Tenants Newsletter | Summer 2019
Elections to the Board Our Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday 4 September 2019 in the Savoy Hotel, Ayr. All tenants are members of the company and can therefore seek election to the Board. If you have a joint tenancy, both tenants are considered to be members. This year, there will be two vacancies within the tenant category. This is a real opportunity to influence the quality of service that you and your fellow tenant members receive. If you would like to apply, simply fill out the form on the back of this newsletter, together with a short statement of no more than 100 words in support of your application and return to us by Friday 2 August. For more information, go to our website: www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk.
Development News The sun shone for the opening of our latest development, Peebles Court. We have completed 39 flats in Peebles Street, Ayr to add to our portfolio of over 1,500 houses. Kenny George (Vice-Chair) welcomed Sharon Bell and her daughter Myrren (pictured lower right) to their new flat. Kenny said, ‘it’s great to see all the tenants enjoying their well-appointed flats. Built by CCG, the development cost £5 million. Ayrshire Housing is planning four more developments in Ayr and Troon and we hope that work will start on these over the next 12 months’. Peebles Court consists of 16 two bedroom and 23 one bedroom flats.
Estate Management – Participatory Budgets for Tenant Led Projects We are looking to establish a budget for estate based improvements which will be informed by tenants’ suggestions and recommendations. Projects would have to meet specific criteria such as improving the environment and security within the estate and must generally benefit Ayrshire Housing tenants living within the estate. Works to communal or common areas could include fencing, improved security lighting, landscaping and improvements to common areas and parking area improvements. We would welcome any proposals or suggestions you wish to make which might be suitable for consideration. If you have any suggestions, please email us: info@ayrshirehousing.org.uk or write to us at 119 Main Street, Ayr, KA8 8BX.
Policy Reviews Over the past year we have been reviewing a number of our policies to ensure that they remain relevant and up to date with any changes to legislation or guidance. The policies below are just some that have been reviewed recently; Sub-letting Policy Lodgers Policy Assignations Policy Succession to Tenancy Policy Aids and Adaptations Policy Mutual Exchanges Policy Estate Management Policy Rechargeable Repairs Policy Right to Compensation for Improvements Policy These policies are all available to view on our website www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk. We are also in the process of reviewing our Allocations Policy, our policy on Permissions and Tenants’ Improvements and our Neighbour Disputes and Antisocial Behaviour Policy.
If you would like any further information, or would like to comment on any of our policies, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Have you registered for
“My Home” yet? Your secure online Tenant Portal allows you to pay rent, view rent statements, access money advice information, report repairs, give feedback, update your family details and telephone number, and much more. Just go to www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk and click on to sign up.
My Home lets you access tenancy services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We can supply this document in a print size to suit. It is also available in Braille, audio and other formats, and in other languages. Our website also has several accessibility features which you may find useful. 2
FIRE RISKS ON BALCONIES For many of us, balconies provide the perfect setting for socialising in the summer sun (when we get it)! However, in recent years there have been a number of serious fires on balconies, with one of the biggest risks coming from barbecues. An estimated 1,800 people a year visit A&E in the UK having had an accident involving a barbecue. Barbecues should not be used on balconies under any circumstances. A number of recent fires have demonstrated the following potential hazards: Falling embers burning items on the ground below. Disposable barbecues being left unattended after use. Close proximity to other flammable objects.
Top 10 barbecue safety tips: While barbecues should never be used on balconies, they can be used safely in outdoor communal areas provided these safety procedures are observed. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Ensure the barbecue is strong, sturdy and in good working order. Place it on level ground to avoid it tipping over. Keep it well clear of any trees, shrubs or flammable objects. Keep children and animals well away. Never pour on petrol or other accelerants. For charcoal barbecues only use the minimum fuel necessary. For gas barbecues ensure the tap is turned off before changing the cylinder. 8. Never leave the barbecue unattended. 9. Keep a bucket of water or sand close by. 10.Ensure the barbecue is cool before attempting to move it.
Staff News David Gannon joins us on Monday 8 July as part-time Project Manager.
Congratulations to Housing Officer Debi Love who recently got married.
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Call us on (01292) 880120 or Text us on 07860 020 459 Write to us at Ayrshire Housing, 119 Main Street, AYR, KA8 8BX Email us info@ayrshirehousing.org.uk You can also: like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ayrshirehousing follow us on Twitter @ayrshirehousing Keep up to date at www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk or on My Home. www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk Text Message - 07860 020459
GARDEN & PET COMPETITION REMINDER! There is still time to submit your entries to this year’s Garden and Pet Competitions! If you’ve got the perfect pet or if your neighbours are always complimenting your gardening skills be sure to get in touch! You can enter via My Home—go to the ‘My Documents’ panel, select ‘Upload Documents’ and add your photographs. You can also email your entries to: info@ayrshirehousing.org.uk, via our Facebook Page or by speaking to your Housing Officer. Please remember to include your name and address.
APPLICATION TO JOIN THE BOARD
Name: Address:
Tel: Email:
___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________
Please return your completed form to us by post: Ayrshire Housing, 119 Main Street, Ayr, KA8 8BX. You can also apply via My Home—go to the ‘My Tenancy’ panel for details. Alternatively email us at: info@ayrshirehousing.org.uk. Entries to be received by 2 August.
STATEMENT (no more than 100 words please) :______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________