This year’s conference provided tenants with the opportunity to help develop new ‘local offers’ setting priorities and service commitments across all BCH departments for the next year.

Over 100 tenants visited the conference and took part in football themed events around service provision that included an ‘Aiming for a Premiership service’ interactive consultation session and completing a ‘season ticket’ of mini consultation activities.

Peter Jefferson, chief Executive for Blackpool Coastal Housing said: “Our Annual Tenant Conference is always a popular event and this year we linked the conference to Blackpool gaining promotion to the Premiership. We want our tenants to see us a Premiership organisation and we can only achieve that by understanding our tenant’s priorities and where we need to improve.”

Homestop in conjunction with The New Home Service Improvement Panel are pleased to announce the launch of two new exciting incentive schemes.

Golden Goodbye

Are you moving to a new home and leaving a Blackpool Coastal Housing property?

Is your home and garden in a clean, tidy and a good condition, with no damage to the property? This could mean that you receive high street vouchers of £100.

If you also allow homestop to carry out viewings at your property within the 4 week notice period and it is accepted by the new tenant you could receive an extra £50!

To be eligible to qualify for this scheme you firstly must have:-

· Conducted your tenancy in line with your tenancy agreement

· Have a clear rent account and no other sundry debts to Blackpool Council

· Allow access for a termination inspection to be carried out

· Give at least four weeks notice

· Return your keys to BCH on time

A Technical Officer will inspect your property at the end of your tenancy to confirm that the standard is acceptable.

The purpose behind this scheme is to make sure that properties that become empty are in good condition and allow residents to move into their new home quickly and efficiently.

Just think what good use your vouchers will be in helping you to furnish your new home and how pleased a new family will be moving into a home that you have kept in such a good condition.

Smaller Home Scheme

Has your family home become too big for your needs? Maybe you are struggling to keep up with the gardening or the utility bills are very expensive?

If so, Blackpool Coastal Housing is offering you the chance to downsize to a one bedroom property that is more suitable for your needs.

The Smaller Home Scheme looks to give the support and assistance you need in moving and will also help cover some of the costs involved.

The scheme will entitle you to:-

· Priority on Homestop.

· A named officer from the homestop team will help you choose a new home.

· Consideration for sheltered accommodation or maybe even a property which has adaptations, like a level access shower

· The use of the handyman service to help with little jobs once you’ve moved in, like fitting your curtain poles.

In order to qualify for the incentives below you must have a clear rent account, have no other debts with Blackpool Council and conducted your tenancy in line with your tenancy agreement.

.

The incentives include:-

· The costs of removals

· Assistance with packing

· Assistance towards fitting of carpets

· First home for older children that have lived with you for a minimum of 12 months.

The aim of the scheme is to help customers through the changing needs of their lifetime. This means providing a home that is more manageable in size and can give those extra years of independence. It also makes available family homes for people that may have outgrown their current homes.

For full details on either scheme you can call the Homestop Office on 01253 477047 and one of our officers will be happy to discuss this with you. Alternatively our colleagues in you local Area Housing Office are also there to help you.

Blackpool Coastal Housing (BCH) is about to deliver it’s first ever Annual Report specially designed to provide information for tenants. It sets out in detail how BCH has performed over the last year and explains its plans for the future.

You can read the report by clicking here...

The report has been developed, designed and produced in partnership with tenant representatives and the Tenant Reading Panel to ensure the final report contains not only information that is important to tenants but is also presented in an eye-catching and easy to read format.

Peter Jefferson, Chief Executive, explained: “It is important that we have excellent communication with tenants and our new Annual Report will provide clear information on how we have performed over the last financial year and also what improvements we will be making in the coming year. We have worked closely with tenant representatives and the Tenant Reading Panel to ensure that this isn’t another corporate document that will sit on a shelf or be immediately placed in the recycling bin. It’s colourful, eye-catching and contains only the most important information tenants have told us they want to know.’

Interesting facts highlighted in the report about performance in 2009 -10 include:

· £15.9 million invested in Decent Homes improvement works

· 1,696 doors and windows were replaced

· 899 new kitchens were fitted

· 96% of tenants were happy with the Repairs Service

· 83% of tenant “mystery shoppers” rated their experience as excellent or good

· £37,003 reduction in the amount of current tenant rent arrears

To ensure value-for-money the Annual Report will be delivered together with BCH’s regular tenant newsletter from 16 August. To reduce the impact on the environment the report is printed on 100% recycled paper. 


 

Staff at Blackpool Coastal Housing (BCH) swapped shirts and blouses for anything tangerine, joining in the celebrations as Blackpool FC prepared for their first game in the Premiership for 40 years.

Tangerine Friday took place at businesses and schools across Blackpool in aid of two local charities; The Butterfly Group (supporting immune, auto immune and chronic disorders) and Brian House (Fylde's children hospice).

Ian Grimshaw, Property Investment Manager, stated: “Everyone in Blackpool is excited about our first ever season in the Premier League and lots of staff at BCH wanted to show their support for the team and also raise some money for two important local charities.”

 
   
    BCH Staff supporting Tangerine Day

Mike Glennon, Customer Involvement & Projects Manager, added ‘It was really good to see so many staff wearing tangerine and it seems to have worked as we won 4-0 at Wigan. Perhaps we should have a tangerine day every Friday until the end of the season?”

Tangerine Friday is another fundraising activity BCH have took part in this year. Staff also completed the Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride, and a 24 hour football match, raising over £2,600 this year for various charities.

Blackpool Coastal Housing are celebrating today after being selected as the winner of a national award by the National Federation of ALMOs (NFA), whose 69 member organisations oversee more than one million council owned properties across England.

The winners of the 2010 NFA Awards were announced at a ceremony last Thursday at the Midland Hotel, Manchester. Blackpool Coastal Housing won the Best Community Initiative sponsored by Connaught Partnerships Limited, a category that celebrates initiatives that make a positive difference to community life. Winning the award is the culmination of a lot of hard work from individuals and agencies, which enabled Blackpool Coastal Housing to stand out from some very tough competition from around the country.

Blackpool Coastal Housing was successful in bidding for £439,972 Gypsy and Traveller Site Grant (GTSG) in 2006 from Communities and Local Government. The money from the bid was then used to construct a single storey Community Centre which will be used to support training, personal development, Health and Education within the community. Blackpool Coastal Housing are working closely with outside agencies to help meet the needs of the Travellers on the site and see this as a crucial part of their vision and values.

Representatives from the 20 short-listed ALMOs (Arms Length Management Organisations) across the country gathered for the award ceremony, part of the NFA’s annual two day conference, before Blackpool Coastal Housing were selected as a winner. The awards evening was hosted by Janet Street-Porter and judged by an independent panel; Alison Inman, Chair of the National Federation of ALMOs; Michael Gelling, Chairman of the National Tenant Voice; and Roger Jarman, Head of Housing at the Audit Commission.

Alison Inman said: “The NFA Awards always command a high standard of entry and this year has been no exception. The creativity, pro-activity and innovation shown by these individuals and teams and, above all, their steadfast commitment to housing and local communities should act as a benchmark for the entire ALMO movement.”

Peter Jefferson, Chief Executive of Blackpool Coastal Housing, added: “I am delighted that this innovative scheme has been recognised by the N.F.A. The building not only enhances the appearance of the Travellers Site, it will also contribute to the quality of life of all the travellers on the site.”

Peter Jefferson (Chief Executive) and Ian Grimshaw (Stock Investment Manager) receiving the award for    the Best Community Initiative from Janet Street Porter.

Read & Errington are proud to announce, that further to the companies recent nomination for a national site award from the Considerate Constructors scheme, they have been presented with a Silver award. This was awarded in recognition of the heating and electrical upgrades, undertaken in partnership with Blackpool Coastal Housing (BCH), for the first year of the decent homes scheme.

These works encompassed works in a number of areas, including South Shore, central and Bispham estates. Works included the replacement of old inefficient heating systems, electrical upgrades, Asbestos removal and some minor building and making good works. Most of these works were undertaken in occupied premises, which meant there were many different elements to consider.

The awards themselves are given in recognition of sites that demonstrate excellent standards of consideration towards their clients, workforce, neighbours and the environment. From over 7600 Eligible sites nationwide, Read & Errington were selected and presented with their prize at a ceremony held at the Lowry Hotel Manchester. Commenting on behalf of Read and Errington, Director Martin Read said “This is again a special moment for everyone involved with the project and one that they can be rightly proud of.
 
The amount of extra effort that the team have put in on a daily basis has been recognised not only locally, but now on a national scale. I am particularly proud that the company has eclipsed its previous Bronze award and demonstrated that we are all developing and ultimately improving under the partnership banner”


     

   

A group of young volunteers working with the Prince’s Trust have revitalised a Blackpool Coastal Housing garden at Horsebridge Community Centre.

The Grange Park Reassurance Plus team was delighted to support the volunteers with the rejuvenation of the well-used garden on Grange Park, who are taking part in the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Prince’s Trust development course.

The garden had no seating and inadequate fencing, but after some much-needed work, it is now an oasis of calm where residents can go and relax over the coming summer months. The young volunteers raised £300 in funds by packing customers’ shopping bags at the local Tesco supermarket. Various other people also contributed their time, experience and resources to help with the project.

Councillor Brian Doherty, of Park Ward, said: “I have always admired the work the Prince’s Trust do to improve the skills of young people. I thought the young volunteers made an excellent job of our community garden at Horsebridge and it is now a fantastic facility for the residents, particularly the elderly in the area. I hope we can be involved in working with the Prince’s’ Trust again soon.”

The young people are taking part in the twelve-week programme that aims to develop the young volunteers’ confidence, motivation and skills. Each person had a specific role to play in the revamp of the garden, they installed and painted a new fence and bench, arranged to spread wood chippings, and generally tidied up the area. Each one contributed to making the garden a much more attractive place for residents to use and enjoy.

   

Blackpool Coastal Housing (BCH) staff have recently participated in the Mereside Gala.

The main aspect of the BCH stall was involving the youngsters of the estate. A large map of Mereside was displayed and children were invited to come and show what they think affects the different areas. Some of the issues being looked at were anti-social behaviour, litter, dog fouling, over-grown gardens and fly-tipping, to name a few. This information will now be used to try and tackle these issues in the future.

The long term aim of BCH is to try to encourage the new generation to be involved in community issues. They hope to work alongside Mereside Primary School and involve the children as consultants to raise any issues they may have.

Any children that took part in the activity received a small toy as well as the choice of some BCH goodies. All participating people were entered into a raffle.

A ‘name the BCH bear’ competition was also conducted, with the winner getting a family pass for four to Blackpool Tower and Circus. The winning name ‘Barney’ was chosen by Chief Executive Peter Jefferson and the lucky winner of the pass was Katy Conroy of Cartmell Road.

The day was a great success with fantastic community involvement from all of Mereside and the workers there had a huge amount of fun.

 

In a landmark move, Blackpool Coastal Housing (BCH) is passing control of £100,000 to Council tenants so they can decide how it is spent to improve their communities and the services they receive.

Peter Jefferson, Chief Executive of Blackpool Coastal Housing, explains: “Blackpool Coastal Housing is committed to improving not just the homes of our customers but also their quality of life. The Tenants Project Fund will support projects that genuinely make a difference to the lives of our customers and the neighbourhoods in which they live.

Over the last few years we have managed to find ways to make significant savings and this now means that we have this sum of money available for tenants to have a direct say in how it is re-invested.”

A panel of tenant representatives will decide which projects get funding in a move to help them have control over their quality of life issues

Ideas for projects can be submitted from a variety of sources including local community groups, charities, partner agencies or even individual Council tenants or leaseholders. The only stipulation is that the project mostly benefits BCH customers. It can be anything from garden clean ups to football training, security measures to festivals.

The fund will provide cash for projects between £500 and £10,000!



If you have a project that you would like to get off the ground and can show that the majority of people who would benefit are Council tenants you are wecome to come along to a public launch of the fund to get more details. The launch will be held at: Blackpool Town Hall on Friday 16 July between 1pm and 3pm. To book a place at the launch or if you have any questions regarding the fund please contact the Customer Involvement Team on 477947 or 477472 or 477975

A member of Blackpool Coastal Housing’s Anti Social Behaviour team has received a Divisional Commanders Commendation for her work on a community engagement project.

Yvonne Johnson, ASB Team Leader at Blackpool Coastal Housing, received the Commendation for her work in establishing a multi agency group on the Mereside Estate which included a group of hard to reach young people who had been responsible for acts of ASB.

The project saw the young people being empowered to make changes in their daily lives and build confidence and a rapport with Officers from Housing, Police and Barnardos. The young people are currently involved with the redesign of a play space.

This has significantly improved engagement with young people and is having a positive impact on community cohesion.

Peter Jefferson, Chief Executive of Blackpool Coastal Housing, said: “I’m delighted that Yvonne’s achievements have been acknowledged by Lancashire Constabulary.

“The hard work of Yvonne and her team has led to a an improved situation both for the young people on Mereside and other local residents.”

Yvonne received the award from Chief Superintendent Richard Debicki of Lancashire Constabulary at a ceremony in June. 

            

Blackpool Coastal Housing has evicted a neighbour from hell after local residents were subject to continual anti-social behaviour.

Jason Kear from Charles Court, Blackpool was evicted following repeated acts of anti-social behaviour and damage to property. In addition an ASBO was also secured for five years.

Before proceedings were commenced against the Blackpool Council tenant, numerous warnings were given to the tenant concerning the anti-social behaviour, but despite these he continued to perpetrate acts of anti-social behaviour. Such behaviour included the playing of loud music at all times of day and night, other loud noises including banging, shouting and being verbally abusive, threatening members of the public with violence, spitting out of his window, constantly ringing other residents intercoms and regularly being intoxicated in public places.

Peter Jefferson, Chief Executive at Blackpool Coastal Housing, said: “Despite warnings about the anti-social behaviour, the tenant continued to make life for his neighbours unbearable. In light of this, we were left with no option but to seek legal action to ensure possession of the property and the protection of the local residents with an application for an ASBO.

“I’m sure the residents of Charles Court will be relieved to know that Jason Kear has been evicted and the court has put measures in place to protect them from further disruptive behaviour.”

The successful outcome was the culmination of months of hard work by Blackpool Coastal Housing together with the Police, Blackpool Council and neighbours who completed diary log sheets, which evidenced the shocking anti-social behaviour.

On 19 May 2010, Blackpool County Court made an Order for Possession requiring the tenant to give up the tenancy in seven days and a five year ASBO was also granted. However the tenant failed to vacate the property and Blackpool Coastal Housing made an application for a Warrant for Eviction. On the 29 June 2010, the eviction took place in the presence of the Court Bailiff and the Police.

The court ordered that Jason Kear is prohibited from:

1. Ringing the intercoms of other residents of Charles Court or Ashworth Court.

2. Approaching people in public places to ask for money.

3. Shouting in a public place.

4. Spitting at any person in a public place.

5. Playing music at a volume that can be heard outside his home.

6. Being intoxicated (whether by alcohol or any drug for which the Defendant does not have a prescription) in a public place.

7. Consuming alcohol or being in possession of an open container holding alcohol in a public place.

8. Being in possession of a hypodermic needle in a public place.

9. Being in possession of a screwdriver in a public place.

10. Threatening intimidating or harassing any person who has been named as a witness in this case.

11. Approaching or communicating directly or indirectly with any person who has been named as a lay witness in this case.

12. Entering the whole of the Queens Park Estate.

13. The Order is to apply to the whole of England and Wales.

The Order shall remain in force until 19^th May 2015.

Blackpool Coastal Housing (BCH) celebrated yesterday as its first class of tenant representatives graduated from the BCH Academy.

The Academy, developed in partnership with tenants and supported by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), is an eight week course designed to enhance tenant representatives knowledge of the social housing sector including topics such as; Social Housing History, Housing Tenancies, Housing Finance and Anti-social Behaviour.

In its first intake 15 tenant representatives have successfully completed the Academy and they graduated at a celebration lunch with guest of honour Roger Keller, Head of Education at the CIH.

Mike Glennon, Customer Involvement & Projects Manager stated: “The Academy is part of BCH’s commitment to empowering our customers to work with us to monitor and improve services. The Academy has been developed to increase the housing knowledge of our tenant representatives as we know that the better our tenants are informed of how things are run and organised, the more influence they can have on the process. I am proud of all the Academy graduates, it is a fantastic achievement and I am looking forward to working with them to develop the Academy further.”

Blackpool Coastal Housing has already seen the positive impact the Academy has had on its tenant representatives with three of the pilot graduates continuing on to study for a CIH Level 2 qualification at the local college.

Academy graduate Maurice Christian (Vice-Chair, Ingthorpe residents Association) commented: “We enjoyed all aspects of the academy; the course had been designed at an appropriate level for tenants and in a way that we could understand. It was easy to relate the course content to BCH services.”

Plans are already underway to develop an Academy 2 which will concentrate on developing tenant representatives skills such as analysing performance information, report writing and delivering presentations.

Peter Jefferson Chief Executive of Blackpool Coastal Housing said: “I am really impressed with the dedication and commitment of the graduates who have put in a considerable amount of their own time to achieve this qualification. I know they will put the skills and knowledge they have learned to good use as we work together to improve the services we provide to our customers.”

A group of Blackpool Coastal Housing staff joined in with the fun at the flamboyant Blackpool Pride march organised by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups in Blackpool. The annual pride event was a huge success with attendances breaking all previous year’s records and attracting people from all over the Country and from abroad.

The staff, representing all parts of Blackpool Coastal Housing, paraded with a suitably decorated company van and handed out goodies to spectators along the way.

Peter Jefferson, Blackpool Coastal Housing’s Chief Executive said  ‘We take equality very seriously at BCH. The event was an opportunity for us to join in the fun and give a show of support, not only our Engayge customer focus group and our LGBT customers, but also to the wider LGBT community in Blackpool. Since the event we’ve had a number of messages from our LGBT community thanking us for standing shoulder to shoulder and showing our support’.

Blackpool Pride had it's first event in May 2006 and in 2010 celebrated five years entertaining people from Blackpool , the rest of the UK and beyond.
                                            

                     

Blackpool Coastal Housing is celebrating after obtaining a National Award for the second year running.

The success came from the prestigious Housing Excellence Awards, held at the Palace Hotel in Manchester on Wednesday 12 May. BCH came top in the category for Innovation in Housing Technology for their work on implementing Connect by Telecetera, a new remote working capability for BCH employees.

BCH has completely modernised the delivery of its responsive maintenance service by implementing Connect. The focus is on speedy customer service and the emphasis on completing repairs first time therefore minimising the inconvenience to tenants and providing value for money.

Connect allows BCH to plan and issue all work electronically and trade staff now complete all jobs on the PDAs instead of filling in endless bits of paper. All types of job are handled within the system from simple tasks for the handymen, through to more complex tasks for the technical officers.

The BCH team can now spend less time on admin and more time actually talking to the tenants.

Cyril Holland, Director of Property Services, said: “The award recognises the transformation made by Blackpool Coastal Housing in improving services to tenants. The technology at our disposal enables the provision of a repairs and maintenance service that completes jobs quickly, minimises inconvenience to tenants and is more cost effective.”

Cecilia Pearce, Director at Telecetera, added: “We are very proud to be working with Blackpool Coastal Housing and being part of this successful, forward looking team.”

Most people applying for housing wait their turn to be allocated a home. Housing cheats don’t wait, they jump the queue. They use up valuable housing spaces which deprive those in greater need. They are guilty of housing fraud.

When somebody with a council or housing association home rents it out without permission or obtains a home through providing false information, they are also guilty of housing fraud. It’s not fair.

Your help in reporting housing fraud is important because you can see what's going on in your neighbourhood. If you suspect someone of housing fraud call us on 01253 477968 or email us at yourtenancy@bch.co.uk Your report will be treated in the strictest confidence and can be given anonymously.

Download the leaflet for more information.

Blackpool Coastal Housing’s Decent Homes programme has hit a milestone with the refitting of 1,000 kitchens and bathrooms.

Mrs Mary Walsh of Lindbeck Court on the Mereside Estate was visited by Stuart Singleton, Blackpool Coastal Housing’s Project Manager, and Terry Brophy, Mears’ Branch Manager, who presented a gift of flowers and cake to mark the occasion. Her home had benefited from a new kitchen and bathroom, including units, cupboards, bath, shower and new electrics. Even the kitchen sink was thrown in too.

Blackpool Coastal Housing began the scheme as part of its Decent Homes programme, which aims to improve the quality of its housing stock through a series of refurbishments. The replacement of bathrooms and kitchens is now complete on the Mereside Estate thanks to the contractor Mears who carried out the work in the 1,000^th property.

“It’s great to have completed the refurbishment of the 1,000^th property on behalf of Blackpool Coastal Housing,” explains Terry Brophy, Mears Branch Manager. “It’s fantastic that we are able to play a part in improving tenants’ homes and, in turn, making improvements to their lives.”

Mrs Walsh is very happy with the improvements that have been carried out, saying “The kitchen and bathroom are wonderful and have made such a difference. I would like to thank Blackpool Coastal Housing and the Mears team for making the whole experience a pleasure.”

Peter Jefferson, Chief Executive of Blackpool Coastal Housing, said: “We want our tenants to live in a home they can be proud of and be happy to live in. To achieve that we are ensuring that all our properties have decent facilities. The Decent Homes programme is on target to make sure all the properties are meeting the required standard. The 1,000^th property to get a new kitchen and bathroom is a real milestone and Mrs Walsh’s home is a great example of how these improvements can make a huge difference.”
   
                               

Blackpool Coastal Housing are due to complete over 4000 kitchen and bathroom refurbishments which will enable them to meet the Decent Homes Standard by the end of 2012.

Blackpool Coastal Housing has arranged, in association with Kincraig School & Children’s Centre, weekly Housing Drop-in Sessions. They are an opportunity for you to speak to someone in person, in confidence, or just to simply ask for some advice about all types of issues such as Tenancy matters, Anti-social Behaviour, Rents or Repairs, so feel free to pop along and have a chat with an Officer from BCH, no appointment necessary.

The sessions are held FORTNIGHTLY between 2pm - 3pm as follows:

Monday 21st December 2009
Monday 4th January 2010
Monday 18th January 2010
Monday 1st February 2010
Monday 15th February 2010
Monday 1st March 2010
Monday 15th March 2010
Monday 29th March 2010
Monday 12th April 2010
Monday 26th April 2010
Monday 10th May 2010
Monday 24th May 2010
Monday 7th June 2010
Monday 21st June 2010
Monday 5th July 2010
Monday 19th July 2010
Monday 2nd August 2010
Monday 16th August 2010
Monday 13th September 2010
Monday 27th September 2010
Monday 11th October 2010
Monday 25th October 2010
Monday 8th November 2010
Monday 22nd November 2010
Monday 6th December 2010
Monday 20th December 2010

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact, Queens Park Housing Office, Laycock Gate, Blackpool Tel: (01253) 477971

Apprentice House – it may sound like a new reality TV show but in actual fact it’s a very exciting project which has seen a rundown three-bedroom Blackpool council house transformed into a modern family home by new recruits at Blackpool Coastal Housing.

The project, which has taken three months to complete, saw 14 apprentices renovate the house on Hockley Place – including replacing the electrics, plumbing and heating systems as well as installing new windows, flooring and building and removing walls. A new bathroom and kitchen have been fitted before the entire property was painted and cleaned. The garden has been tidied and refurbished as plasterers, joiners, plumbers, gas engineers, electricians, tilers, floor layers and decorators got stuck in to provide one Blackpool family with a new home – and learn on the job skills to carry out other renovations as part of the BCH Decent Homes Programme.*

Now complete, the home will be occupied by Kate and Neil Wood and their children Jodie, 7 and Matthew, 18 months. Kate says she was overwhelmed when they were told about the project – which has seen the couple able to select all the fixtures and fittings, including the appliances and colour schemes – and says that it means so much to them all but particularly her son, who has cerebral palsy. She said: “I actually cried when we were told about the project because it will mean so much to have extra space for all Matthew’s equipment and for him to have his own bedroom and the garden is a great size for the kids to play in – Jade has really green fingers and already has ideas about growing her own fruit and veg!”

Blackpool Coastal Housing and their Decent Homes partners Read & Errington, Connaught, Mears, H T Forrest, BAAS Construction and local subcontractors have provided the apprentices to carry out this innovative project.

Peter Jefferson, Chief Executive of Blackpool Coastal Housing, said: “The project was designed to give apprentices experience of a project from start to finish. It has also helped them to develop skills outside their main area of expertise; so for example a kitchen fitter may have got involved in plastering or fitting a window so they are more able to take a holistic approach to a whole project. Even the project manager has got really valuable experience of running this type of task.”

Cyril Holland, Director of Property Services for Blackpool Coastal Housing, added “The project has been really challenging, however it has encouraged a team working ethos that will help the trainees as they progress through their careers.”

In an effort to make sure tenants allow its gas contractor in to their property, during its annual gas servicing programme, Blackpool Coastal Housing is once again offering a cash prize for anyone that lets them in.

BCH has joined up with its gas contractor Read & Errington to offer £1,000 to combat an issue they had faced in the past where tenants were not available or refused access to contractors during routine visits.
 
As a result new appointments had to be made that took time and cost money to the company. Tenants have now been told that for next year’s programme, which starts in December, if they let the contractor in when they first arrive as part of the routine visits they will be entered in to a prize draw and could win the pot of cash.

Peter Jefferson, Chief Executive of Blackpool Coastal Housing, said: “It is essential that all our properties have their gas appliances regularly maintained so that we can make sure they are running efficiently and safely. We have struggled in the past where tenants were not available or would not allow our contractors to enter their homes to carry out the checks.

“We ran a similar competition as an incentive last  year and it was successful, more people were willing to let contractors in when they called. This year all tenants have been told when the programme will be running in their area and will know to expect a call. If they let us in first time they could be rewarded.”

Mr Colin Beeley of Mereside won last year’s prize draw and was presented with his cheque for £1,000 by the Chief Executive of BCH Peter Jefferson and Director of Read & Errington Adam Farrer.

Alan Errington, a Director at Read & Errington, said of the scheme: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with BCH on the gas servicing incentive scheme. Any action that increases the awareness of gas safety, as well as assisting us with gaining access on the service programme, can only be viewed as a positive step.”

This year’s programme of servicing starts in December and runs until September 2010 across the five areas. Visits will take place as below.

• North Blackpool and Bispham area - 7th December 2009 - 5th February 2010
• Grange Park area - 8th February 2010 - 2nd April 2010
• Layton and Queens Park area - 5th April 2010 - 14th May 2010
• Mereside area - 17th May 2010 - 9th July 2010
• Central and South area - 12th July 2010 - 10th September 2010

Two problem tenants have been successfully evicted after they made life for their neighbours a living hell with anti-social behaviour including screaming, playing loud music and in one case throwing a television out of a window.

A 39 year old man from Churchill Court, Blackpool was evicted following non-payment of rent and repeated acts of anti-social behaviour.

Before proceedings were commenced against the tenant, numerous warnings were given concerning his rent arrears and anti-social behaviour, which included the playing of loud music at all times of day and night, visitors to the property shouting, screaming, swearing, fighting, arguing and the throwing of items out of the flat windows including a television.

Despite further warnings about the anti-social behaviour, the tenant continued to make life for his neighbours unbearable and, in light of this, further legal action was taken by Blackpool Coastal Housing to ensure possession of the property.

On 3 August 2009, Blackpool County Court made an Order for Possession requiring the tenant to give up the tenancy by 17 August 2009. When the tenant failed to hand the keys back, Blackpool Coastal Housing made an application for a Warrant on the 18 August 2009 and were successful in evicting him on 6 October 2009.

An 18 year old man of Horsebridge Road, Blackpool was also evicted following repeated acts of anti-social behaviour by himself and visitors to his property.

Again, several warnings were again issued to the resident concerning his anti-social behaviour, which included fighting, arguing and shouting, playing loud music, causing damage to the property, throwing bottles and cans out of a window and using foul and abusive language, causing distress to his neighbours.

On 17 September 2009, Blackpool County Court made an Order for Possession of the property and Blackpool Coastal Housing applied for a Warrant. On 22 October 2009 the tenant was evicted.

Peter Jefferson, Chief Executive of Blackpool Coastal Housing, said: “We are committed to ensuring that life for our housing communities are comfortable and peaceful and we will continue to take strong and decisive action against anyone who repeatedly and deliberately flouts the law and makes life difficult or unpleasant for our other tenants.

“The successful outcome of these cases was the culmination of months of hard work by both Blackpool Coastal Housing and Blackpool Council Legal Services Department working in close partnership with the Police and with the assistance of neighbours who completed diary log sheets to evidence the anti social behaviour and breaches of the tenancy agreements. “