Yarm

December 2019

You said: Residents would like more involvement with one another to enhance the sense of community.

We did: We held a Christmas Party at Yarm Community Centre, featuring a host of baked goods and festive drinks served by the local Customer Partner. The event also attracted people living outside the scheme, one of which is now interested in becoming a resident.

February 2020

You said: This leafy green estate requires a great deal of maintenance to keep it looking its best. During the summer, the hedges and trees had become very overgrown.

We did: For this reason we:

• Cut back the overgrown hedges
• Unblocked all the drains which had become full of mud and leaves leading to problems with flooding
• Repainted the markings on the car park
• Replaced the old benches which had come loose from the fixtures
• Replaced the handrail on the steps; giving the older people living on the area more confidence when using them
• Cut back the bushes around the stream to improve the view
• Cut back the trees to improve access to light
• Held weekly coffee mornings for residents to speak to a member of staff about any concerns.

November 2020

You said: Residents complained about a particular tenant making other people's lives a misery. The anti-social behaviour involved threats to life, criminal damage, intimidation and harassment.

We did: The local Customer Partner helped collect evidence of this behaviour to secure a court conviction. The perpetrator is now not allowed to enter the street for the next six months. This is a massive relief for other residents that live here, knowing they no longer need to hide in their homes and can finally be at peace.

November 2021

You said: Given the rising costs of energy, residents expressed concerns about paying their winter fuel bills.

We did: We arranged for Cleveland Fire Brigade to visit the estate to offer residents advice on fire safety and staying warm over winter. The event also served as an opportunity to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

November 2021

You said: Residents complained about a large hedge which grew so quickly over the summer that it would cover footpaths. It was also attracting pests to the area.

We did: Although the hedge would look nice for the few weeks that it was in bloom, it was a nuisance for the rest of the year. In consultation with residents, we cut back the hedge as much as possible. The result was drastic, but it will save on the cost of dealing with pests in the long-term.

May 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 invited the local Income Officer to attend the residents' weekly coffee morning to answer any queries about rents and service charges. We were able to provide assurance that we are not just there to enforce payment, but also there to offer advice and support. It was a good opportunity for residents to meet staff who typically work from home, or from an office, and vice versa.