Wandsworth Council’s housing newsletter Issue 75 Homelife · properties. 50 shared ownership and...
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Wandsworth Council’s housing newsletter Issue 75 June 2017 www.wandsworth.gov.uk/housingnews Home life Borough’s oldest resident turns 108 page 9 Fire safety in tower blocks page 2 Free expert money advice page10 Estates go green See page 14-15
Transcript of Wandsworth Council’s housing newsletter Issue 75 Homelife · properties. 50 shared ownership and...
Wandsworth Council’s housing newsletter Issue 75 June 2017
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/housingnews
Home lifeBorough’s oldest
resident turns 108page 9
Fire safety in
tower blockspage 2
Free expert
money advicepage10
Estates go greenSee page 14-15
Transport for London (TfL) wouldlike to hear from all localresidents about a proposal totransform Nine Elms Lane andBattersea Park Road. Thescheme, which runs fromMacduff Road to the Vauxhallgyratory, would see a vast arrayof improvements for cyclists,buses, and pedestrians.
Cyclists would benefit from two metrewide segregated cycle lanes for themajority of the route, enhancements tosafety, priority at major junctions, andbetter connections to Vauxhall andCycle Superhighway 8. Over 600metres of additional bus lane wouldcreate better provision for buses;whilst more signalised junctions andpedestrian crossings wouldcomplement road layout changesencouraging vehicles to drive safely.High quality finishes such as treeplanting would create a welcomingenvironment for all.
Ahead of the final scheme, a packageof works creating a safer and moreappealing environment will bedelivered in late summer 2017. Thiswill include new pedestrian crossings,localised re-paving and resurfacing,some mandatory cycle lanes, newmarkings on the road for bikes, someadvanced stop lines at junctions and‘light’ segregation at key locations.Addressing key safety issues whilstworks in the area are ongoing, themeasures will provide a hint of thetransformative changes proposed forNine Elms.
TfL launched an eight week publicconsultation period on 27 June.
The designs themselves are availableto view at the ROSE clubroom, AscalonStreet, as well as on the Tfl website
For further updates please visittfl.gov.uk/nine-elms-lane
Transformationof Nine ElmsLane andBattersea Park Road
Fire safety inWandsworthtower blocksThe terrible scenes in West London have shocked everyonein the city and our thoughts and prayers are with all thoseaffected by the fire at Grenfell Tower.
Please be assured that WandsworthCouncil places an absolute priority on firesafety across its high-rise and low-riseblocks. Every block has an up to date FireRisk Assessment completed by anindependent expert and subject toannual review.
Regular fire safety inspections take placeto all blocks whereby Estate ServiceOfficers carry out rigorous checks toensure our buildings remain safe andcomply with the highest standards. Thisincludes checking for repairs and defects,fire doors, escape routes, service intakecupboards, hopper heads and refusechambers.
Estate Service Officers also carry outannual fire safety checks which look ingreater detail at all aspects of the internalareas that could either increase the risk ofa fire starting, impede escape routes orallow a fire to spread.
The council can confirm that when therehave been domestic fires in high-riseblocks in Wandsworth in recent years inevery case these fires were contained anddid not spread to other parts of thebuilding.
Fire safety adviceAs a council, we are doing all that we canto keep our residents safe from thedevastating consequences of a major fire,but you can also help by following thisadvice:
• make sure you have a working smokealarm in your home – Council tenantscan get an alarm at no cost from theirarea team.
• check your smoke alarm is workingevery month
• keep balconies free from clutter
• don’t leave rubbish or bikes incommunal areas or obstruct escaperoutes
• make sure you know where yournearest fire exit is
• do not smoke in common areas of theblock
• always fully extinguish cigarettessmoked in your home and dispose ofthem carefully and safely.
Fire Brigade adviceThe London Fire Brigade have issued thefollowing advice:
“If you live in a high rise property you arenot at more risk of a fire starting, living ina flat is not more dangerous than living ina house.
Advice from London Fire Brigade forpeople who live in high rise properties orpurpose built flats and maisonettes, asidefrom having a working smoke alarm andtaking fire safety precautions, is to makesure you know your escape plan andwhat to do if there is a fire inside yourhome or somewhere else in the building.
Further information is available on theLFB website, specifically for people wholive in purpose built flats and maisonetteswww.london-fire.gov.uk/know-the-plan”
Contact usIf you have any specific concerns aboutfire safety or wish to have a smoke alarminstalled, please get in touch with yourestate manager (see page 20 for contactdetails).
Welcome to my first issue as cabinetmember for housing and regeneration. Iam delighted to take on the role of cabinetmember from Cllr Ellis. Thank you to CllrEllis for all the excellent work he has doneas cabinet member over the past six years.
There are lots of things to be excited aboutas council tenants and leaseholders inWandsworth – including schemes to helpyou onto the property ladder and newhomes being built across the borough.There is also a range of thrivingcommunity projects and activities for youto get involved in.
Community gardens are flourishing onestates this summer. Beginners andexperienced gardeners alike have beenfilling their neighbourhoods with beautifulflowers and growing fruit and veg to eat.Community gardens are the perfect placeto try something new, share skills andmeet your neighbours.
The tragic incident at Grenfell Tower hasshocked London and I want to convey mydeepest sympathies to all those affected. Iunderstand that people living inWandsworth Council’s tower blocks will bedeeply troubled by this fire and we havewritten to those residents to provide themwith as much information andreassurance as possible. We will continueto work closely with the Fire Brigade andfollow any further safetyrecommendations that they provide.Please see page 2 for fire safetyinformation.
Cllr Clare Salier
Cabinet member for housing and regeneration
Welcome to the summerissue of Homelife.
New cabinetmember visits newaffordable housing Wandsworth Council’s new cabinet member for housingand regeneration, Cllr Salier visited new affordable homesat Battersea Reach. Last month, guests from the developers St. George, Wandle HousingAssociation and Wandsworth council took a tour around the newly builtproperties.
50 shared ownership and 34 quality homes for low cost rent have been built atNautical House, the latest phase of the Battersea Reach development.
Battersea Reach is now in its final stages of development. Once complete, thedevelopment will provide 280 affordable homes for those who work or live inWandsworth.
Battersea Reach has transformed a previously vacant thirteen-acre site intohomes, shops, restaurants and offices. There will also be seven acres of openspace, including 300m of new riverside walk for the public to enjoy.
Councillor Sallier said: “It’s great to see more high quality, affordable homesbeing delivered for people who work or live in the borough. Wandsworthcouncil is committed to delivering affordable homes for locals, and the newhomes at Battersea reach make an important contribution.”
For more information about these new homes at Battersea Reach, pleasecontact Wandle Housing Association on 0300 2000 120 or visit wandle.com
Wandle Chief Executive, Tracey Lees and cabinet member for housing and regeneration,
Cllr Salier
Home Ownership TeamImproving purchase options for council tenants
House Purchase
Grant SchemeThe council’s House Purchase Grant scheme is set to help45 council tenants buy a home this year.
The grant can be used to buy a home on the private marketin the UK or abroad, towards buying a shared ownershiphome or towards extending the home of a family member.
If you’re a council tenant, you could be eligible for up to£80,000 which could be a significant deposit towards ahome.
To be eligible for the grant, you must have had a minimumof two years tenancy, have a clear rent account and pass afinancial assessment. You must also be willing to vacateyour council property.
Shared OwnershipShared Ownership helps people who cannot affordto buy a home at full value. It allows you to buy ahome in stages that are manageable and affordableto you. You can buy a share of between 25% - 75%with the chance to buy more at a later date. Anaffordable rent is paid on the remaining share.
To be eligible to join Wandsworth’s register, youmust live or work in Wandsworth, have a householdincome of less than £90,000 per year and notalready own a home.
Right to BuyThe Right to Buy scheme allows council tenants to buy theircouncil property at a discount.
You could save up to £104,900 on the market value of yourproperty. 33 tenants used the scheme to buy their homeslast year.
To be eligible you must be a secure council tenant with atleast three years tenancy to apply.
Right to Part BuyWandsworth’s Home Ownership Team launchedRight to Part Buy earlier this year.
The scheme offers an alternative option to Right toBuy and is an affordable way to take your first steponto the property ladder.
It allows council tenants who qualify for the Right toBuy scheme (but who can’t afford to purchase theircouncil home outright) to buy a share of theirproperty at a discount and pay a low rent on theremaining share.
If you bought a 25% share of your home, you wouldreceive a discount of £26,225.
You can buy additional shares at a later date withthe chance to buy your home outright over time.Further discounts are available as you buy more.
To be eligible you must be a secure tenant, have atleast three years tenancy and not received housingbenefit 12 months prior to the application. Allapplicants must pass an affordability test.
We can help you buy a homeThe council have a range of home ownership options for council tenants.
To find out how these schemes can help you and to
apply contact the Home Ownership Team today!
020 8871 6016
wandsworth.gov.uk/homeownership
If you want more information about the council’s
home purchase schemes, an information pack or
application form, please contact:
020 8871 6016
Email: [email protected]
wandsworth.gov.uk/homeownership
CASE STUDY: Shared ownershipcosts me less per month than rentingAround 260 shared ownership homes areset to be built in Nine Elms over the nextthree years with almost 400 more acrossthe borough.Matthew, who works for the City of London Police, moved intoa shared ownership flat last year. He bought a 25% share of aone-bed flat at Riverlight Quay in Nine Elms.
Did anything surprise you about the shared
ownership process?I was surprised at how straight forward the process was.Being a first time buyer I assumed that it would be difficult,but there was help at every step of the way.
I thought I’d have to speak to different mortgage lenders butthe housing association, Optivo, recommended a mortgagebroker who were experts at arranging mortgages for shared ownership. This made the whole process simple and stress free.
What is the best thing about shared ownership?How affordable it is. I was previously renting in Tooting and Iam now actually paying a little bit less than I was to rent – thisincludes part mortgage and part rent. It’s nice knowing thatsome of my outgoings are being invested in my future!
I never thought I’d be able to save enough for a deposit inLondon, but with shared ownership you need a minimum of5% of the percentage you’re buying. This meant that I neededa minimum deposit of £8,000. Which is much more affordablethan on the open market.
I’d been putting money into a savings account for severalyears. Not always a huge amount, but little and often. Thismeant that when properties at Riverlight went on sale I wasready to move. It’s easy to become disheartened when youread about London property prices, but shared ownership isan affordable way of buying in London.
What’s your favourite thing about your new flat?It’s modern and very well designed. I enjoy having a balconywhich I didn’t have in my old place. I’m a keen gardener at themoment, I’m growing spinach and tomatoes. Living oppositethe new site for New Covent Garden Flower Market is reallyhandy for pots and plants.
I also like that I can walk to work. It’s a lovely walk along theriver and it’s saving me money on transport.
Shared Ownership in
three easy steps:1. Put your name on Wandsworth council’s Shared
Ownership register. Download a form at
Wandsworth.gov.uk/sharedownership
2. Browse for upcoming Shared Ownership
developments in the borough. Visit sharetobuy.com to
find properties for sale.
3. When you find a property you like the look of, contact
the Housing Association to find out more and arrange
a viewing.
What advice would you give to anyone interested
in Shared Ownership? Get your name on the council’s Shared Ownership registeras soon as possible. You get a higher priority the longeryou’ve been on the list.
If you aren’t sure about what happens next, don’t be afraid toask for advice. The council’s Home Ownership Team and thehousing association are always on hand to help.
Turning oldgarages into new council homes The council has started building six new homes
for low cost rent on Gaskarth Road, Balham.
The new homes which are being built on an old garage site willbe offered to local people at around half the open market rent.
The council is committed to making the most out of unused orunder-used land. As part of the Hidden Homes programme, thecouncil has built more than 250 homes on council land andanother 260 are in the pipeline.
Building on council land means that there are no costs forbuying new land. This offers exceptional value for money andother local authorities, such as Hackney and Southwark, havenow adopted the same approach.
Brian Reilly, Director of Housing and Regeneration, said: “It’sgreat to see work starting on another six new council homes
that will be developed to high quality and environmentalstandards. Wandsworth has been creating Hidden Homes formany years through converting spaces like old garage sites,undercrofts, rooftops and old boiler rooms. The schemeprovides the homes our residents need without having to shellout large sums for new land.
“It’s encouraging to see more councils are now beginning toadopt the self build model that Wandsworth Council pioneeredwhich has the potential to provide many thousands of new lowcost properties right across London. Our particular focus is toprovide homes that can meet the housing needs of those livingclose by.”
Planning permission for the Gaskarth Road redevelopment wasgranted last year, and the new homes are expected to becompleted in August 2018.
The council have built two new family homes for low cost rent on
Limpsfield Avenue.
The three-bed properties, which have high-efficiency boilers and solar panels to helpreduce energy bills, will be complete next month.
Garages and store sheds which were previously on the site have been replaced onnearby vacant space.
The new properties are part of the council’s long running programme to make betteruse of council land.
Finishing touches to new family council homes
After
Before
After
Christie’s Warehousemakes way for 76affordable homes The first tenants are expected to move in to the newdevelopment on the site of the former auctioneer’swarehouse within the coming weeks.The development includes 76 homes which will be offered to local residents at adiscount of between 40% and 62% off average market rates in the borough.
The development is located in the heart of Nine Elms on the South Bank, which is alsohome to the new US Embassy, Battersea Power Station and New Covent GardenMarket.
Brian Reilly, Director of Housing and Regeneration, said: “Our focus is to maximisethe housing options available to Wandsworth residents. This is another example ofhow former industrial land at Nine Elms continues to provide new homes, businesses,arts, culture and community space to help bring this area to life.”
As well as homes, the site will include shops, public restaurants and a new outdoorpublic space.
Buildinghomes forolder residents The council are providing highquality supported housing forolder and more vulnerablepeople living in the borough. Supported housing enables residents tolive more independently and also takespressure off the NHS.
Last December planning permission wasgranted for nine new supported councilhomes on the Putney Vale Estate, withan onsite support officer, along with 11new council flats.
The council are also looking to buildseven one-bedroom flats of supportedhousing in Colson Way, Tooting. Thescheme will provide 24-hour supportand care for its residents. Subject toplanning permission, the developmentwill get under way later this year.
Additionally, in partnership with ViridianHousing, the council has securedfunding and provided land for ninesupported homes. These are expectedto be complete by mid 2018.
In partnership with housingassociations, the council has delivered afurther four supported housingdevelopments in the past five years. Thisincludes an extra care housing schemein Tooting with 45 homes for olderpeople.
Wandsworth has also worked withhousing associations to refurbish and re-commission eight further supportedhousing schemes.
Cllr Paul Ellis, former Cabinet Memberfor Housing, said: “I’m delighted thatboth as a council, and working withhousing associations, we’re able to helpvulnerable residents maintain theirindependence within the borough.”
Affordable homes nominatedfor design awardsThree new developments offering housing at less than market value have been shortlisted forthe prestigious national housing design awards. The developments come from across theborough, making Wandsworth home to some of the best design in the country.
The finalists from Wandsworth are:
Pocket Living’s Mapleton
Crescent: Wandsworth Town
This will be the tallest residentialtower in Europe to be built throughmodular construction. The innovativebuilding method involves flats beingassembled in factories before beingtransported to sites and installed withcranes.
The site will include 53 flats to be soldat a discount of at least 20% to firsttime buyers.
Peabody’s
Burridge Gardens: Clapham Junction
Peabody’s redevelopment of the StJohn’s Hill Estate opposite ClaphamJunction station has made theshortlist. Burridge Gardens willprovide 180 properties for low costrent, 47 supported homes for olderpeople and 66 for shared ownership.
The development will open up theestate and include a new link throughto Wandsworth Common. The estatealso has a new community centreand public square.
The first phase of the estatecompleted last year.
York Road: Battersea
The redevelopment of aformer petrol station onYork Road, Batterseaalso made the shortlist.This project will create18 flats for discountedrent. Rents will cost20% less than on the open market.
Wandsworth is also home to two more finalists, including new studentaccomodation in Roehampton.
Judges visited all shortlisted schemes during May before deciding the winner.The Housing Design Awards were established in 1948 and are the longestrunning industry awards scheme in the UK.
Wandsworth’soldest residentturns 108Damaris Bryant, celebrated her 108th birthday witha visit from the Mayor of Wandsworth at the time,Councillor Richard Field.She also shared her special day with friends and carers at her home in Battersea.
Born in Jamaica on 12 May 1909, Miss Bryant moved to the UK in the 1950s to workas a nurse. She settled in Wandsworth and has lived in the borough ever since. Aftermany years working for the NHS, Miss Bryant later volunteered in a local charity shopwhen she retired.
Miss Bryant has lived in her present home in Battersea since the 1980s and hasformed close friendships in the local community, with friends praising her kind spiritand sense of humour. She loves watching the soaps, and never misses Emmerdale orEastEnders.
Miss Bryant has received a birthday card from the Queen every year since turning 100and was thrilled to add another to her collection. Miss Bryant, who is a huge fan ofthe Royal Family, looks forward to receiving her royal card every year.
Councillor Field, the Mayor of Wandsworth for 2016/17 said: “It’s an absolutehonour to meet Miss Bryant, who has lived in the borough for over 50 years.Reaching the age of 108 is an amazing achievement. I am delighted to present MissBryant with the Mayor’s pin and put her name on the Roll of Honour. I wish her a veryhappy birthday.”
The mayor’s Roll of Honour gives recognition to the achievements and communityspirit of local people. Find out more at wandsworth.gov.uk/mayor
Join thecredit union Want to start budgeting andsaving effectively?
Want a financial service thatworks for you and yourcommunity?Join today
www.wandsworth
pluscu.co.uk Credit Unions are cooperatives ownedand run by their members.Wandsworth Plus Credit Union offersloans, budgeting accounts, andsavings accounts to its members. It’san ethical financial service thatsupports you and your localcommunity. Anyone who lives orworks in Wandsworth can join.
We asked our members why theyjoined Wandsworth Plus Credit Union:
“I joined so that I could save for aholiday.”
“I wanted to support ethical savingand borrowing in my community.”
Pop along to a drop-in session nearyou to find out more:
• Mondays 2pm-4pm Citizens Advice,Battersea Library, 265 Lavender Hill,London, SW11 1JB
• Fridays 2.30pm-5pm WandsworthTown Hall Customer Service Centre,Wandsworth High St, London, SW182PU
• Friday 30 June at 10am-1pm andJuly 28 1pm-4pm R.O.S.E.Community Clubroom 22 AscalonStreet, London, SW8
or call us on 0207 471 2620
MONEY MATTERS
Free money advice forcouncil tenants!The council’s Financial Inclusion Teamoffer free, confidential advice toWandsworth council tenants on a range ofissues. Such as rent arrears, moneymanagement, council tax, and debtmanagement (including debt from storecards, bank loans and utility bills.)
The team also offer help with benefits.Including new benefit applications andappeals.
Contact the team today on 020 8871 6953or [email protected]
Expert advice on your doorstep!The council’s Financial Inclusion Team continue tohelp residents at a monthly drop-in session inRoehampton.Jack is a resident from Roehampton who came along to one of the drop-insessions. His wife recently became ill and was hospitalised. This meant thathe had to give up work to look after her and their four children. As a result, hefell into rent arrears and was struggling to afford basic essentials.
An officer from the Financial Inclusion Team carried out a benefit check anddiscovered that Jack who had never claimed benefits before was eligible. Theofficer helped him apply for Employment and Support Allowance and HousingBenefit. This increased Jack’s household income, made budgeting easier andstabilised their rent arrears.
The resident said “I never claimed benefits before and there is no way I wouldhave known what to do if Hassan wasn’t there to help me and guide methrough it. I am so happy this help was available in Roehampton as I would nothave been able to commute to the Town Hall.”
Come to one of our drop-in days at Roehampton Housing Office, 38Holybourne Avenue:
• 31 July
• 29 August
• 25 September
Fondfarewell tocabinetmember Cllr Ellis is stepping down ascabinet member for housingand regeneration after morethan six years.Cllr Ellis was appointed to the role inMay 2011. His commitment to housingin Wandsworth has helped residentsacross the borough.
During his time as cabinet member, CllrEllis has overseen the building of morecouncil homes with hundreds in thepipeline. He also pioneered the roll outof broadband on estates to ensure thatcouncil residents have access to thelatest internet speeds.
His commitment to improving homeownership options for council tenantshas led to the launch of the innovativeRight to Part Buy scheme which allowscouncil tenants to buy shares of theirhome in affordable stages.
During his time as cabinet member, thecouncil invested in new and improvedhostels for the homeless and startedwork on two major estateregeneration projects.
Cllr Ellis was chairman of the Associationof Retained Council Housing (ARCH), anationwide group that promotes theinterests of council tenants and lobbiesGovernment to get the best deal forthose who live in council properties. Heplayed a significant role in turning thisfledgling organisation into a thrivingnationwide association.
Cllr Ellis said: “It’s been a pleasure tomeet many council tenants andleaseholders during my time as cabinetmember. I’ve been lucky enough to workwith excellent council officers who havethe interests of the residents at the heartof everything we do.”
We wish him all the best in his new role as Cabinet Member for Adult Careand Health.
Picking up the phone to report a concernabout a child or a vulnerable adult can bea difficult decision to make, but it isimportant that you report any worries youhave that a child or adult is a victim ofabuse or neglect. You might not be sure of what you’ve seen or heard, orwhether it is abuse or neglect, but reporting your concernsmeans that a professional can check the situation.
Abuse and neglect can take many forms including emotional,self neglect such as hoarding, financial, physical and sexual.
Some examples are: a young child being left at home alone; avulnerable adult not being cared for properly or not beingable to look after themselves; a child under the age of 18being sexually exploited (this could be in exchange foralcohol, drugs or gifts); a vulnerable adult’s money being
controlled by someone else; a child witnessing domesticviolence and abuse.
Concerns can be reported anonymously.
Report concerns about a child/young person to the Multi
Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH):
• 020 8871 6622 (weekday office hours 9am-5pm)
• 020 8871 6000 (after 6pm and weekends)
Email: [email protected]
For further information, please visit http://www.wscb.org.uk/
Report concerns about an adult to the Access Team:
• 020 8871 7707 (weekday office hours 9am-5pm)
• 020 8871 6000 (after 6pm and weekends)
Email: [email protected]
For further information, please visit www.wandsworth.gov.ukand search for ‘safeguarding adults’
Help managingyour tenancy Are you a council tenant? Finding it hard tomanage your tenancy? Need some support andadvice? Tenancy Support may be able to help.
The council’s tenancy support service offers one-to-one supportfor Wandsworth Council tenants who are vulnerable or havingdifficulties managing their tenancy.
• Benefit advice • Personal finance advice
• How to avoid eviction • Assistance filling in forms
We hold a pop-up surgery every third Tuesday of the month inTown Hall Customer Services Centre, Wandsworth High Streetfrom 2 – 4pm.
Drop-in and see us to discuss any tenancy related issues. Noappointment needed.
For further information, [email protected]
Tenancy Support Team
Keeping children andvulnerable adults safe
Artwork by residents of Sudbury House has brightened upcommunal areas of the block. Copies of the artwork are alsoon display in Southside shopping centre next door. In April, members of the Sudbury HouseResidents’ Association (RA) launched anexhibition to display the results of a yearlong art project.
The project allowed residents to createtheir own artwork to smarten up theground floor lobby of Sudbury House,but it has also brought the communitycloser together, created friendships and helped residents discover a passionfor art.
In November 2015 the RA applied tothe Evening Standard DispossessedFund, which financially supports localcharities and community groups inLondon.
By the following March they found outthat their application had fought offother bids and had been successful. With the help of council ResidentParticipation Officer Jo Baxter, the RA setabout organising workshops with localartist Lucinda Denning.
Sudbury House residents of all agesenjoyed using different materials such ascharcoal, paint and lino printing to createpieces of art. These were thensuperimposed onto large Perspex sheetsand then installed in the block’s entrancelobby and corridor.
Resident Tracy said: “The art classes weregreat fun and I got to meet people fromother floors.” Her neighbour Marcia added:“There is a better atmosphere in the blocksince the artworks went up.”
Courtney (pictured above) said: “I camehome from a late shift at work and I was so proud to see my artwork on display.”
Councillor Ellis said: “Not only was the artwork extremely impressive, imaginative andcolourful it was wonderful to see the obvious enthusiasm of the residents of all ageswho had participated. Imaginative projects like this help promote community spiritand a sense of pride in where people live, and I hope it will be possible to do similarthings elsewhere.”
Zayn with his artwork
Community news
Art project bringscommunity together
Battersea localsexplore historyon the Kent CoastLast month Kambala Residents’Association hosted their firstcommunity trip of the year. TheRA organised a trip to DoverCastle in Kent, the largest castlein Britain.
The trip was a great opportunity for thecommunity to get together and visitsomewhere new. As well as making themost of the sunshine and sea air, thegroup loved exploring the castle, visitingthe medieval tunnels and seeing theunderground wartime hospital.Residents of all ages enjoyed the dayand there was something for everyone.
The trip was part of the Kambala CaresProject, a brand new initiative set up byDonna Barham, chair of Kambala RA.The project aims to help tackle socialisolation, improve community cohesionand increase public engagement in andaround Battersea.
Corrina, a local mum who went on thetrip with her three children said: “Iwould never have been able to afford atrip like this. It was educational and fun.Thank you so much to the council and Kambala RA for subsidising thetravel and entrance fees. The childrenloved it!”
The trip was funded by the WandworthGrant Fund. Kambala RA have securedfunding for two more trips this year.They will be going to Bournemouth atthe end of July and Rochester ChristmasMarket in December. WandsworthGrant Fund provides small grants forcommunity and voluntary sectororganisations in the borough.
To find out more or apply for fundingvisit wandsworth.gov.uk/wgf
Courtney with his artwork
The local residents association have secured council funding toimprove a previously unused area of Thessally House Garden onSavona Estate
Paving and a new picnic bench were installed so that residents can socialise with eachother, have a rest from gardening and make the most of their garden.
The local residents are keen gardeners and work very hard on their garden so theseimprovements were much appreciated.
Local resident, Anna said: “It looks amazing! I just came back and saw it, what adifference it has made. Wonderful. I’m now very excited about planting and makingit look beautiful.”
New space for Savona residents
Therapeutic gardening clubsupports cancer patientsThe Doddington and RolloCommunity Roof Garden haspartnered with local charities tooffer a therapeutic gardeningcourse to Battersea based cancerpatients and their carers.
The 10-week course is being run by ahorticultural therapist and volunteers from Thrive, a charity which uses gardening tochange lives, in partnership with Paul’s Cancer Support Centre.
Gardening can improve both physical and mental wellbeing, and the garden providesa beautiful and peaceful space in which to enjoy these benefits. The course is achance for participants to learn gardening skills and hopefully be inspired to continuegardening. The course has been funded by the council’s Wandsworth Grant Fund andthe Battersea Power Station Foundation.
For more information contact [email protected] orfacebook.com/doddingtongarden
Foday Kamara
southern team (020) 8871 [email protected]
Jo Baxter
central team (020) 8871 [email protected]
Bernard Brennan
western team (020) 8871 [email protected]
Your residentparticipation team
Sandra Evangelista
eastern team (020) 8871 [email protected]
There are a variety of ways to getinvolved in your community anddecisions about your housing.Such as attending your localresidents’ association orsharing a hobby with yourneighbours, by setting up acommunity garden for example
Speak to your ResidentParticipation Officer to find out more.
Battersea Fields Easter Egghunt was a great success.Children came to search foreggs and parents relaxed inthe sunshine.
Estates across Wandsworth are finding new ways tohelp the environment as part of an ongoing project.Sewage systems are often unable to cope with the amount of waste water from ourhomes and rain water from our streets. When the system is full it is designed to overflow into the nearest river, which in Wandsworth is the Wandle. This causes pollutionand can harm wildlife.
Wandle Rain Gardens is an exciting new project set up by the London Wildlife Trust toreduce pollution and water waste. By adding green space to your area we can helpslow down the flow of excess rain into the River Wandle and help our environment.
What’s happening on yourhousing estates:
Florys CourtRather than installing an ordinary bin shed at FlorysCourt, the council has installed one with a ‘livingroof’.
A living roof is covered with grass and plantsinstead of concrete or tiles. This simple but effectivemethod reduces the amount of water which runsinto drains and provides habitat for wildlife.
WendelsworthAs part of refurbishments, concrete paving has been removed and replaced withgrass to reduce the amount of water that runs off into drains and into the Wandle.
Kirton LodgeThe council have installed water butts to collect water from the existing drainpipes.The water collected can be used by the local gardeners to water their plants. Byreusing water the green gardeners at Kirton Lodge are reducing water wastage.
Estates think green
Community news
Florys Court
Wendelsworth Kirton Lodge
MakingmusicIn May, Queenstown residentswere treated to a visit from theunique vegetable orchestra.
London’s Vegetable Orchestra, who usevegetables to make instruments, put ona workshop and performance at theROSE community centre.
The orchestra showed guests how tomake and play vegetable instruments.
Ania who lives on the nearby SavonaEstate said: “Learning how to makeinstruments out of vegetables was sointeresting and we loved theperformance. My son has beenpracticing playing his trumpet which hemade from a carrot and a turnip. It wasgreat to meet so many local residents.Some old friends and some newfriends. The ROSE is really pulling all the community together and I love that it has so many great activitiestaking place.”
Pollinator paths Residents have been turning their estatesinto havens for wildlife and flowers. The London Sustainability Exchange is running a new schemecalled “pollinator paths.” The scheme is designed to helpresidents make their neighborhoods greener and increasepollination in urban areas.
In May, pollinator paths ran a series of events at communitygardens across Wandsworth. They provided schools and localresidents with equipment and plants for even the smallestspaces, such as window ledges and balconies. Locals had agreat time planting flowers to attract bees and otherpollinating wildlife to their area.
Transition Tooting, Bramford Community GardenWandsworth, Rose Community Centre Battersea and Putney Community Gardens were some of the gardens to participate.
For more information about the scheme visit www. lsx.org.ukFor more information about local community gardens in your area contact your Resident Participation Officer.
Sheltered residents from across the borough have been workinghard on their gardens. They’ve been sewing seeds, watering plantsand watching their gardens blossom!
Residents at AlthorpeMews in Battersea have beengrowing vegetables in theircommunity gardening area.They are growing potatoes,peppers, tomatoes and muchmore.
After building their newcommunity garden earlier inthe year, the residents atDoris Emmerton Court inWandsworth, have created athriving vegetable patch.They’re looking forward totheir harvest of tomatoes,gooseberries, raspberries andpotatoes.
The chair of the residents’association said: “We love our newand improved garden whichprovides us all with fresh veg.”
John has lived at Cowick Road inTooting Broadway for over twoyears. He is a keen gardener andpassers by often stop to admire hisbeautiful garden.
John said: “Neighbours often stopto speak to me and admire theblooms. I love to be busy and activeso gardening is the perfect hobby. I startedgardening a few years ago. I must get it from mymum, she had very ‘green fingers.’ I’m so lucky tohave a little area – front and rear of my home – tocare for.”
Whether you have a balcony, a private garden or acommunity garden, however large or small,gardening can be an excellent way of keepingactive, enjoying the outdoors and having fun. It isalso a great way of growing fresh vegetables andimproving the look of your neighbourhood.
Are you interested in setting up a communitygarden? Speak to your Sheltered Housing Officer to find out more!
John shows us his gardenin full bloom
The residents of Haven Lodge inBattersea have been to EastStreet Market to browse thestalls and search for good deals!
East Street Market is one of London’soldest, largest and busiest markets. Thearea on Walworth Road, Southwark hasseen street trading since the 16thcentury.
Amanda, Sheltered Housing Officersaid: “We loved our trip to East StreetMarket. There was so much on offer –from fruit and vegetables to jewelleryand clothes. There was something for everyone. We all had a really good day!”
If you live in a Wandsworth Councilsheltered scheme, contact yourSheltered Housing Officer to find outabout upcoming day trips.
sheltered housingnewww.wandsworth.gov.uk/shelteredhousing
To market,to market
Gardening champions
Ruben buys a gift for a friend
Janet checks on their fruit and veg at Althorpe Mews
Tony tends to the DorisEmmerton garden
Men (and women) in shedsThe Men in Shedsproject – which is opento men and women -was set up by thecouncil to give thoseover 50 a place to meetothers in theircommunity and potterabout in the shed.
The group meets to work ona range of projects – such asmaking objects or fixingsomething broken. The groupare always keen to learn andshare skills. So if you’d like to learn more or you have a particular skill you’d like toshare – come along!
The shed is fun and relaxed. You can do as little or as much as you like. It’s a chanceto have a cuppa and a chat.
Janet, one of the regular members said: “I really enjoy coming to the shed as there isa welcoming, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I can bring anything from home orthe garden which needs fixing as there are the tools and materials to fix it. On top ofthat, there are other members with the knowledge and skills to help with all sorts ofprojects. We have recently been working on building and painting a tombola barrelto use for raffles at events run by Althorpe Mews sheltered scheme.”
The group meet every Wednesday at ‘The Shed’, Althorpe Mews, Battersea.
Anyone over 50 years old is welcome!
ws Council sheltered schemes offersupport and independence
[email protected] 020 8871 8198
Community getstogether for 90thbirthday party! Primrose who lives at HavenLodge sheltered scheme, turned90 last month.
Local community group WoW Mumsthrew a birthday party and dinner forPrimrose with all her friends. The Mayorof Wandsworth at the time, CouncillorRichard Field, also made a specialappearance to wish Primrose a happybirthday.
Senia Dedic, from WoW Mums said:“We organised a celebration on herbirthday with the whole community.Primrose was delighted with the party.She particularly enjoyed meeting themayor who joined her for a few gamesof cards. It was a wonderful celebrationand I’m so pleased we were able tomake the day memorable for our friendand neighbour Primrose.”
Haven Lodge sheltered scheme havejust joined their local residents’association, Kambala RA. Residentsfrom all ages are working together toimprove their area and bring thecommunity closer together.
For information about joining your localRA or forming an RA. Contact yourResident Participation Officer (contactdetails on page 13)
Intergenerational Egg-stravaganza! Earlier in the year localcommunity group WoWMums organised an Eastercelebration for residents ofJohn Kirk and Haven Lodgesheltered schemes. Locals ofall ages came to enjoy the fun.
Children and adults alike enjoyedpainting eggs and ceramic bunniesbefore enjoying an easter lunchserved up by WoW Mums. Afterlunch the children searched for eggs hidden around the lovely garden.
Senia Dedic from WoW Mums said: “We all had a really fun day. The weather wasgreat and three generations enjoyed socialising together in the sunshine.”
Easter celebrations
Primose celebrates turning 90!
Janet, Michael, Thomas, Derek and David
General rubbish can contaminate recycling.Don’t let your good efforts go to waste!Contamination happens when we put the wrong materials inrecycling banks. These are usually materials that should be putin the general rubbish or recycled elsewhere.
Putting the wrong things in your orange-lidded recycling bin canprevent the whole bin from being recycled.
At the end of last year, we fitted lockable orange lids to 300recycling bins to reduce contamination. Since the locks werefitted, contamination of these recycling bins has reduced.
However, we all need to do our bit to make recycling moreeffective. The small changes we make can make a hugedifference.
Recycle right and don’t let your neighbourhood’s recycling go to waste!
Do not place these items in your orange lidded banks:
RECYCLERIGHT
emptyaerosols
(without lids)
Only ever place these items in your orange lidded banks:
Always wash foodremains off containersbefore recycling
If you think the orange lidded recyclingbank needs to be replaced or lockedshut, please contact your area housingteam. (Contact details on page 20.)
Don’t waste your recycling
Doing it onlineThere are a range of housing services and information available on our website wandsworth.gov.uk/housing
Talk to us online Report It app
Housing contacts
Apply for housing and transfers wandsworth.gov.uk/hcs/housingoptions
Report a repair to a councilpropertywandsworth.gov.uk/repairs
Report a waste problemwandsworth.gov.uk/waste
Report graffitiwandsworth.gov.uk/graffiti
Pay your council taxwandsworth.gov.uk/paycounciltax
Pay your rentwandsworth.gov.uk/rents
Other paymentswandsworth.gov.uk/payments
Housing Customer Centre 90 Putney Bridge Road, LondonSW18 1HR
Western Area Housing Office38 Holybourne Avenue, RoehamptonLondonSW15 4JE
Housing hotline: 020 8871 6161
Housing Area Teams Central: 020 8871 5333Eastern: 020 8871 7439Southern: 020 8871 7288Western: 020 8871 5530
If you do not know your area team 020 8871 6864 email: [email protected]
Wandsworth Emergency Control(housing emergencies, out of hours)020 8871 7490
Home [email protected]
Downsizing [email protected]
Landlords looking for [email protected]
Other council contactsAdult social services 020 8871 7707
Births, Deaths, Marriagesand Voting 020 8871 6120
Child social services 020 8871 6622
Environmental services (includingpest control, private housing)020 8871 6127
Finance (including council tax,benefits, rent, service charges)020 8871 8081 To make a telephone payment 0800 021 7763
Parking and Streets 020 8871 8871
Rubbish, recycling and litter 020 8871 8558
weekly e-newsletterwandsworth.gov.uk/e-news
Wandsworth Report Itmakes it easier for anyone toreport problems like flytipping,
graffiti and other environmentalissues. Search for the WandsworthReport It app on the Apple, Android or Windows app store.
My AccountCreate an account an dyou will onlyhave to sign in once to access themain council services.wandsworth.gov.uk/myaccountfacebook.com/
wandsworth.council
twitter.com/wandbc
Battersea, Clapham and Central Wandsworth (orthroughout the borough if your heating is supplied by acentral communal boiler.Smith and Byford Ltd 0800 028 0824
Putney, Roehampton and TootingT.Brown Group Ltd 0800 977 8472
To find out your gas contractor 020 8871 7040
For breakdowns, leaks and servicing of heating/hot water systems speak to your gas contractor:
20 [email protected] Designed and produced by Wandsworth Design & Print. [email protected] H.1623 (6.17)
Large print versionCopies of this issue of Homelife are available in large print format contact (020) 8871 6800 or email: [email protected]
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Southern Area Team(020) 8871 [email protected]
Find out who manages your propertyThe management of your home will fall under one of the council’s four area teams.
