AUTUMN 2015

Don’t struggle withrent repayments in silence

Complete ourhousing servicessurvey and win a£100 shoppingvoucherP8

Sheltered Housing residents get 10k windfallP3

Residents urged to help in litter fightP5

enants who have moved into the 37 newCouncil homes built in Brucehill have giventhem the seal of approval.

After 11 months of construction at the former HillStreet site, the properties are now complete and allof the tenants are living in their new homes in

Hillstreet Square and Napier Crescent.The Council, along with the Main Con-

tractor CCG Scotland Ltd, have developed16 one bedroom flats, 6 four bedroomhouses, 6 three bedroom houses, 6 twobedroom houses, 2 two bedroom wheel-chair bungalows and 1 four bedroomwheelchair bungalow.

The new homes have been designed in-house by Consultancy Services to a ‘silver standard’ whichmeans that they are more energy efficient as they will releaseless carbon dioxide than the average home and use less energyto heat the rooms and water supply.

Tenants John and Moira Lamond moved from a multi-storeyflat in Dalmuir and live with their 2 grandchildren. The couple’s

daughter, Moira, is a wheelchair user and she has moved intoone of the wheelchair accessible properties at the new Brucehilldevelopment.

Moira senior said: “The houses are absolutely brilliant and it’s acomplete transformation to what we were used to living in a flat.Having the outside space is wonderful because we can sit outside

and it’s easy for the kids to get out and playas well. We are delighted with our new home.”Plans are also now being developed for thenext phase of consultation which will focuson the community garden that is situated atthe centre of the development. This space willbe developed by Greenspace in consultationwith the community. If you are a resident ofBrucehill and wish to be involved in this,

please email: linda.adam@west-dunbarton.gov.ukCouncillor David McBride, Convener of Housing, said: “These are

fantastic new homeswhich we have created at the heart of Brucehill.The Council continues to push forward with its development plansand after the success of this project I’m excited to see work beginon the next site in Second Avenue, Clydebank, next year.”

TThese are fantastic

new homes which wehave created at theheart of Brucehill”‘‘

Tenants struggling to keep up their rentpayments are being urged to get in touchwith the Council.

A no eviction policy is in place for any tenant engaged with the Council to agree a suitable re-payment plan, as we look to provide as much support as possible.

The Council will work with individuals to assesstheir ability to pay so that a realistic and sustainablepayment plan is agreed.

Councillor David McBride, Convener of Housing,said: “Many residents are finding it tougher thanever to manage their money, but we maintain com-mitted to not evicting any tenant who engages withthe Council on a payment plan.

As we constantly try to make it easier for tenantsto pay their rent, the Council has streamlined itsprocesses, restructured the debt team and intro-duced a new Rent Collection Policy. Hopefully these measures will help to prevent tenants fallinginto arrears and will also allow us to better assistthose who are facing difficulties and tackle any issues as early as possible.”

To make the Council aware of issues you arehaving paying rent, contact 01389 737788

Free advice is on offer for residents who wantassistance with benefits and debt issues.

The Working4U Service works in partnership witha range of other services and specialises in supportingthose affected by cancer, mental health, a learningdisability and other long term health conditions ordisabilities.

Working4U provides help with benefits and debtand then offers the necessary support for residentslooking to prepare for work or get back to work. Itprovides residents with a variety of services to supportthose who are out of work and also those who areaffected by the Welfare Reform changes to the SocialSecurity system.

Appointments can be arranged in Alexandria,Clydebank and Dumbarton, or at home in exceptionalcircumstances.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Vice-Convener ofHousing, said: “This is a free and confidential service,with advisors who have a vast amount of experiencein dealing with benefits and money/debt issues.They will give you advice to allow you to make informedchoices and also provide practical assistance.”

Free debt advice

To speak to an Advisor or arrange an

appointment, please call: 01389 776929,

0800 980 9070 (between 10 - 12 & 2 - 4) or

email: wrmas@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

NEW HOMESGET THUMBS UP FROM TENANTS

£4m project creates

37 houses

Councillors, Chief Executive Joyce Whiteand Council officers gather at the

new homes in Brucehill

£100SHOPPINGVOUCHER!

£4.8m upgrade project in Clydebank,which will significantly improve the energyefficiency of the properties,is nearing com-pletion.

Work to upgrade the Littleholmflats at Clyde, Park and WestCourts in Mountblow is expectedto be finished in October.

The project, which will alsobenefit from external funding ofaround £465,000, includes anew structural insulated rendersystem to protect building fabric and service life. This will helpto resolve historic water ingress issues and significantly improveoverall energy efficiency of the flats.

David McBride, Convener of Housing, said: “The works also include replacement windows which have the latest insulation

standards. There has also beenincreased roof insulation andwaterproofing as well as new upgraded ramped access to themain entrance areas and newentrance screens. I am delightedthat such extensive improvementshave been made, which will makesuch a difference to all of the residents at these properties.”A total of 270 flats are involved

in the project, with a mix of 244Council tenants and 26 owner occupiers who will be assisted with the costs due to the external funding which has been secured for these works.

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I am delighted that such extensive improvements have

been made, which will make such a difference to all of the residents

at these properties”

‘‘

UPGRADEPROJECT WILL MAKEHOMES MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT

Two dedicated members of Tullichewan Tenants and ResidentsAssociation are calling on more people to become part of thecommittee.

Harry McCormack, Chairperson, and Hamish McNaught, who serves onthe Committee, both believe that the Tullichewan TRA plays a valuable rolein the community.

Harry said: “The group helps me to feel part of the community. On yourown it can sometimes feel that you can’t get anywhere but in the Associationyou’re meeting with other folk with the same concerns about the area andtogether we can get things done.

“We have worked hard to highlight vandalism in the area, have raised roadsafety concerns and issues with damaged fences. We are very keen for newcommittee members to join the Association, so we’d be delighted for peopleto come along to our next meeting.”

Hamish added: “The group has had many achievements in the past, including being involved in consultations with a housing association tochange the design and number of new houses being built in the area. Groupmembers also enjoy the social aspect of the meetings as it can sometimes be a blether and a laugh.”

The flats in Mountblow arebeing significantly upgraded

Help to shapeTullichewan’s future

For more information about the Tullichewan TRA, go to their Facebook page or pop along to a meeting. The group meetsevery second Tuesday of the month at 2/1 McGregor Walk.

Tenants andResidents Associationmeetings

CENTRAL ALEXANDRIADates 16 Nov, 21 Dec at 7pmVenue 5 Alexander Street, community premises

PRE HACC FORUMDate 2 Nov at 3pm

Venue GarshakeRISK STREET

Dates 20 Oct, 17 Nov, 15 Dec at 7pmVenue St Augustine’s Scottish Episcopal

Church ComplexSOUTH DRUMRY

Dates 4 Nov, 2 Dec at 7.30pmVenue Onslow Road Community Hall

TULLICHEWANDates 10 Nov, 8 Dec at 7.30pmVenue 2/1 McGregor Walk, Community Flat

The Council allocated 257 properties totenants between April and June 2015.

The allocations were split between 214 flats, 37houses and 6 bungalows.

Of these properties 128 were in Clydebank, 51in Dumbarton and 78 in Alexandria.

While the Council has managed to reduce thewaiting list by over 13% from this time last year,there remain 3,790 people waiting for a new home.Waiting times vary depending on the applicants’choice of areas and housing types.You can talk about your housing application at anytime, and the Council can offer advice about yourarea and house type.

Clydebank main enquiry number:

0141 951 7900Dumbarton/Alexandria main enquiry number:

01389 608970

£4.8 MILLION

New committee memberswanted for Tullichewan TRA Get

involved!

Allocations update

JANFEB

MAR APR

MAYJUN

JULAUG

SEPOCT

NOVDECX

WDTRODates 12 Nov at 2pmVenue WestbridgendDate 10 Dec at 2pm

Venue Dalmuir

WDTRO LIAISONDate 29 Oct at 2pm

Venue Dalmuir CE CentreDate 17 Dec at 4pm

Venue Dumbarton

Join your local Tenants and Residents Association

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The Council has reassured tenants that providing housingfor Syrian refugees will not result in any local residentswaiting longer for a home.

The Council announced plans in September to help refugee familiesfleeing war-torn Syria. It is anticipated a small number of familieswould be welcomed to the area as part of the UK and Scottish Government action to support the ongoing humanitarian crisis.The move has been broadly welcomed and a number of residentsturned out at a public meeting on the refugee crisis at ClydebankTown Hall in early October.

It is important to be clear to Council tenants that this humanitarianeffort will have no effect on existing tenants and the allocationslist.

Any refugee family offered sanctuary in West Dunbartonshire willbe housed in properties which are currently empty due to lack ofdemand. It is expected that the Council would receive funding fromthe UK Government to assist in improving these properties.

The exact number of refugee families who could be accommo-dated in the area is still being assessed, however, the Scottish Government has committed to taking 400 refugees a year andWest Dunbartonshire would only take a proportion of these, appropriate to its size and resources.

Councillor David McBride, Convener of Housing, said: “We haveall been moved by the harrowing images of people fleeing Syriaand I am pleased that West Dunbartonshire has agreed to play itspart.

“The homes which would be made available to refugees are currently low or no demand properties.Experience has shown thattenants would rather waitfor alternative propertiesthan move into these currently vacant homes.

“If refugees were to cometo West Dunbartonshirethen these low demandproperties would be upgraded with Government funding and occupied by refugees. The important pointis that no tenant will wait a day longer for their Council home because of this area offering humanitarian help to those vulnerable men, women and children currently living in difficult conditions in refugee camps.”

The Council agreed to formally support the Syrian refugee crisisat a Special Meeting last month. A range of areas, such as housing,education, social and health, are still being fully assessed beforeany further steps are taken.

The Council will work with any local community where refugeesmight be placed to ensure that everyone understands the situation.Glasgow and other parts of Scotland have been welcomingrefugees for years so it can be done successfully.

£10,000 grant which will be used to providea range of entertainment for residents livingin sheltered housing has been secured fromthe National Lottery.

The West DunbartonshireSheltered Housing Tenants &

Residents Association applied for themoney, which will now be split between all nine of the Council’s sheltered complexes.

It will allow residents to organise a numberof social events and bus trips, with the YoungStreet complex having already enjoyed aday out in Largs thanks to the funds.

The Sheltered Housing Forum, which includes representatives

from each of the sheltered complexes, co-ordinated the grant application to ensure a joint approach.

Suggestions on what the money should now be spent on can be made by all residents within each individual complex.

This ensures the money is used for entertainment everyone will really enjoyand benefit as many people as possible.

Jane Mack, the Council’s Tenant Partici-pation Officer, said: “Without John Redpath’sexperience of making grant applicationsand the joint working of the ShelteredForum, this successful application would

not have been possible. I’m looking forward to seeing the photosfrom all the trips and events that will be happening soon.”

I’m looking forward to seeing the photosfrom all the trips andevents that will behappening soon”

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£10,000 WINDFALLFOR SHELTEREDHOUSING RESIDENTS

Dedication isdelivering results

Dear tenants,Welcome to the Autumn edition of Housing News which will keep you right up-to-date with everything that’s goingon with Council housing in West Dunbar-tonshire.

It’s been a busy few months and as Convenerfor Housing I have been delighted to see theprogress which has been made in the Council’snew build housing stock during this time.

We are creating new homes for the first time ina generation, and the fabulous properties whichhave recently been completed in Brucehill aretestament to the hard work and dedication thathas gone into providing the very best for our tenants.

The Council is committed to improving localhousing, and the fact that these homes havebeen created to an industry approved energy efficient standard is extremely pleasing.

Plans for the next phase of the new build programme is also moving forward with the vacant properties in Second Avenue, Clydebank,set to be demolished soon to make way for yetmore modern, fit-for-purpose housing.

I am always pleased to hear when residentsare successful in their attempts to secure fundingfrom external agencies, because I know how timeconsuming and difficult a task this can be.

So for the West Dunbartonshire ShelteredHousing Tenants & Residents Association to get£10,000 from the National Lottery to help fundentertainment and trips for residents is absolutelyfantastic news.

Our tenants and residents associations, alongwith other community groups, do such an excellentjob to ensure that the lives of residents are constantly improving – so well done, and keepup the good work.

Litter is an issue which affects all tenants andcommunities. Our litter campaign has certainlyproved a success and I’m glad that sports teamsare embracing the latest measures which havebeen introduced.

The red card scheme, which is an attempt toget teams that use the Council’s pitches to actmore responsibly when clearing up litter, willhopefully serve as a reminder to everyone to DoThe Right Thing.

So, if you’re out and about please try to do yourbit to keep our communities clean and tidy.

Best wishes,

Councillor David McBride,Convener of Housing

COUNCILLOR McBRIDECONVENER OF HOUSING

Our tenants andresidents associations do such an excellent job to ensure that the lives

of residents are constantly improving”

‘‘

David McBride

Residents will use the money to fund social events and trips

Council outlines Syrian refugee plans The Council is committed to supporting refugees fleeing Syria

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It’s time to makeyour voice heard

limit of three housing offers is to be introduced after the Council agreed to implement key changesto the allocations policy following consultation with tenants.The Council carried out a survey earlier this year to find out what tenants thought should happen when allocatinghomes. All of the recommendations suggested by tenants have now been approved by Councillors and will be introducedon November 1.

Councillor David McBride, Convener for Housing, said: “Thesechanges will hopefully improve things for all our tenants and getempty houses back into use as quickly as possible. Tenants haveraised the issue of unlimited offer time and time again, so I’mpleased that we have now introduced these new policies.”

Helen Turley, Head of Housing and Community Safety, said: “Bymaking these changes the Council hopes to make betteruse of the limited housing stock that we have, as wellas encouraging strong and stable communities by continuing to prioritise those in housing need.”

A further review of the housing allocations policy willbe carried out at the end of this year, as the Council

ensures that it reflectsnew requirementswhich will be set by the ScottishGovernment. Tenantsv i ew s w i l l b esought during thisprocess, and if youare interested inbeing involvedthen call us on01389 737281 oremail: housingnews@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

These changes will hopefully improve things for all our tenantsand get empty houses back into

use as quickly as possible”‘‘

Be prepared forhospital travel

The Chairperson of the West Dunbarton-shire Tenants and Residents Organisation(WDTRO) is urging more people to get involved with the group.

The WDTRO continues to work hard to ensurethey represent tenants and residents acrossWest Dunbartonshire and provide a strong voiceduring discussions and decision-making.

Hugh O’Donnell, Chairperson of the WDTRO,said: “We have always welcomed new membersand would urge anyone with an interest in housingand improving services to get in touch and helpus carry on.”

The WDTRO website is kept up-to-date withtheir meetings and contact details for anyone interested in getting involved: www.wdtro.org.uk

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TENANTS PROVIDECHANGES FORALLOCATIONSSYSTEMS

Residents travelling by public transportto the new South Glasgow Hospitals arebeing reminded that fast and frequentservices are available from Partick trainand bus stations.

The services will drop you off right at the doorto make it as easy as possible to make it to appointments.

For up-to-date travel information go to:www.travelinescotland.com

or call 0871 200 22 33Lines are open 24 hours every day.

Your Community puts residentsat the heart of local planning

The changes include:

= A limit of 3 offers, after which the applicant will not get another offer for 12 months= Tenants must remain in a tenancy for 12 months before applying for a move= Develop a local lettings plan to deal with properties for which there is little or no demand= Introduction of a Housing Allocations Panel to deal with complex issues

If you have already made a housing application and you want

to review it contact the Housing Allocations Teams on

01389 608970 (Dumbarton and Alexandria) or

0141 951 7900 (Clydebank).

Allocationssystemchanges 1 NOV

Community groups and residents arebeing urged to take a central role in developing their areas.

A new way of working is being rolled outacross West Dunbartonshire which will give residents their say in how services are deliveredin their local area.

Working within existing community councilboundaries, Your Community will ensure thatservices offered by the Council, Police, and otherpartners at a local level are tailored to residents’needs, and responsive to locally agreedpriorities.Support will be offered to communities to takeaction to improve their area.

It will build on what is already happening ineach area and involve existing active organisa-tions such as community councils, tenants andresidents associations and other communitygroups.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Vice-Convener of

Housing, said: “This initiative is about improvingthe way we deliver services to our communitiesand ensuring local voices are heard. The firststage will be to go into each neighbourhood andlisten to residents and, from there, we will worktogether to develop action plans to respond tothose local priorities.”

Your Community was first launched as a pilotproject in Alexandria in January and is nowbeing taken forward in all other communitiesacross West Dunbartonshire over the comingmonths.

The Council has securedfunding to create a new playpark in Bonhill.

A full public consultation will becarried out later in the year to gaugelocal opinion on where the new facility should be built.

Councillor David McBride, Convenerfor Housing, said: “This is great newsfor Bonhill and will provide a fantasticnew facility once completed. Weare committed to improving the lifechances of our children and youngpeople and by providing safe andvibrant play areas it helps to do justthat.”

New play park plans

The WDTRO represents the views of thousands of tenants

The allocation changes will help deal with low demand properties

To find out more about Your Community or get involved email:wdcpp@west-dunbarton.gov.ukor telephone the Communities Team on 01389 737269

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Rent consultationgroup gets ready to make itsrecommendations

We’re already recycling nearly half of our waste but let’s

Get a blue bin and recycle your cardboard, paper, food anddrinks cans and plastics. Get a food waste caddy and

start recycling your food.

Contact wasteaware@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

DO THE RIGHT THINGand recycle more!

AND RECYCLE

YOUR WASTE

he Council is showing a red cardto sports teams who litter onits pitches with tough newsanctions as part of its on-going Do the Right Thingcampaign.

A new penalty card system at pitcheshas been launched to make sure teamsbooking pitches take responsibility for ensuring the parks and surrounding areasare left clean at the final whistle.

Any team which books a park andleaves behind litter following a match willreceive a yellow card. Three yellow cards willsee the team being issued with a red card andlosing their park booking for the following week. If ateam is handed two red cards in one season, they will forfeit the remainder of their pitch bookings for the season.

The new approach has been welcomed by local amateur andyouth teams, and is already proving to be a success with a decrease in reports of litter at pitches. So far no team has beenhit with the penalty.

Councillor David McBride, Convener of Housing, said: "Thisnew approach is working and our local teams appreciate whatwe're trying to do and have been supportive of our efforts."

As part of the Do The Right Thing campaign, tenants are also being reminded to clear up after their dogs. The Council receives numerous complaints about dog fouling throughout the area, which can often be a blight on communities.

Fixed penalty fines of £40 can be issued by authorised CouncilOfficers or if convicted in court a maximum fine of £500 may be imposed.

If you do have information regarding any offenders,contact the Council in confidence on 01389 772059.

TA working group set up to give tenantsmore say on what happens to their rent isset to share its views with the Council.

The Rent Consultation Review Working Groupwas set up in response to guidance provided by theScottish Government about the operation of theHousing Revenue Account (HRA).

The HRA is the main housing account that rentmoney is paid into and housing services paid from.

The Working Group – which is made up of repre-sentatives from residents and tenants organisations,Sheltered Housing Forum representatives as wellas individual tenants – has already identified twomain areas which they would like to see addressed.

One of the main issues that the group has identified is a need for more transparency abouthousing costs as well as a desire for tenants to bemore involved in the decision making process forthe Capital programme and Business Plan.

A full report including the working groups’ recommendations is being put together for theHousing Management Team and will also beshared with tenants.

Jim Hendry, vice chairperson of the WDTRO,said: “The HRA is a very significant issue for tenants and improving our involvement in the actual decision making process associated withsetting rents is needed. The whole process can’tchange overnight but we’re looking for the processto begin changing so that it becomes more trans-parent for tenants.”

If you want to get involved in the Working Groupthen get in touch with Jane Mack on

01389 737281.

If you don’t have time just now but might be interested in other consultations, or want to keepup-to-date, why not join our Interested Tenants

Register and we’ll keep in touch with you.

This new approach is working and our local teams appreciate

what we’re trying to do”‘‘

The HRA is a very significant issue for tenants

and improving our involvementin the actual decision

making process associated with setting rents

is needed

‘‘

Local teams are supportingthe littering initiative

The group wants tenants more involved in the decision-making process

TEAMS WHO LITTERFACE BANS FROMCOUNCIL PITCHES

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new development of 54 modern, spacious,energy-efficient homes has just opened atBeardmore Place, Dalmuir, on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal.Council Leader Martin Rooneywas on hand recently to welcome

tenants into their new homes.The homes were built as part of a

strategicpartnership between Cube HousingAssociation and its parent organisationWheatley Group with West Dunbarton-shire Council.

Margaret Collins, 73, moved from WindsorCrescent, Clydebank, into Beardmore Place earlier this summer.

She said: "I'm very happy with my new flat. I love the spaceand the way it's designed. It has wide doors and an 'open' feel."I really like the open space outside and the view of the canal.It's great for a wee walk round the paths for a bit of exercise.

"There's been a lot of thought put into the design of these flats.

My home is very comfortable and I feel safe here. I think that'svery important."

The 54 homes in Beardmore Place are a mixture of one andtwo bedrooms. Nine of the flats have been specially adapted for

disabled tenants.The £5.5m development, built by con-

tractor CCG, includes £2.8m grant supportfrom the Scottish Government.

Councillor David McBride, Convener ofHousing said: "I'm delighted to have hadthe opportunity to meet the residents atthese new homes.

"This Council is committed to improvinglocal housing and our partnership with Wheatley Group is clearlydelivering for residents across West Dunbartonshire.

"As well as this strategic partnership, the Council has alreadyinvested over £8m to build 121 new homes across the area as weconstantly look to improve the housing stock available to our residents."

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Tenants across West Dunbartonshireare set to see £800,000 spent onimprovement projects which theyhave identified.

The main project will be the renewal of themain foyer flooring within all multi-storey flats across the area, after this action wasagreed at a public meeting inSeptember.

It has also been agreed thata number of cellars in Rossheadand Central Alexandria will berepaired, improved lightingwill be fitted at the front andback of some properties in Durban Avenueand Canberra Avenue, and sockets will be installed in the porches of the sheltered flatsat Melfort Avenue.

Each year since 2011, the money which isgenerated by the Council’s Repair Section isre-invested into areas of renovation workwhich tenants want carried out.

Consultations over the last 3 years haveprioritised a programme of external housepainting, close painting, gutter replacementand renewal, external light renewal andsmoke alarm testing.

The Tenant Priority Budget Consultation for2015/16 got under way at a public meeting

in June, before the decision to invest in all the projects suggested by tenants wasagreed at a further meeting inSeptember.

The aim is to maximisebenefits to as many tenantsas possible and a number of

ideas were proposed. Jane Mack, Tenant Participation Officer, said:

“This is a great way to get tenants’ views andfor their priorities to be targeted. Listening totenants is an important part of the processand when they see the results for themselvesit makes being involved more worthwhile.”

This is a great way to get tenants’ views and for their

priorities to be targeted

I am delighted to have had the opportunity

to meet the residentsat these new homes”‘‘

DELIGHT AS NEW HOMES OPENON BANKSOF CANAL

Supported accommodationproject success

The Council’s partnership with Wheatley Group is delivering

for residents

Multi-storey flats to get share of £800k improvement fund

‘‘

A weekly foodr e c y c l i n gservice hasbeen intro-duced for allresidents liv-ing in highrise flatsthroughoutWest Dun-bartonshire.

The servicewill help peopleto easily recycle their food waste instead ofthrowing it away.

A large quantity of food waste from high riseproperties is currently sent to landfill, but thissystem will allow it to be composted and turnedinto fertiliser or used to produce electricity.

Every high rise property has been issued witha small, lockable brown kitchen caddy to collecttheir food waste in. Free caddy liners have alsobeen provided to keep your caddy clean.

The outdoor communal brown food waste binswhich are now at the front entrance of all highrise and deck access flats should be used to deposit the liners filled with food. These bins willbe emptied weekly.

Councillor David McBride, Convener of Housing,said: “We have already made great strides as weaim to meet, and exceed, the recycling targetswhich have been set by the Scottish Government.Extending the food waste recycling service to ourhigh rise properties can only be a good thing andI am confident that residents will give it their fullsupport.”

If you run out of liners e-mail:wasteaware@west-dunbarton.gov.uk or call:01389 738282 to request more.

Food recycling forhigh rise flats

Work will soon get underway torenew the foyer flooring at multi-

storey flats

Council Leader Martin Rooney and Councillor Patrick McGlinchey

launch the new service

More than 100 people from across WestDunbartonshire have been supported bya unique homeless project since it wasopened less than two years ago.

The project, which is based in Ashton View,Dumbarton, provides shared accommodation and24-hour support to people who find themselveswithout a home.

Staff at the project work intensively with residentsto help them develop the key life skills needed toallow them to move on to a permanent, settled home.

This is supported by house rules which callupon the individuals to address the issues whichcontribute to their homelessness – such as drugand alcohol misuse.

Once a tenant has been accepted into the 12-week programme they are appointed a keyworker and between them they agree on a careplan tailored to each individual’s needs and holdregular reviews to ensure they are on the right track.

At the end of their stay in Ashton View, the resident is accommodated in a fully furnishedtemporary flat with support from their key workerand this continues for another six months to ensure they are managing well.

Councillor David McBride, Convener of Housing,said: “I am delighted that this project has beenso successful since being set up. To have supported more than 100 people within the firsttwo years, with the majority moving on to havesteady tenancies, is an excellent achievement foreveryone involved.”

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WILLIAM HENDRIELAB

SNPSSP

INDCOUNCIL OFFICESROSEBERY PLACECLYDEBANK G81 1TGT: 01389 738650M: 07943 813111

MARIE McNAIR

LABSNP

SSPIND

COUNCIL OFFICESROSEBERY PLACECLYDEBANK G81 1TGT: 01389 738743M: 07909 891237

KATH RYALL LABSNP

SSPINDCOUNCIL OFFICES

ROSEBERY PLACECLYDEBANK G81 1TGT: 01389 738782M: 07538 842579

COUNCIL OFFICESGARSHAKE ROADDUMBARTON G82 3PUT: 01389 602562M: 07909 890846

CLYD

EBAN

KWA

TERF

RONT

LOMO

NDLEVEN

DUMB

ARTO

NKILP

ATRICK

CLYD

EBAN

KCE

NTRA

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know your

councillors

ELECTEDMEMBERS2012 - 2017

P8

Other formatsThis document can be viewed as a pdf on our website:http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/housing/housing-news/It can also be provided in large print, Braille or on audio cassette and can be translated into different community languages. Please contact: Corporate Communications, Council Offices, Garshake Road, Dumbarton, G82 3PU. Tel: 01389 737000

CONTACT CENTRE 01389 738282

HOUSING - GENERAL ENQUIRIESDumbarton 01389 738282Clydebank 01389 738282

HOMELESS EMERGENCY(24 hour freephone) 0800 197 1004

HOUSING - REPORTING A REPAIRC’bank, Dumbarton/Alexandria 0800 073 8708Out of hours 0800 197 1004Repairs Centres are open between 8.30am and 4.15pm, Monday to Friday

EMERGENCY REPAIRS(out-of-hours freephone) 0800 197 1004Gas heating repairs (City Technical) 0800 073 0341Sold Property Team 0141 562 2442Tenant Participation 01389 737281ASIST (all antisocial behaviour services can be contacted through this number)

01389 772048

SOCIAL WORK - GENERAL ENQUIRIESDumbarton 01389 737020Clydebank 0141 562 8800Alexandria 01389 608080

FINANCIAL SERVICESCouncil Tax 01389 738282 or

01389 737444

HOUSING, REGENERATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICESSpecial (bulky) uplifts - Contact Centre 01389 738282Grass cutting 01389 608412Litter hotline 01389 772059Environmental Health 01389 738290Pest Control 01389 738282Waste Aware 0845 111 0050Citizens’ Advice Consumer Services 0845 404 0506Trading Standards 01389 738519Caretaking service 01389 608903/904

COUNCILLORS - GENERAL ENQUIRIES:Clydebank 01389 738782Dumbarton/Alexandria 01389 737540

GENERALCitizens’ Advice Bureau:Dumbarton 01389 744690Alexandria 01389 752727Clydebank 0141 435 7590

Community Transport Service 0141 333 3252HOME from HOME 01389 733733Energy Advice (Energy Saving Trust) 0800 512 012Samaritans 0845 790 9090Welfare Rights 01389 737050Lesbian and Gay Switchboard 0141 847 0447

RELATE (Relationship Scotland) 0141 248 5249Victim Support Scotland 0141 952 2095Dog warden 01389 738652Greenlight 01389 721012

Women’s AidDumbarton/Alexandria 01389 751036Clydebank 0141 952 8118

PoliceClydebank 0141 532 3300Dumbarton 01389 822000Alexandria 01389 823000Crimestoppers (freephone) 0800 555 111

Useful phone numbers

In person...Use your swipe card and pay by:= cash or cheque= cheque or Postal Order by post to any area housing office= credit or debit card

Through your bank...Pay by standing order or direct debit. This means your rent/CouncilTax is paid automatically from your bank account. Pick up a form fromthe rent counter at any of the local housing offices.At the Post Office...You can also pay by direct debit at any Post Office or Paypoint outlet.Use your swipe card and pay by:= cash or cheque

By telephone/internet...Use your credit or debit card to make a payment for your rent, CouncilTax or debtor account by:= calling our Contact Centre on 01389 738282= calling our automatic telephone payment service on

01389 732376 at any time= calling one of our officers during working hours= logging onto our website: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk

and clicking on the ‘Pay Your Way’ button to go to thepayment pages

don’t miss the next edition of Housing Newsdue out in winter!

WAYS TO PAY YOUR RENT...

ake part in a survey about housing services for yourchance to win a £100 shopping voucher.

As part of the five year rent strategy introduced in 2012 theCouncil is committed to investing in improving housing.In the summer Housing News we reported that after around

£81m of investment the Council had achieved the ScottishHousing Quality Standard as a direct result of this commitment.

We will continue to invest in the housing stock to maintain these andnew energy efficiency standards but any proposed changes in rent alsonow need to be balanced by ensuring that we are delivering on tenant priorities.So we want to know what your priorities for investment are and how youwould like to see your housing services developed or improved.

What’s important to YOU?= Reducing energy costs= Building new homes for rent= Improving the quality of our repairs and getting

them right first time= Investing in your neighbourhood

T

N V B H T J V F W H F E D AI X K A N A R D R O R N E TK R I L Q L Y J G O P A G HP C O L D E R G O L S P T YM Y E O F A Y E K K P T S LU S L W X V D K R Q X B Y YP S C E M E V U Q I L V L FM E L E Y S A T N U F L H IY V G N I S O C S X I N U YF S A V H Q A T M H K C O HW W D H Y W E Y C X H O S BD D O O F R G J W O R D U JZ Z W J Y O D I P I N B U OR K S F T T U N T S E H C Q

Can you find 10 words associated with autumn from the list below? Answers can be found horizontally, vertically, diagonally or even backwards!

BLUSTERYBONFIRECHESTNUTCHILLYCOLDERFOGGYFROSTYHALLOWEENLEAVESPUMPKIN

AUTUMN WORDSEARCH TEASER

try our tea time teaser!

YOUR RENT, YOURPRIORITIES

You can complete the survey at:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TXNBTTG or email your views to:housingnews@west-dunbarton.gov.ukAlternatively, give us a call on 01389 737281.

To be eligible for entry into the prize draw you must complete your contact details.

£100