SPRING 2019

Following successful engagement and co-design with dozens of residents in recent months, the Lancaster West Local Lettings Plan is now live!

This plan will help the Lancaster West Neighbourhood Team better meet housing needs over the next two years, alleviating overcrowding and ensuring that residents live in properties that are accessible – whilst being able to stay living in our community.

You may need a larger home due to overcrowding, a more accessible one due to mobility problems, or you may want to downsize to a smaller and more manageable home that is cheaper to run.

Applications are now open, and have been posted to every tenanted

property on the estate. You can also collect an application

form from our offices at Unit 7 Baseline Studios (see below for full contact details).

Once we get your application form, we’ll take a look at it and get in touch if we need any more information from you. For example, if you need to move to a home that’s more suitable because you or a member of your family has mobility problems, we may ask for further information from your doctor.

If you qualify for the Local Lettings Plan, we will write to you with a unique username and password for the new local lettings section of the Home Connections website where you will be able to see available properties. We plan to advertise the

first properties in early April, and will let you know when we do.

James Caspell, Neighbourhood Director, said, “This Local Lettings Plan is something we have developed from scratch in partnership with residents, and I’m delighted it has been approved by the RBKC Leadership Team.

“It provides a once in a generation opportunity to alleviate housing need and support the community recovery, alleviating overcrowding across the estate and also providing security for households in temporary accommodation, many of whom have lived for years with uncertainty”.

The team can help if you have questions about the local lettings plan. Pop in to the Lancaster West Neighbourhood Office in Unit 7 Baseline Studios on Whitchurch Road to speak to us. You can also call us on 0800 389 2005 or email lancasterwestoffice@rbkc.gov.uk

Plan will benefit overcrowded households Provides security for residents in TA

Local lettings plan launched!

Lancaster West Update2

Repairs service update73% of residents are satisfied with our repairs serviceIf you’ve had a repair completed by one of our W11 operatives or one of our subcontractors you may receive a phone call from someone working for Kwest.

Kwest are an independent market research company who have been carrying out satisfaction surveys to ensure we’re providing the best service possible.

Results from January show that overall satisfaction with repairs is at 73%, with 40% of residents rating us 10/10! As well as asking residents to rate their satisfaction with customer services and the overall repairs service, Kwest also ask for feedback and ideas for improvement. Ideas for improvement include better communication with our subcontractors on complex issues and ensuring we complete jobs the first time we attend. Both of these are areas we are working on. Positive comments about our operatives reported that they were ‘clean’, ‘helpful’ and ‘quick’!

Painting and decoratingAs well as doing day-to-day repairs and maintenance, we’ve also decorated 174 homes across the estate, under a painting and decorating programme that is now complete. We spoke to some residents whose homes we completed works in and all of them were very happy!

The residents of LancWest elected their new RA committee on Wednesday 6 February.

Voted in were:

Chair: Abbas Dadou (Clarendon Walk)Vice-Chairs: David Ward (Verity Close) and Sam Hannachi (Hurstway Walk)Treasurer: Sarraounia Samuels (Hurstway Walk)Secretary: William Wake (Barandon Walk)

and Fatima de Jesus (Talbot Grove House), Susan al-Safadi (Testerton Walk), Virginia Sang (Hurstway Walk), David O’Connell (Barandon Walk), Maria Catalina Escudero-Barbaza (Upper Clarendon Walk), Jacqui Haynes (Hurstway Walk), James Ramos (Hurstway Walk), Miguel Alves (Verity Close), Jon Bagley (Barandon Walk).

The new committee of the RA would like to express their appreciation for all the residents who have taken part in this process of electing a new committee. We would also like to thank the Revd. Mike Long and Grenfell United for their help in facilitating the election.

Finally, a huge thanks to the outgoing residents’ association committee for the work they have done. We will work together to hold the council to their promises, and improve the estate for all residents.

You can contact the LWRA at:info@lancwestra.com

New LWRA committee elected

LWNT shortlisted for national housing award for diversityWe’re delighted to have been shortlisted as a finalist in the UK Housing Awards 2019, as an Inclusivity and Diversity Pioneer. This is for the work with the Lancaster West Residents’ Association to recruit local residents, the outcomes of our engagement with the Somali and Persian community, and the overall diversity of our team achieved through positive action initiatives. This helps us deliver an accessible and inclusive housing service for all of our residents.

Abbas David Sam Sarraounia William

100%were

satisfied

AND OF THESE…

0%were

dissatisfied

70%were very satisfied

30%were satisfied

174 residents have had their home painted. Of those we spoke to…

3Spring 2019

#WeAreW11 Irim’s work experience at BaselineIrim is on the council’s internship scheme and splits her time between Baseline and the town hall. She’s working with the team and is learning skills every day while helping deliver a housing service to the residents of LancWest estate. Below are Irim’s thoughts on her time with us:

I am completing my Supported Internship placement as an administrative assistant at the Lancaster West Estate.

On my first day I was introduced to all the staff that I am working with, especially my manager Priscilla and my mentor Linda. My mentor gave me an induction and training on the database system used by the team.

Within the short time that I have been working in the team, I have gained the new skills of reporting repairs. I have been able to scan and copy

#WeAreW11 Taking the Plunge ‘Taking the Plunge’ is a series of paintings of women celebrating strength and natural beauty through body language and gesture, exhibited at Kensington Leisure Centre until 6 March every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 2-8pm. The LancWest team met with Gill Bradley to ask her more about the exhibition.

These paintings are really about trying to capture the identity and personalities of the women in the water work out class I attend on Sunday mornings at Kensington Leisure centre. These women and the people in the area (I’ve been living here for a long time) have often faced down all kinds of daily challenges. The classes somehow make you feel like you’re washing away the cares of the week. It was looking about me and being aware of my classmates’ great personalities that gave me the idea. I knew I wanted to use watercolour to reflect the pool and the water element.

Lancaster West Estate refurbishment update For the past month residents have been having their say as to what the first phase of refurbishment works should be for each of the blocks on the estate.

The eight block meetings took place at the Kensington Leisure Centre and residents have been giving suggestions as to what these works might be.

Each block were given different suggestions and these included new windows, heating, new video door entry systems, better water pressure and communal lighting. Others thought that new kitchens and bathrooms should also be included in the first phase of works, as well as complete new heating systems rather than just radiators.

Block representatives will be meeting with the LancWest refurbishment team in the next few weeks to agree the ideas and a timed programme of works.

We are also looking to find more money to pay for future work on the estate.

Penoyre and Prassad’s proposalsfor Clarendon Walk

I’ve been living and working around the North Kensington area since the late 70s. I have been doing an ongoing project, creating portraits of people from the North Kensington area, called Portraits of Portobello. But I think the women in “Taking the Plunge” show so much confidence, happiness, determination and resilience, and I think those are really strong qualities of the people in this area, and always have been.

In North Kensington, people have been facing challenges for years and have remained resilient and community-oriented.

Gill Bradley is an award winning artist from the area.

documents for distribution to residents. I have also learnt how to create a table and input data into the system. I like the team at the Lancaster West Estate and the new skills that I am gaining.

I am deaf, so I cannot always understand what is going on in my work environment so I am supported by Grace. Grace is a Communication Support Worker and a British Sign Language (BSL) user. I am also supported by Rebecca, my job coach, who helps me learn new tasks. Grace, Linda, Priscilla, Rebecca and I all work together as a team to help me get the most out of my placement here.

Lancaster West Update4

LancWest is teaming up with aspiring photographers at the Rugby Portobello Trust to create portraits of the estate and its residents.

The young people have also been interviewing residents to add to these photo portraits. This project allows young people to learn the art of photography and study the estate, while older residents can share their stories of the estate and how it’s changed.

The sports pen near Talbot Grove House and St Marks Road will be getting a much needed makeover very soon.

The current pitch floods, the fencing is broken and residents were promised that works would be done to the area a long time ago…

Photography project aims to capture the stories of our estate

More ball games! Improving sports and play facilities

Following a competitive procurement exercise that compared different contractors based on the quality of their proposal and value for money, we chose the company Creative Play to refurbish the sports pen and its neighbouring play area.

The area will have a new surface, fencing that makes it harder for balls to escape and a fun new piece of playground equipment in the area next door.

If you’re interested in the design of the new area, please email bella.jewell@rbkc.gov.uk or pop into Unit 3 of Baseline Studios. We will write to all residents of the nearby blocks before works start. These 3D drawings give a taster of what’s to come!

If you have stories to share about how the estate has changed and want to be interviewed and photographed, contact 07858 926 381 or email lancasterwestoffice@rbkc.gov.uk.

Keep an eye on our Instagram to see the photos, which we’ll be posting in the coming days:

@lancasterwest neighbourhoodteam

Download the Noise App to record and report excessive noise. It’s for members of the public to use and let the council know about noise complaints. The app records audio and GPS locations so that the council can address the issue as accurately as possible.

Step 1 Download the app from www.thenoiseapp.com

Step 2 Create your account and choose the Service Provider Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to investigate your noise nuisance reports.

Step 3 To report a noise complaint, just hold the icon, make a 30-second recording of the noise, complete a form and submit your report online.

Step 4 Wait for the response from RBKC who will check your case.

Help tackle noise with the Noise App

5Spring 2019

Why you shouldn’t feed the pigeonsPigeons are London’s most common bird pest. Feral pigeons feed on scraps of food, particularly large pieces given to them by humans. Their nesting materials and droppings make a mess and can carry allergens which can be detrimental to human health. So please don’t feed pigeons on the estate.

How to prevent blocked drainsYou can put a plug screen over the kitchen plughole to make sure it doesn’t block. If you do, clean this regularly if possible.

You can also use a plug screen in the bathroom, to make sure hair, soap and other things don’t go down the drain.

Please don’t pour grease or oil down the drain and please don’t flush anything down the toilet other than human waste and toilet paper.

Fire door inspectionsGet in touch if you haven’t had your door checked. If you live in the walkways and have not had your new fire door inspected, please call 07710 053 437 or email lancasterwestoffice@rbkc.gov.uk to arrange an inspection appointment.

Our specialist contractor, London Fire Solutions, needs to inspect your door set (door and frame) so that when they fit the required new letter box and plate, they can make any necessary changes at the same time.

This work started on 8 January, 2019, and to date over 50% of the doors have been inspected. If you have a new fire door and have yet to get in touch to organise an inspection please contact us as soon as possible. Inspections are currently carried out between the hours of 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, and take approximately 20-30 minutes. We are in negotiations with our contractor to offer further evening and weekend appointments. We will be able to further advise you when you call.

Monitoring the quality of air in your home We’re committed to taking a holistic approach to improving the homes residents live in. Awair is a smart device which tracks invisible fine dust and chemicals in the air, giving personalised recommendations to help you stay safe and healthy. We’ve used it to help residents take control of issues like condensation, mould and dust in their home in recent weeks. Contact us to find out more.

If you would like this newsletter translated, let us know.

Nagala soo xiriir haddii aad dooneyso in warqaddan laguu turjumo.

Please come to our office to get a translated version of our newsletter if you would like. We are consulting with residents on making our messages to you more accessible.

This newsletter isn’t the only way we get news out: call 0800 389 2005 or email lancasterwestoffice@rbkc.gov.uk to ask for the email version of our newsletter. Also, you can follow our Instagram to get updates:

@lancasterwestneighbourhoodteam

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment which will replace:• Income Support• Jobseeker’s Allowance• Employment Support Allowance• Housing Benefit• Working Tax Credit• Child Tax Credit• Parts of Social Fund

How to applyYou’ll need to apply online at

www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit

IT SkillsNeed to use a computer?

The Council offers free computer and internet access

as well as IT skills training.

UniversalCredit

What you need to knowabout

Have a look at RBKC’s graphic on what Universal Credit means, how to apply and where to find assistance.Universal Credit:

We speak your language

As we mentioned in our last issue, we’re installing secure cycle storage across the estate! The bike hangars are due to be installed on the 3rd and 4th of April and information on where they will go and how to request a space will be communicated soon. The secure cycle spaces will be free, with a small deposit required for a key.

If you want any more information or would like to find the location closest to you, please email bella.jewell@rbkc.gov.uk

LancWest bike storage

For assistance, contact your Rent and Financial Inclusion manager:

0800 389 2005

lancasterwestoffice@rbkc.gov.uk

www.rbkc.gov.uk

How you’ll be paidUniversal Credit is paid monthly in arrears.

You’ll need a bank or building society account if you don’t already have one.

Rent PaymentsYou’ll be responsible for paying your rent in full.Set up a direct debit to ensure that your rent is paid on time each month.

Contact the Rent Income Team on Freephone 0800 137 111.

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Lancaster West Update6

Local events and activities

Cycle and meet new friends through our Social Cycling ProgrammeHave you always wanted to meet new people and develop your cycle skills in a small group? Then our social cycle groups are for you.

You might be a complete beginner, want to brush up your skills, learn to cycle on the road or join exciting themed rides – everyone is welcome. It is simply about cycling, being active and having fun.

• Small social cycling groups• Comprehensive programme of

drop-in sessions and led rides throughout the week:

Mondays 10am-12pm and 12.30pm-2.30pm. Beginners

Wednesdays 10am-12pm. Beginners

Wednesdays 12pm-2.30pm. Social rides, 5 miles long, on road

Fridays 10am-12pm. Local and easy on road rides

• Bring your own bike or borrow one of ours

• Training is free, but it is essential to book your place the first time you are coming

• Email: cycling@rbkc.gov.uk or phone 020 7361 4259

• Venue: Westway Sports Centre, 1 Crowthorne Rd, W10 6RP

Date Activity Venue Information

February

28th onwards

Women’s Confidence Programme (WCP) begins

The ClementJames Centre Women’s Empowerment Programme

March

16th Health and wellbeing Fair Askew Gardens

April

12th Wellbeing lunch The ClementJames Centre

25th Wellbeing Fair The ClementJames Centre

May

15th onwards

Nutrition and Gardening Course begins

The ClementJames Centre Half term break included

Tbc WCP conference – creativity

The ClementJames Centre

June

Tbc ‘This is Me’ workshop and exhibition

July

29th onwards

Young Peoples’ Creative Week

The ClementJames Centre

Tbc Kayaking trip The ClementJames Centre

What’s on at the ClementJames Centre this Spring

Grenfell Tower silent walk Thursday 14 March Join Grenfell United to walk in silence and remember those who are sadly no longer with us.

Scheduled to start from Kensington Town Hall at 6.30pm and it end at the base of the memorial wall next to Kensington Leisure Centre.

Follow Grenfell United or Grenfell Silent Walk on Facebook for more information on the route and updates.

@GrenfellUnited1@GrenfellSilentWalk

Have a look at the calendar below for events upcoming at the ClementJames Centre!

They are holding events all the way into July, including kayaking, women’s confidence-building, Young Peoples’ Creative Week, food and gardening courses, in addition to a Wellbeing Fair on Thursday 25 April at the

ClementJames Centre, where lots of local partners will be offering activities and information to help improve the neighbourhood’s wellbeing (see flyer above).

7Spring 2019

Under 8s free swimming

Come along to Kensington Leisure Centre for free swimming for children under eight during the February half term. There is no need to book, simply turn up and join in during any public swimming session. Find out when each session is taking place on the Kensington Leisure Centre swimming timetable.

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced swimmer, please take some time to read through Kensington Leisure Centre’s swim safety rules to ensure the safety of yourself and others in an around the pool: www.better.org.uk/swimsafetyrules. Please note that swimming lessons and other instructor-led sessions are not included.

Happy International Women’s Day! 8th March

For international women’s day, there are many events going on around the borough. In particular, the next day you can take part in free activities on Saturday 9 March at the Leisure Centre. They have swimming, cycling, gym, and many other sessions, open to all women whether novice or very active.

Contact their sports development team at 020 7938 8182 or email on sportandleisure@rbkc.gov.uk.

Junior health and fitness

Day Time Session Where

Tue-Thu 12:00-13:00

Junior Gym

Gym

Mon-Fri 13:00-14:00

Junior Gym

Gym

Mon-Fri 16:00-18:00

Junior Gym

Gym

Sat & Sun 12:00-14:00

Junior Gym

Gym

For those aged 11+, Kensington Leisure Centre will be hosting Junior Gym sessions throughout the February half term. After a gym induction (which is carried out on your first visit), our Junior Gym sessions allow 11-15 year old children to use the gym.

Our friendly Fitness Instructors are on hand to offer support and guidance as well as the option of writing you a tailored training programme to help keep your gym sessions fresh, fun and you fit.

Sessions will be running at the following times throughout the week. Please note sessions are for pre-paid members only.

Community ChampionsThe Community Champions are running a couple of programmes to get people active, including sessions for parents and babies as well as yoga.

Baby & Me29 January and then every Tuesday 10am-1.30am

Maternity Champions run a fun, free, musical drop in for pre walking babies and parents. Our friendly Maternity Champions are here to listen and support you, providing information on local services. Sessions include music, creative play, story time and a chance to meet other parents just like you.

Sometimes we will provide taster yoga sessions or relaxing massage plus much more, so please keep in touch!

We speak Arabic, Bengali, Urdu, Danish, Japanese and Polish.

Free Community Yoga with DianaWednesdays 10am-11am Bay 20, 71 St. Mark’s Road, W10 6JW, next to Maxilla Gardens.

Open to all ages and all levels, including beginners. Mats provided or bring your own. For more information, contact Ewa at 07961 232 431 or Matan at 07984 326 606.

Leisure Centre upcoming events

Lancaster West Update8

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21 You can reach us at:Unit 7, Baseline Studios, Whitchurch Road, W11 4AT

If you prefer to call, please telephone 0800 389 2005

Opening hours are currently Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm or email us at lancasterwestoffice@rbkc.gov.uk

Debris removalFollowing the request of the community to remove the bagged debris from garages within the site to another location, this process started in November 2018. Teams are working to progress this as quickly as they can, however the limiting factor is that only two storage container units can be on site at any time due to space constraints. The Site Team anticipate the process being complete in around 12 weeks.

The Site Team has commissioned specific asbestos air testing for each day that bag removal takes place and this continues to be satisfactory.

The Site Management Team can be reached on 07920 534 378.

Tower illuminationMinisters are committed to working with the bereaved, survivors and community in North Kensington to ensure that the covering of Grenfell Tower is used sensitively for appropriate remembrance. This is a step on the journey towards a fitting memorial at the Grenfell Tower site in the longer-term, to be determined by the community.

The banners at the top of the Tower were designed in consultation with representatives of the bereaved and survivors and installed for the one year commemoration in June 2018. At that time, anticipating the darker winter evenings, Grenfell United requested the Site Management Team explore options for the nightly illumination of banners.

MHCLG met with local Residents Associations in November and

Grenfell Tower Site update

December, and provided local people, faith groups, schools and charities with information about the planned illuminations.

Illuminations were switched on for the 18-month remembrance activities on 14 December.

Unfortunately, there were some electrical issues experienced in the first week of operation whereby low voltages caused some of the lights to flicker. On the three occasions that this was observed, the 24/7 site team took action immediately to turn off the lights to minimise distress to local residents. This electrical issue was resolved on 28 December.

A further issue was identified with the equipment which controls the lighting levels, which caused some lights to be dimmer than others. A replacement system was installed and should resolve the issue. The Site Management Team apologise for the disruption or distress it may have caused.

Grenfell Community Contact Team – at BaselineWe’re hosting the Grenfell Community Contact Team on Fridays. The Grenfell Community Contact Team provides community-based support to people affected by the Grenfell tragedy.

We are able to:• Meet you at times and in locations

that suit you: Monday to Friday 8am-8pm; or Saturdays 11am-4pm at the Curve Building (please note on Monday to Friday the Curve Building opens at 10am).

• Put you in touch with the services you may need.

• Hold drop in sessions across the borough.

• Help you access activities in your local area.

If you would like to find out more or if you have any questions about the team and the support it could offer you, please contact us on: 07970 081 429 between 8am-8pm or email CCT@coreassets.com

Here are their drop-in sessions:

Monday 12pm-2pmKensington Town Hall Hornton Street W8 7NX

Tuesday 10am-12pmMalton Road Hub 2-4 Malton Road W10

Thursday 11am-8pmKensington & Chelsea College Wornington Road W10 5QQ

Friday 10am-4pmBaseline Studios Whitchurch Road W11 4AT

Saturday 11am-4pmThe Curve 10 Bard Road W10 6TP

How to contact us

The Grenfell Tower Memorial CommissionThe Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission is in the process of being created. Get in touch if you want information from the Ministry of Housing about what the Memorial Commission will do, who you can vote on to represent you as a LancWest resident, and the timeframe for this process