpeople in the area during school holidayperiods

July 2015

Introduce project work where young peoplehelp improve neighbourhood appearance orhelp other tenants

To build community cooperationnetworks, increase community spirit,self-help, improve inter-generational linksand build respect

March 2015

Develop a Time Bank scheme where tenantscan provide skills and support to each other

To build community cooperationnetworks, increase community spirit,self-help, improve inter-generational linksand build respect

March 2015

Develop and improve CommunityRegeneration initiatives with ourneighbourhoods

To improve neighbourhood appearanceand allow the community to target areasthey think are a problem and to build asense of community spirit

March 2016

Extend our links with furniture recyclingcommunity enterprises to help new andexisting tenants furnish their properties

To improve community access toaffordable furniture, build communitynetworks and develop a community’sability to work on projects together

March 2016

Involvement and empowerment

14

Work has already begun in your neighbourhood on thevarious actions outlined in Your GREATNeighbourhood Promise.

We will be reviewing the plan frequently and will keepyou updated on the progress with an annual report.You will have the opportunity to be involved in this soplease watch out for advertised activities or requestsfor feedback.

However, if you have something to say, don’t wait forus to call you! If after reading this you have anyquestions, comments or suggestions, or if you wouldlike to get involved in fulfilling the plan, please contactus:

Phone: 0115 905 1515

Email: enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk

Twitter: @Gedling_Homes

Facebook: facebook.com/gedlinghomes

We can also arrange for someone to call and visityou in your own home.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you!

We hope that over the next three years, through theactions outlined in Your GREAT NeighbourhoodPromise, we will really make a visible difference to yourneighbourhood.

We believe that the key to achieving the goals set out inthis plan is to continue working together, with you, ourtenants and leaseholders.

Final Thoughts

What happens next?

15

Phone: 0115 905 1515

Email: enquiries@gedlinghomes.co.uk

Website: www.gedlinghomes.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.co.uk/gedlinghomes

Twitter: @Gedling_Homes

Write: Gedling Homes, Gedling House,Wood Lane, Gedling, NG4 4AD

Contact Us

Kilnbrook Avenue, Killisick

In person:

Customer Contact Centre,The Civic Centre,Arnot Hill Park, Arnold,Nottingham, NG5 6LU.

Opening times are9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday,9am to 4.30pm Friday