Peterborough

January 2022

You said: A burst water pipe in the Paston area of Peterborough had led to some residents' water supply to be cut off. Residents had received little assurance from the water authority about when they could expect the water supply to be reinstated.

We did: We took many calls from distressed residents including one from a mother with young children and no spare money to be able to buy bottled water. Although we could not fix the problem, we realised we needed to do something about it - so we provided bottled water to residents who expressed concern and left some at the local community centre.

January 2022

You said: Residents were keen to enhance the sense of community spirit and improve the look and feel of the area.

We did: We engaged with the local community centre, Newton Hall, who offered help to make Paston an even more attractive area to live. They worked with Accent to build and install large planters at key points around the estate to display flower beds. We held an event aimed at recruiting volunteers to help maintain the planters. At the event, we were keen to hear residents' ideas for estate improvements and were there to listen to any concerns that residents had. A local councillor also joined us to discuss council-related issues such as roads and parking. Despite the temperature, the event attracted a good turnout - no doubt helped by the free tea and coffee on offer!

March 2022

You said: Residents complained about fly-tipping which always seemed to appear in particular areas of the scheme.

We did: We displayed signs around fly-tipping 'hot spots' reminding potential perpetrators that costs of removing waste would be recovered from them and that they would be issued with a fine. On the first inspection of the scheme since the signs were installed, we found no evidence of fly-tipping.

August 2020

You said: In 2020, we took the decision to close communal lounges in all schemes across the country. The aim was to minimise contact between residents and to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading. As the country began to emerge from lockdown, some residents wanted the communal lounges to reopen.

We did: We consulted with residents to determine whether they would be in favour of reopening the communal lounge and what safety measures they would like to see in place if the communal lounge were to reopen.

June 2022

You said: Residents were concerned about the impact of the rising cost of living.

We did: With shortages of labour and materials driving up the costs of repairs and maintenance, rents and some service charges had to increase in April. We held a residents' meeting to hear residents' concerns and offer them any assistance we could. At the meeting we agreed how spending for the scheme should be allocated, so that all residents can be satisfied that their services charges provide value for money. We agreed to meet on a monthly basis to keep continue to gather feedback.

July 2020

You said: Following the closure of council tips during the lockdown, residents reported much higher levels of litter and fly-tipping than expected.

We did: We arranged for our contractors to clear up the fly-tipping that was so prolific during lockdown. Lots of residents came out to thank them for getting rid of the junk and on at least two occasions residents came out and helped load the heavy stuff.  

August 2020

You said: In 2020, we took the decision to close communal lounges in all schemes across the country. The aim was to minimise contact between residents and to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading. As the country began to emerge from lockdown, some residents wanted the communal lounges to reopen.

We did: We consulted with residents to determine whether they would be in favour of reopening the communal lounge and what safety measures they would like to see in place if the communal lounge were to reopen.

October 2021

You said: Residents missed seeing our staff and contractors out on-site, due to the coronavirus restrictions, and were starting to feel disenfranchised.

We did: As restrictions began to lift, our thoughts turned once again to how we could safely meet with customers face-to-face once again and deliver a 'personal' customer experience. Our staff visited the scheme to catch-up with residents (new and existing), to find out how they'd been coping with the restrictions and provide any support they could. The restrictions had led to a backlog of repairs in some areas. Our staff were on hand to take reports of repairs and chase up any repairs which were outstanding. Our grounds maintenance contractor made an appearance to help respond to any queries and hear residents' suggestions as to how the communal areas could be improved. The occasion was marked with with bacon butties and Danish pastries. Any leftovers were taken to the local homeless shelter, The Garden House Project, who were very thankful.

May 2022

You said: Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the grounds maintenance service.

We did: We invited residents to take part in a joint inspection of the scheme, to provide them with a clearer understanding of what is actually covered by their service charge. The joint inspection highlighted that improvements were required to the upkeep of the bin store. We instructed our contractors to clear fallen leaves and debris. We issued a reminder to all residents who had opted to maintain areas of the communal grounds themselves to look after them or, if they are no longer able to do so, allow our contractors to resume maintenance of them.

August 2019

You said: Residents wanted more information about Accent's staff and services.

We did: We introduced residents to their Customer Partners at their regular coffee morning. The Customer Partners agreed to visit the estate on a monthly basis and offer residents an appointment to discuss any issues or concerns in confidence. We also consulted with residents as to how they would like to spend the improvements budget allocated to their estate. Residents agreed they would like to see more flowers and shrubs in their landscaped areas, and would plant them themselves. We anticipate that residents will continue to take a great deal of pride in their communal gardens to maintain an attractive living environment.

August 2020

You said: In 2020, we took the decision to close communal lounges in all schemes across the country. The aim was to minimise contact between residents and to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading. As the country began to emerge from lockdown, some residents wanted the communal lounges to reopen.

We did: We consulted with residents to determine whether they would be in favour of reopening the communal lounge and what safety measures they would like to see in place if the communal lounge were to reopen.

March 2022

You said: Residents were concerned about the impact of the rising cost of living.

We did: With shortages of labour and materials driving up the costs of repairs and maintenance, rents and some service charges were set to increase in April. We held a residents' meeting to hear residents' concerns and offer them any assistance we could. Most residents had expected the rents to increase and had no major concerns, but were grateful for the explanation and the offer of support.

However, residents indicated that they would like to see the the Scheme Manager on site more often and would like greater involvement in monitoring the performance of the estates services contractors. We agreed to carried out a joint inspection of the estate to identify any problems and hold an annual meeting to discuss such matters. We communicated the outcomes of the meeting to all residents by means of a newsletter.

May 2022

You said: Residents would like more regular and frequent contact with the staff who deliver their services.

We did: The local Customer Partner attends the regular coffee morning on a monthly basis to hear customers' ideas, suggestions and concerns.

October 2021

You said: Residents missed seeing our staff and contractors out on-site, due to the coronavirus restrictions, and were starting to feel disenfranchised.

We did: As restrictions began to lift, our thoughts turned once again to how we could safely meet with customers face-to-face once again and deliver a 'personal' customer experience. Our staff visited the scheme to catch-up with residents (new and existing), to find out how they'd been coping with the restrictions and provide any support they could. The restrictions had led to a backlog of repairs in some areas. Our staff were on hand to take reports of repairs and chase up any repairs which were outstanding. We all pitched in to help pick up litter and tidy up the estate. To tempt customers out of their flats, we served pizza. In spite of the windy weather, the turnout was much better than expected. The event served as an opportunity for customers to raise concerns about anti-social behaviour and to discuss the positive steps we are taking to address them.

January 2022

You said: A burst water pipe in the Paston area of Peterborough had led to some residents' water supply to be cut off. Residents had received little assurance from the water authority about when they could expect the water supply to be reinstated.

We did: We took many calls from distressed residents including one from a mother with young children and no spare money to be able to buy bottled water. Although we could not fix the problem, we realised we needed to do something about it - so we provided bottled water to residents who expressed concern and left some at the local community centre.

January 2022

You said: Residents were keen to enhance the sense of community spirit and improve the look and feel of the area.

We did: We engaged with the local community centre, Newton Hall, who offered help to make Paston an even more attractive area to live. They worked with Accent to build and install large planters at key points around the estate to display flower beds. We held an event aimed at recruiting volunteers to help maintain the planters. At the event, we were keen to hear residents' ideas for estate improvements and were there to listen to any concerns that residents had. A local councillor also joined us to discuss council-related issues such as roads and parking. Despite the temperature, the event attracted a good turnout - no doubt helped by the free tea and coffee on offer!

March 2022

You said: Residents complained about fly-tipping which always seemed to appear in particular areas of the scheme.

We did: We displayed signs around fly-tipping 'hot spots' reminding potential perpetrators that costs of removing waste would be recovered from them and that they would be issued with a fine. On the first inspection of the scheme since the signs were installed, we found no evidence of fly-tipping.

August 2020

You said: In 2020, we took the decision to close communal lounges in all schemes across the country. The aim was to minimise contact between residents and to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading. As the country began to emerge from lockdown, some residents wanted the communal lounges to reopen.

We did: We consulted with residents to determine whether they would be in favour of reopening the communal lounge and what safety measures they would like to see in place if the communal lounge were to reopen.

March 2022

You said: Residents were concerned about the impact of the rising cost of living.

We did: With shortages of labour and materials driving up the costs of repairs and maintenance, rents and some service charges were set to increase in April. We held a residents' meeting to hear residents' concerns and offer them any assistance we could. Most residents had expected the rents to increase and had no major concerns, but were grateful for the explanation and the offer of support.

However, residents indicated that they would like to see the the Scheme Manager on site more often and would like greater involvement in monitoring the performance of the estates services contractors. We agreed to carried out a joint inspection of the estate to identify any problems and hold an annual meeting to discuss such matters. We communicated the outcomes of the meeting to all residents by means of a newsletter.

May 2022

You said: Residents had reported incidents of vandalism and theft in the side road adjacent to the scheme.

We did: We consulted with residents about whether they would be in favour of upgrading the CCTV to capture better quality images and footage to deter would-be perpetrators.

May 2022

You said: Residents would like more help to maintain their outdoor areas.

We did: We provided residents with gardening tools and a storage unit to store them in.

May 2022

You said: Residents would like to support those in the community struggling with the rising cost of food.

We did: The Joan Wake Close Social Club has a very clear aim - to supply affordable meals, wellbeing events and social activities all in a safe place, and to enjoy each other’s company. The group works together to cook meals which are available and affordable for other residents to take full advantage of, paying a donation which suits their budget. The club has since been certified by both Fareshare, a charity network aimed at relieving food poverty and reducing food waste, and Neighbourly, an award-winning giving platform that helps businesses donate volunteer time, money and surplus products. This gives them access to food and other goods which can no longer be sold in supermarkets. We are committed to supporting the Joan Wake Social Club with their bid for lottery funding to help their cause reach even more people in the wider community.

August 2020

You said: In 2020, we took the decision to close communal lounges in all schemes across the country. The aim was to minimise contact between residents and to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading. As the country began to emerge from lockdown, some residents wanted the communal lounges to reopen.

We did: We consulted with residents to determine whether they would be in favour of reopening the communal lounge and what safety measures they would like to see in place if the communal lounge were to reopen.

March 2022

You said: Residents were concerned about the impact of the rising cost of living.

We did: With shortages of labour and materials driving up the costs of repairs and maintenance, rents and some service charges were set to increase in April. We held a residents' meeting to hear residents' concerns and offer them any assistance we could. Most residents had expected the rents to increase and had no major concerns, but were grateful for the explanation and the offer of support.

However, residents indicated that they would like to see the the Scheme Manager on site more often and would like greater involvement in monitoring the performance of the estates services contractors. We agreed to carried out a joint inspection of the estate to identify any problems and hold an annual meeting to discuss such matters. We communicated the outcomes of the meeting to all residents by means of a newsletter.

November 2021

You said: Resident complained about misuse of the communal bin area, which was constantly overflowing.

We did: Working closely with Peterborough City Council, and in consultation with residents, we managed to negotiate bigger wheelie bins for residents to avoid the problems previously seen with individual bins cluttering the estate. We also increased the size of the bin store to help keep the area tidy. Residents on this estate have historically been charged for rubbish removal through their service charges, so these initiative will not only improve the appearance of the estate, but also save residents money.

January 2022

You said: A burst water pipe in the Paston area of Peterborough had led to some residents' water supply to be cut off. Residents had received little assurance from the water authority about when they could expect the water supply to be reinstated.

We did: We took many calls from distressed residents including one from a mother with young children and no spare money to be able to buy bottled water. Although we could not fix the problem, we realised we needed to do something about it - so we provided bottled water to residents who expressed concern and left some at the local community centre.

January 2022

You said: Residents were keen to enhance the sense of community spirit and improve the look and feel of the area.

We did: We engaged with the local community centre, Newton Hall, who offered help to make Paston an even more attractive area to live. They worked with Accent to build and install large planters at key points around the estate to display flower beds. We held an event aimed at recruiting volunteers to help maintain the planters. At the event, we were keen to hear residents' ideas for estate improvements and were there to listen to any concerns that residents had. A local councillor also joined us to discuss council-related issues such as roads and parking. Despite the temperature, the event attracted a good turnout - no doubt helped by the free tea and coffee on offer!

March 2022

You said: Residents complained about fly-tipping which always seemed to appear in particular areas of the scheme.

We did: We displayed signs around fly-tipping 'hot spots' reminding potential perpetrators that costs of removing waste would be recovered from them and that they would be issued with a fine. On the first inspection of the scheme since the signs were installed, we found no evidence of fly-tipping.

January 2022

You said: A burst water pipe in the Paston area of Peterborough had led to some residents' water supply to be cut off. Residents had received little assurance from the water authority about when they could expect the water supply to be reinstated.

We did: We took many calls from distressed residents including one from a mother with young children and no spare money to be able to buy bottled water. Although we could not fix the problem, we realised we needed to do something about it - so we provided bottled water to residents who expressed concern and left some at the local community centre.

January 2022

You said: Residents were keen to enhance the sense of community spirit and improve the look and feel of the area.

We did: We engaged with the local community centre, Newton Hall, who offered help to make Paston an even more attractive area to live. They worked with Accent to build and install large planters at key points around the estate to display flower beds. We held an event aimed at recruiting volunteers to help maintain the planters. At the event, we were keen to hear residents' ideas for estate improvements and were there to listen to any concerns that residents had. A local councillor also joined us to discuss council-related issues such as roads and parking. Despite the temperature, the event attracted a good turnout - no doubt helped by the free tea and coffee on offer!

March 2022

You said: Residents complained about fly-tipping which always seemed to appear in particular areas of the scheme.

We did: We displayed signs around fly-tipping 'hot spots' reminding potential perpetrators that costs of removing waste would be recovered from them and that they would be issued with a fine. On the first inspection of the scheme since the signs were installed, we found no evidence of fly-tipping.

January 2022

You said: A burst water pipe in the Paston area of Peterborough had led to some residents' water supply to be cut off. Residents had received little assurance from the water authority about when they could expect the water supply to be reinstated.

We did: We took many calls from distressed residents including one from a mother with young children and no spare money to be able to buy bottled water. Although we could not fix the problem, we realised we needed to do something about it - so we provided bottled water to residents who expressed concern and left some at the local community centre.

January 2022

You said: Residents were keen to enhance the sense of community spirit and improve the look and feel of the area.

We did: We engaged with the local community centre, Newton Hall, who offered help to make Paston an even more attractive area to live. They worked with Accent to build and install large planters at key points around the estate to display flower beds. We held an event aimed at recruiting volunteers to help maintain the planters. At the event, we were keen to hear residents' ideas for estate improvements and were there to listen to any concerns that residents had. A local councillor also joined us to discuss council-related issues such as roads and parking. Despite the temperature, the event attracted a good turnout - no doubt helped by the free tea and coffee on offer!

March 2022

You said: Residents complained about fly-tipping which always seemed to appear in particular areas of the scheme.

We did: We displayed signs around fly-tipping 'hot spots' reminding potential perpetrators that costs of removing waste would be recovered from them and that they would be issued with a fine. On the first inspection of the scheme since the signs were installed, we found no evidence of fly-tipping.

August 2020

You said: Residents wanted to make best use of their communal landscaped areas.

We did: Whilst carrying out a scheme inspection, the Customer Partner noticed a resident maintaining a shared area outside her property. The Customer Partner used their discretionary budget to purchase the resident some gardening vouchers so she can continue to keep the area blooming beautiful! See more here. The resident has since offered to maintain a raised bed on the scheme for the enjoyment of all the residents living there. 

August 2020

You said: Residents were struggling to dispose of their bulky waste and keep their scheme looking tidy.

We did: The Customer Partner used some of their discretionary budget to hire a skip. The residents swifty cleared the area of all the bulky waste, all chipping in to bring this small patch of land back up to a good standard.

June 2021

You said: Residents were experiencing major anti-social behaviour problems, perpetrated by one particular resident.

We did: A closure order has been served on the perpetrator's flat, following months of anti-social behaviour, drug use and nuisance to neighbours. Sergeant Sarah Phillips, from the Eastern Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: 'Today’s closure comes as a result of a lot of persistence from my team who have worked with partner agencies such as the council and housing services, as well as engaging with local residents to understand the impact the tenant’s behaviour has had on them'. The local Customer Partner and local residents worked hard over many months to collect the evidence that was needed to secure this outcome.

January 2022

You said: A burst water pipe in the Paston area of Peterborough had led to some residents' water supply to be cut off. Residents had received little assurance from the water authority about when they could expect the water supply to be reinstated.

We did: We took many calls from distressed residents including one from a mother with young children and no spare money to be able to buy bottled water. Although we could not fix the problem, we realised we needed to do something about it - so we provided bottled water to residents who expressed concern and left some at the local community centre.

January 2022

You said: Residents were keen to enhance the sense of community spirit and improve the look and feel of the area.

We did: We engaged with the local community centre, Newton Hall, who offered help to make Paston an even more attractive area to live. They worked with Accent to build and install large planters at key points around the estate to display flower beds. We held an event aimed at recruiting volunteers to help maintain the planters. At the event, we were keen to hear residents' ideas for estate improvements and were there to listen to any concerns that residents had. A local councillor also joined us to discuss council-related issues such as roads and parking. Despite the temperature, the event attracted a good turnout - no doubt helped by the free tea and coffee on offer!

March 2022

You said: Residents complained about fly-tipping which always seemed to appear in particular areas of the scheme.

We did: We displayed signs around fly-tipping 'hot spots' reminding potential perpetrators that costs of removing waste would be recovered from them and that they would be issued with a fine. On the first inspection of the scheme since the signs were installed, we found no evidence of fly-tipping.

November 2021

You said: Residents missed seeing our staff and contractors out on-site, due to the coronavirus restrictions, and were starting to feel disenfranchised.

We did: As restrictions began to lift, our thoughts turned once again to how we could safely meet with customers face-to-face once again and deliver a 'personal' customer experience. Our staff visited the estate to catch-up with residents (new and existing), to find out how they'd been coping with the restrictions and provide any support they could. The restrictions had led to a backlog of repairs in some areas. Our staff were on hand to take reports of repairs and chase up any repairs which were outstanding.

It became apparent that solar powered lighting would help to improve residents' feelings of security. Residents also suggested numbering the blocks to save delivery operatives from having to search for the correct address.

January 2022

You said: A burst water pipe in the Paston area of Peterborough had led to some residents' water supply to be cut off. Residents had received little assurance from the water authority about when they could expect the water supply to be reinstated.

We did: We took many calls from distressed residents including one from a mother with young children and no spare money to be able to buy bottled water. Although we could not fix the problem, we realised we needed to do something about it - so we provided bottled water to residents who expressed concern and left some at the local community centre.

January 2022

You said: Residents were keen to enhance the sense of community spirit and improve the look and feel of the area.

We did: We engaged with the local community centre, Newton Hall, who offered help to make Paston an even more attractive area to live. They worked with Accent to build and install large planters at key points around the estate to display flower beds. We held an event aimed at recruiting volunteers to help maintain the planters. At the event, we were keen to hear residents' ideas for estate improvements and were there to listen to any concerns that residents had. A local councillor also joined us to discuss council-related issues such as roads and parking. Despite the temperature, the event attracted a good turnout - no doubt helped by the free tea and coffee on offer!

March 2022

You said: Residents complained about fly-tipping which always seemed to appear in particular areas of the scheme.

We did: We displayed signs around fly-tipping 'hot spots' reminding potential perpetrators that costs of removing waste would be recovered from them and that they would be issued with a fine. On the first inspection of the scheme since the signs were installed, we found no evidence of fly-tipping.

April 2020

You said: In the grip of the coronavirus crisis, some residents at this Independent Living scheme were at risk of loneliness and isolation.

We did: To lift residents' spirits at this unnerving time, the Scheme Manager arranged a weekly sing-song. Residents take part standing at their doors and windows. The weekly coffee morning has become a virtual meeting through Facebook video.

On a Saturday evening residents on Facebook video have a wine and cheese evening.

Some residents receive food parcels but have opted to leave the items they don't need on the doorsteps of other residents.

Two residents have taken it upon themselves cut all the grass on the scheme to keep it tidy.

We used our links in the wider community to arrange for The Falcon Hotel at Whittlesey to deliver a hot meal to the vulnerable every Wednesday free of charge.

The sense of community at Sudbury Court is as strong as ever, even in these uncertain times!

May 2020

You said: In the grip of the coronavirus crisis, some residents at this Independent Living scheme were at risk of loneliness and isolation.

We did: The challenging circumstances did not stop residents from celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day. The Scheme Manager decorated the scheme and grounds, and residents enjoyed a sing-along accompanied by homemade cakes. Residents and staff are working collectively to build community spirit at this unnerving time, all the while maintaining social distancing.

August 2020

You said: In 2020, we took the decision to close communal lounges in all schemes across the country. The aim was to minimise contact between residents and to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading. As the country began to emerge from lockdown, some residents wanted the communal lounges to reopen.

We did: We consulted with residents to determine whether they would be in favour of reopening the communal lounge and what safety measures they would like to see in place if the communal lounge were to reopen.

February 2021

You said: In the grip of the coronavirus crisis, some residents at this Independent Living scheme were at risk of loneliness and isolation.

We did: Residents were asked to participate in Fenland Youth Radio show. Residents were able to request songs, share stories and send messages to friends and family - offering a slice of positivity during these difficult times.

July 2021

You said: Residents would like to be recognised for the care and attention they pay to maintaining an attractive living environment.

We did: The Scheme Manager organised a gardening competition to encourage residents to make best use of their outdoor spaces and reconnect after a difficult, and for some a lonely, year.

March 2022

You said: Residents were concerned about the impact of the rising cost of living.

We did: With shortages of labour and materials driving up the costs of repairs and maintenance, rents and some service charges were set to increase in April. We held a residents' meeting to hear residents' concerns and offer them any assistance we could. Most residents had expected the rents to increase and had no major concerns, but were grateful for the explanation and the offer of support.

However, residents indicated that they would like to see the the Scheme Manager on site more often and would like greater involvement in monitoring the performance of the estates services contractors. We agreed to carried out a joint inspection of the estate to identify any problems and hold an annual meeting to discuss such matters. We communicated the outcomes of the meeting to all residents by means of a newsletter.

August 2021

You said: Residents missed seeing our staff and contractors out on-site, due to the coronavirus restrictions, and were starting to feel disenfranchised.

We did: As restrictions began to lift, our thoughts turned once again to how we could safely meet with customers face-to-face once again and deliver a 'personal' customer experience. Our staff visited the estate to catch-up with residents (new and existing), to find out how they'd been coping with the restrictions and provide any support they could. The restrictions had led to a backlog of repairs in some areas. Our staff were on hand to take reports of repairs and chase up any repairs which were outstanding. We are pleased to report that nearly all residents answered their doors or met with us outside to discuss local priorities.

January 2022

You said: A burst water pipe in the Paston area of Peterborough had led to some residents' water supply to be cut off. Residents had received little assurance from the water authority about when they could expect the water supply to be reinstated.

We did: We took many calls from distressed residents including one from a mother with young children and no spare money to be able to buy bottled water. Although we could not fix the problem, we realised we needed to do something about it - so we provided bottled water to residents who expressed concern and left some at the local community centre.

January 2022

You said: Residents were keen to enhance the sense of community spirit and improve the look and feel of the area.

We did: We engaged with the local community centre, Newton Hall, who offered help to make Paston an even more attractive area to live. They worked with Accent to build and install large planters at key points around the estate to display flower beds. We held an event aimed at recruiting volunteers to help maintain the planters. At the event, we were keen to hear residents' ideas for estate improvements and were there to listen to any concerns that residents had. A local councillor also joined us to discuss council-related issues such as roads and parking. Despite the temperature, the event attracted a good turnout - no doubt helped by the free tea and coffee on offer!

March 2022

You said: Residents complained about fly-tipping which always seemed to appear in particular areas of the scheme.

We did: We displayed signs around fly-tipping 'hot spots' reminding potential perpetrators that costs of removing waste would be recovered from them and that they would be issued with a fine. On the first inspection of the scheme since the signs were installed, we found no evidence of fly-tipping.

January 2022

You said: A burst water pipe in the Paston area of Peterborough had led to some residents' water supply to be cut off. Residents had received little assurance from the water authority about when they could expect the water supply to be reinstated.

We did: We took many calls from distressed residents including one from a mother with young children and no spare money to be able to buy bottled water. Although we could not fix the problem, we realised we needed to do something about it - so we provided bottled water to residents who expressed concern and left some at the local community centre.

January 2022

You said: Residents were keen to enhance the sense of community spirit and improve the look and feel of the area.

We did: We engaged with the local community centre, Newton Hall, who offered help to make Paston an even more attractive area to live. They worked with Accent to build and install large planters at key points around the estate to display flower beds. We held an event aimed at recruiting volunteers to help maintain the planters. At the event, we were keen to hear residents' ideas for estate improvements and were there to listen to any concerns that residents had. A local councillor also joined us to discuss council-related issues such as roads and parking. Despite the temperature, the event attracted a good turnout - no doubt helped by the free tea and coffee on offer!

March 2022

You said: Residents complained about fly-tipping which always seemed to appear in particular areas of the scheme.

We did: We displayed signs around fly-tipping 'hot spots' reminding potential perpetrators that costs of removing waste would be recovered from them and that they would be issued with a fine. On the first inspection of the scheme since the signs were installed, we found no evidence of fly-tipping.