JOB OF THE WEEK: GET YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
15 March 2010

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LOVELL CHOSEN FOR £2.5M SANDWELL COUNCIL HOMES SCHEME
15 March 2010

Sandwell Council has chosen affordable housing developer Lovell to build a £2.5 million council housing development in Smethwick in the West Midlands. The 28 flats and houses, all for social rent, are the first new council homes to be built in the borough for three decades. The new housing is being built on the site of the former Bearwood House tower block which was demolished in 2008. The scheme will create 16 two-bedroom flats, one two-bedroom house, seven three-bedroom houses (one being to full wheelchair standards) and four four-bedroom houses. The new housing is set to welcome its first tenants in March 2011. All properties will meet Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, the system for measuring the environmental performance of new housing, which means they will achieve a 44 per cent improvement in energy-efficiency against current building regulations. Through the project, Lovell will also create six construction training placements giving local people the opportunity to train by working on the project for six months, supervised by experts from Lovell. Sandwell Council Leader Darren Cooper said: "I am delighted that the scheme is going ahead. These will be the first council houses built in the borough for a long, long time and we will be pressing for more money to be made available for social housing as a result. This is really good news for Sandwell and it means that these new properties will built in a prime location." David Gough, regional director for Lovell, says: “It is exciting to be helping to deliver this high-quality new affordable housing development for Sandwell and we look forward to working with Sandwell Council and the local community as the construction programme goes ahead.”

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£8.5 MILLION TRENT AND DOVE EXTRA-CARE SCHEME GETS UNDERWAY
15 March 2010

Trent & Dove Housing has announced that contracts have now been signed and work is due to start shortly on demolition of the existing sheltered housing schemes at Anglesey Court and Horace Pritchard House. During March bulldozers will clear the way for an exciting new ‘extra-care’ development, which will be the first of its kind in Burton. Construction work will begin immediately after the site has been cleared. Future projections all show that there will be a major increase in the numbers of older people due to increased life expectancy or those who are more frail due to their age or illness. Extra-care provides improved facilities for people who wish to retain independent living for longer and means them not having to rely upon going into hospital or care homes as their health or mobility deteriorates. It is expected that the new extra-care facility, which is seen by many as the future of housing provision for frail/older people, will be the best in the region. It is also situated within East Staffordshire Borough Council’s ‘Inner Burton Housing Initiative’ (IBHI) which will raise the local standard within an already strong and vibrant community. During the course of the construction, Trent & Dove will continue to work closely with Staffordshire County Council and, as key partners, we appreciate their support along with the Homes & Communities Agency who have helped fund the project. Ron Dougan, chief executive at Trent & Dove Housing said; “The scheme will provide 67, one and two-bedroom apartments that will be available for affordable rent or on a shared ownership basis, together with additional facilities such as a café/restaurant; hairdressing and well-being salon; a residents lounge; conservatory; and resource room. Bullock Construction is the main building contractor and the project will be carried out with Trent and Dove's strategic development partners Matrix.

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DENHAM REJECTS WORCS MP’S PLEA TO REJECT 25,500 HOMES PLAN
15 March 2010

John Denham Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff’s calls for the Government to abandon it’s plans to build up to 25,500 new homes across the south of the county have been rejected. Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff asked the Communities and Local Government Secretary John Denham to tear up the West Midlands regional spatial strategy and allow local communities to decide on housing numbers. The Conservative party has publicly said it would scrap the strategy if it won the general election, giving more decision-making power back to local councils. Labour, however, said scrapping the strategy would result in housing needs not being met and would also throw the construction industry into disarray. During question time in the House of Commons last week, Mr Luff said: “Given the consensus that exists in areas such as south Worcestershire about the need for more homes, and for more affordable homes in particular, may I urge the Secretary of State, even at this late stage, to tear up the West Midlands regional spatial strategy and to allow local communities to decide exactly how many houses they need and precisely where they should go?” In response, Mr Denham said: “It is important that the combination of local, regional and national policy should be used to secure sufficient homes to meet the needs of families in this country in the future. “We have rejected calls to scrap regional spatial strategies and planning targets and to leave everything to decision-making at local level because we know that the house-building industry would grind to a halt, that land would not be available, that growth would be slowed and that the needs of this country’s families would not be met. “The house-building industry is terrified by the prospect of such a policy being brought into play.” Speaking afterwards, Mr Luff said: “This Government just doesn’t trust people – it prefers to impose the views of remote bureaucrats in regional organisation and Whitehall departments. “People will be horrified to see this confirmation of contempt for their views.”

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TRAINING TO SAVE MONEY AND THE PLANET IN WALSALL
15 March 2010

Residents from across the Midlands were today urged to sign up for free training to learn how to cut their bills and their carbon emissions as part of a unique pilot project. The Fit for the Future project is hosting six sessions during the next two months as part of a campaign to train 600 residents on energy conservation in 2010. There are also up to 20 jobs, targeted at those aged 18 to 24, as paid Community Climate Change Champions available for people to carry the message out into the neighbourhoods where they live. The Climate Change Champions are being employed by Groundwork Trust West Midlands through the Future Jobs Fund. The roles are open to anyone who has been out of work for 6 months. Since the unique £200,000 project was launched in February it has already delivered 6 workshops and trained more than 60 people. An interactive website offering advice, hints, tips and views about Going Green has also been set up at www.thegreenhouseproject.org.uk. The Fit for the Future campaign, backed by Advantage West Midlands, aims to help the Midlands region develop its role as an economic hub of green technology. It is being delivered by the Accord Group in partnership with two other housing associations, Family and Black Country, and contractor Mears. The project is also being backed by the Energy Saving Trust and Sandwell Homes. Kally Bhatti, project co-ordinator, said: “The courses are proving really popular and people are coming forward every day. It’s an ideal way to improve your skills, develop your CV and learn about how to save money in the home.” The 2-hour courses are being run at the following locations in the morning and afternoon, unless otherwise stated: 22nd March – Jervis Court, Dog Kennel Lane, Walsall 13th April – Moseley & District Churches Housing Association Head Office, 106 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham 20th April – Fry Housing Trust Head Office, 43 Rowley Village, Rowley Regis, West Midlands 11th May - AM workshop – Ashram Housing Association and bchs Head Office, Fairgate House, 205 Kings Road, Tyseley, Birmingham 11th May PM workshop – Ghulab Ashram scheme, 18 Whisley Brook Lane, Acocks Green, Birmingham 18th May - Ribbon Court Extra Care Scheme , 689 Foleshill Road, Foleshill, Coventry

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HOUSING REGEN WORK TO BEGIN IN MIDDLEPORT, STOKE
15 March 2010

Further work on the redevelopment of a neglected part of Stoke-on-Trent could start by the end of the year. Dozens of houses in several Middleport streets have been earmarked for refurbishment. Renew North Staffordshire proposes to start the "heritage refurbishment" and redevelopment of more than 40 homes in Port Street later this year. And it expects that will draw in private money to build new properties in Travers Street from 2013 onwards. Community and environmental improvements are also in the pipeline, and there are also plans for Harper Street and Burgess Street, close to the historic Middleport Pottery. The plans have been drawn up following almost a year of consultation with local residents, and will now go on display. The next step will see a development brief, setting out the project's aims, and is expected to be drawn up next month.

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
15 March 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS Fusion21 are seeking an experienced project coordinator based in Huyton. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest.Closing Date: March 19. Hammersmith United Charities is seeking a Trustee - Housing Specialist. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london/job. West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Policy/Service Improvement Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing Date: March 18. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Procurement Manager based in Sunderland, salary circa £31k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 22. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Chief Executive based in the North East, salary £108k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 15. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Property Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 15. Tenders North Glasgow Housing Association is inviting tenders for Internal Audit Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 2. DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
15 March 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS Fusion21 are seeking an experienced project coordinator based in Huyton. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest.Closing Date: March 19. Hammersmith United Charities is seeking a Trustee - Housing Specialist. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london/job. West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Policy/Service Improvement Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing Date: March 18. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Procurement Manager based in Sunderland, salary circa £31k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 22. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Chief Executive based in the North East, salary £108k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 15. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Property Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 15. Tenders North Glasgow Housing Association is inviting tenders for Internal Audit Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 2. DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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SPOTLIGHT
16 March 2010

JOB OF THE WEEK: GET YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
16 March 2010

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HOUSING NEWS
16 March 2010

Housing News exists to provide a national platform for Britain’s affordable and social housing sector. We deliver eight regional daily newsletters to over 19,000 readers providing news that is focussed, fast and free. Our regional newsletters cover: North East & Yorkshire North West & North Wales Eastern West Midlands South East South West & South Wales London Scotland If you would like to receive any of the above FREE publications then email

WORK BEGINS ON LONG-AWAITED AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN DUDLEY
16 March 2010

Jephson Homes Housing Association has started construction work on a £4million new housing development at a former derelict pub site in Dudley. Dudley North MP Ian Austin visited the site of the former Washington Arms pub on Friday to formally mark the start of work. Picture: Marking the start of work at the Washington Arms site in Dudley are (front) Jephson Regional Committee Chairman Rose Green and Dudley North MP Ian Austin with (back left to right) Ron Sims, Assistant Director at Dudley Council, Christine Seaton from the Homes and Communities Agency, and Phil Green, Midlands Director for Jephson. Representatives from Jephson, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and contractor Wates gathered on the Wren’s Nest estate where the Association is building 30 much-needed homes with the support of a £1.5million grant from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). Ian Woodland, Jephson’s Development and Property Asset Manager for the Black Country region, said: “This development is further evidence of our commitment to Dudley and it has been extremely well supported by our local MP, the Housing Minister and the HCA. The significance of the development in regenerating the site has been widely appreciated and we are delighted to have started work on site.” The development will provide 14 three-bedroom houses and 16 one and two-bedroom flats, with four of the flats being offered for shared ownership sale through the New Build HomeBuy scheme. Ian Austin MP, said: “I’ve worked really hard to make sure this investment can go ahead and we can provide new homes, jobs and skills for local people. Residents were delighted to hear that we had managed to get this investment for much-needed housing in the area and it is a great pleasure to get work under way on their behalf. We are only able to invest this extra cash and provide new homes for local families because the government chose to increase public spending to keep the economy moving and save jobs in the construction trade.” In December the Government’s Housing Minister John Healey visited the site to announce the HCA funding find out more about the plans. Jephson is working closely with the HCA and Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council on the project and it has been hailed as a major boost to the local authority’s housing plans.

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WOLVERHAMPTON COUNCIL CUT 20 JOBS AT SHELTERED HOUSING
16 March 2010

Wolverhampton Council are to cut twenty jobs at a sheltered bungalow complex in Wolverhampton as part of multi-million pound council cost-cutting scheme. Those to lose their jobs have been told they will be redundant by the end of this month. Sweetman Street bungalows in Whitmore Reans, which provide round-the-clock care for people with learning disabilities, are due to close on March 31. Residents have already started moving out, with council bosses pledging if the remaining five have not been found suitable homes before the redundancy date, some workers would carry on to care for them. Wolverhampton City Council announced last year it would close the bungalows as part of a £40 million savings programme. Wolverhampton City Council spokesman Gurdip Thandi, said: “Letters have been sent out to the 20 members of staff at Sweetman Street giving them appropriate notice of redundancy on March 31.” The council today said that the closure was part of a wider “modernisation” of services for people with disabilities in Wolverhampton, which would encourage more people to live in their own homes. But campaigners who fought to keep it open said they were gutted. Former worker Linden Barrington said: “We collected more than 2,000 signatures but the council categorically failed to take our views on board. We are gutted.”

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KIDDERMINSTER HOMES PLAN GIVEN GO-AHEAD
16 March 2010

Plans to build homes on land next to Kidderminster’s flood plain have been approved for the second time in 12 months. A revised application for a site next to Puxton Marsh was submitted by Wyre Forest Community Housing, which took over the scheme from property firm A&J Mucklow. The number of homes in the proposal has been reduced to 69 from 73, with two new house types being used that “integrate well with the design of rest of the development”, according to case officer Paul Round. Wyre Forest District Council’s planning committee granted planning permission at a meeting despite protests from local residents.

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TRIDENT RESIDENTS TOOLED UP AND ‘FIT FOR WORK’
16 March 2010

The Trident Group hosted its first residents’ interactive training workshop yesterday, designed specifically to enhance residents’ skills and empower them to compete for work in an increasingly competitive job market. Part of a new initiative being piloted by Trident, the aim of the session held at Trident’s new Training Centre in Birmingham, was to help residents secure employment and apprenticeships or return to work. The ‘fit for work’ training sessions will continue on a monthly basis throughout the year. The workshops are tailored to individuals’ needs and offer the appropriate support to help residents improve their employment prospects. This includes one-to-one mentoring sessions and small group activities. This type of investment in people equips them with the necessary skills to enable them to achieve their career goals and fulfil their professional aspirations. Whether help is needed with writing CVs, brushing up on interview skills or securing further education placements, the bite size courses encompass team dynamics, effective meeting skills, equality and diversity, and presentation skills. The purpose of the training sessions is to help residents help themselves. By enabling residents to take advantage of the opportunities available to them, helps them to build their confidence and access employment and training where appropriate. The critical components required by residents is enthusiasm, drive and perseverance and this can be found in abundance when people are given the chance to succeed, as evidenced at yesterday’s workshop. The event had an exciting buzz, attracting residents from a variety of communities across Birmingham. Attendees were keen to pursue any training that was available to them and would help them secure an interview, in the hope of being rewarded with a job. Some residents were able to apply for local job opportunities whilst others took advantage of creating or improving their CVs. Trident Resident Wayne Batt, said: ”Today has been really great, it has helped me and given me hope that I will be able to find a job. The longer you are out of work the harder it is to get your foot in the door and let people see that you can do the job and you just want to work.” Ann Rivera, Director of Organisational Development said: “We are in difficult economic times and residents need our support more than ever if they are to be successful in finding employment and training opportunities. This interactive training day was the first of many and it is hoped that more residents will take advantage of the sessions, as this will help them to build secure and productive futures for themselves and their families.”

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HOUSING REGEN WORK TO BEGIN IN MIDDLEPORT, STOKE
16 March 2010

Further work on the redevelopment of a neglected part of Stoke-on-Trent could start by the end of the year. Dozens of houses in several Middleport streets have been earmarked for refurbishment. Renew North Staffordshire proposes to start the "heritage refurbishment" and redevelopment of more than 40 homes in Port Street later this year. And it expects that will draw in private money to build new properties in Travers Street from 2013 onwards. Community and environmental improvements are also in the pipeline, and there are also plans for Harper Street and Burgess Street, close to the historic Middleport Pottery. The plans have been drawn up following almost a year of consultation with local residents, and will now go on display. The next step will see a development brief, setting out the project's aims, and is expected to be drawn up next month.

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
16 March 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS Fusion21 are seeking an experienced project coordinator based in Huyton. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest.Closing Date: March 19. Hammersmith United Charities is seeking a Trustee - Housing Specialist. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london/job. West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Policy/Service Improvement Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing Date: March 18. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Procurement Manager based in Sunderland, salary circa £31k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 22. JOBS Shelter Scotland is seeking a Empty Homes Co-ordinator, £31,838, Location flexible within Scotland. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: 26 March 2010. Manor Estates Housing Association is seeking a Technical Inspector, Salary (from 1st April 2010) £27,190 - £29,911. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: noon on March 29. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Property Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 15. Tenders North Glasgow Housing Association is inviting tenders for Internal Audit Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 2. DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12. DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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SPOTLIGHT
17 March 2010

JOB OF THE WEEK: HEAD OF PROPERTY & DEVELOPMENT
17 March 2010

SBH………with the Community at Heart Head of Property and Development Salary £55,876 plus 2% car allowance and attractive benefits At SBH we’re proud of our services. That’s because we are committed to putting the community at heart. We’ve established a strong partnership approach and we believe that no matter how good we are there’s always room for improvement. That’s where you come in. Dynamic and focused you will have a strong vision and the leadership skills to drive through change whilst continuing to deliver our successful improvement programmes. You’ll need to demonstrate a proven track record in Property Services, will have knowledge of Regeneration and Development and will have all-important strategic know-how. So there’s never been a better place to make a difference. For more information please contact Human Resources on 0845 505 5500 ext 4313. The closing date for this post is Wednesday 24 March 2010. Please return completed application forms to the address stated or alternatively send to

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ESTATE AGENT REGENERATES COVENTRY FLATS WITH £2MILLION PROJECT
17 March 2010

A former estate agent who was shocked by the state of a Coventry block of flats ended up buying them himself – for a whopping £2 million. David Frew, was looking to invest in rental properties, but ended up buying 88 flats at rundown Caradoc Hall, in Caradoc Place, Wyken which had been a magnet for vandals and antisocial behaviour. He bought the 88 flats with bank loans and support from his friend and business partner Rebecca Green at a London auction in December 2008. He then brought in workers to carry out a mammoth year-long cleaning and refurbishment operation, gutting the flats and replacing carpets, kitchen units, gas cookers, showers and heating systems. Walls in some of the flats were also knocked down to create bigger rooms. The 38-year-old, of Brownsover, Rugby, said some flats were full of litter, drug paraphernalia and pigeon droppings. He has installed CCTV cameras and issued key fobs to tenants to prevent trespassers entering the building. He added: “I wanted to make the flats a safe place to live. I’ve discussed with other flat owners about the problems of security and they all agree that the key fobs are a good idea. We also meet regularly and discuss any changes that are made. "We’re also working with police to help keep the area free from antisocial behaviour. "There were only 20 people living in this massive block of flats and now all of our flats are occupied. “I studied at Coventry University and I know the area very well. “I knew of the problems of anti-social behaviour in the area and wanted to make a change.”

BIG KICKSTART FOR HOUSING REGENERATION IN CANNOCK
17 March 2010

Plans to breathe new life into a Cannock estate have received a much-needed boost, thanks to the success of our bid for government funds to help build new affordable homes. ‘Kickstart’ funding of £2.9 million from the government’s Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) is enabling the £17 million regeneration of the Elizabeth Road area to get underway. Two years ago, we were chosen by Cannock Chase Council to carry out the redevelopment. But plans to replace the estate’s structurally unsound homes received a setback due to the recession. A green light from the Kickstart programme, aimed at ‘unlocking’ housing schemes affected by market conditions, means the exciting plans can now be realised. Existing homes will be demolished and work to build 150 affordable new homes, for rent and to part-buy and part-rent through shared ownership, is expected to start later this year. Cllr Phil Freeman, housing leader at Cannock Chase Council, said: “It is great news that the redevelopment scheme can now be progressed. When it is finished, the estate will be unrecognisable, with quality homes, parking and open spaces.”“ Chris Jones, our director of development and regeneration, added: “We are one of only a handful of housing associations in the country to be awarded the latest Kickstart funding. It is very rewarding to be able to move ahead on creating and supporting a sustainable community, where people will want to live now and in the future.”

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WORK TO START ON £2M REVAMP FOR NUNEATON TRAVELLER CAMP
17 March 2010

Work is due to start soon on a £2million improvement of the gipsy and traveller camp in Nuneaton. The refurbishment of the 15-year-old site in Griff Hollows is being carried out by Warwickshire County Council, with the help of a government grant. A spokesman at Shire Hall said: “The site will have to be completely rebuilt because of contamination.

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BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
17 March 2010

Social landlords in the west midlands have joined forces at a city summit to smash social barriers. Whitefriars Housing Group, Orbit Housing Group and Midland Heart Group have been tackling problems such as debt, unemployment, hate crime and racial abuse head-on as part of the Midlands Cohesion project. The project aims to build communities by finding and sharing practical solutions to problems that can lead to a breakdown of neighbourhoods. To recognise the work completed throughout 2009, experts from the health, education and local authority sectors came to learn from the region’s largest housing providers plus others and celebrate their achievements at an event held at the Nishkam Centre, Soho Road, Handsworth. Delegates attended in-depth sessions to increase their knowledge on topics including tackling financial exclusion, creating successful mixed-tenure neighbourhoods, giving frequently ignored groups a voice and engaging with specific deprived communities to help break down barriers caused by differences such as age and ethnicity. Coventry-based Whitefriars Housing Group was one of seven organisations to take part in the event. For 2009/10, Whitefriars, working with Gedling Homes, specifically focussed on tackling financial exclusion by finding new ways to signpost people, who are struggling with finances, to the local service they need. Its achievements include producing a pack of 35 debt advice cards tailored to local areas in Coventry. These are used to help residents find the right advice quickly on things such as claiming benefits, finding employment and accessing credit unions. The roll out of the scheme follows an announcement made by Citizens Advice this month that £16bn of benefits and tax credits go unclaimed in the UK every year. This is because people find the system too complex or do not know what they are entitled to. Professor Richard Tomlins, a nationally recognised expert in community cohesion, has been leading the programme. He said: “It is important for organisations to have the opportunity to share their experience and learn about creating positive diverse communities. Many of the barriers that people face don’t need to be there, but the key to removing them is understanding why they exist. This project gives the chance for people to share and discover best practice in a practical way.” Rachel Hobbs, director of housing services at Whitefriars Housing Group, said: “Over the years while taking part in the Midlands Cohesion programme we have run projects to tackle issues from domestic violence to fire safety. This year it seemed timely to find a way to help people that are excluded from communities because of money problems. “Without the right advice it can be difficult for people to find out what services are available to them. So we developed the cards to help people through the maze of money advice services available. We recognise that our customers are individuals with individuals needs; this project is all about meeting those needs in a personal way.” Organisations that took part in the 2009 Midlands Cohesion Project include Whitefriars Housing Group, Orbit Housing Group, Midland Heart Group, Gedling Homes, Aspire Housing, Sandwell Council and West Midlands Police.

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TENANT BAKES UP A DONATION FOR MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT
17 March 2010

A kind-hearted resident of The Wrekin Housing Trust has helped to raise £200 for the charity Macmillan Cancer Support. Resident Thomas Seales raffled off a Christmas cake he had made, together with a bottle of champagne. He sold tickets to friends, family and other residents living at the scheme where he lives. In a cheque presentation held at Seven Walk supported housing scheme, Thomas handed over the funds he had raised to Claire Nester from Macmillan Cancer Support. Thomas said: "I am thrilled to be handing over the cheque to such a great cause. I would like to thank everyone who bought a raffle ticket and who contributed to this fantastic charity." Wendy Bostock from the Trust said: "Thomas is an asset to the Trust and this is an example of just what can be done by fundraising at home. £200 is a fantastic amount of money and I'm sure it will go some way in helping Macmillan with their ongoing work and projects." Thomas is pictured with Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, Claire Nester. Thomas is also pictured with fire-fighters from the Fire Service Charity, having raised £40 for them. For more information about Macmillan Cancer Support please visit the website at www.macmillan.org.uk For more information on The Wrekin Housing Trust please visit the website at:

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
17 March 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS Fusion21 are seeking an experienced project coordinator based in Huyton. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest.Closing Date: March 19. Hammersmith United Charities is seeking a Trustee - Housing Specialist. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london/job. West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Policy/Service Improvement Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing Date: March 18. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Procurement Manager based in Sunderland, salary circa £31k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 22. JOBS Shelter Scotland is seeking a Empty Homes Co-ordinator, £31,838, Location flexible within Scotland. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: 26 March 2010. Manor Estates Housing Association is seeking a Technical Inspector, Salary (from 1st April 2010) £27,190 - £29,911. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: noon on March 29. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Property Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 15. Tenders North Glasgow Housing Association is inviting tenders for Internal Audit Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 2. DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12. DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

Relevant Links:

SPOTLIGHT
18 March 2010

JOB OF THE WEEK: HEAD OF PROPERTY & DEVELOPMENT
18 March 2010

SBH………with the Community at Heart Head of Property and Development Salary £55,876 plus 2% car allowance and attractive benefits At SBH we’re proud of our services. That’s because we are committed to putting the community at heart. We’ve established a strong partnership approach and we believe that no matter how good we are there’s always room for improvement. That’s where you come in. Dynamic and focused you will have a strong vision and the leadership skills to drive through change whilst continuing to deliver our successful improvement programmes. You’ll need to demonstrate a proven track record in Property Services, will have knowledge of Regeneration and Development and will have all-important strategic know-how. So there’s never been a better place to make a difference. For more information please contact Human Resources on 0845 505 5500 ext 4313. The closing date for this post is Wednesday 24 March 2010. Please return completed application forms to the address stated or alternatively send to

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SPECTRUM SECURES £16M FOR WEST MIDLANDS DEVELOPMENTS
18 March 2010

A West Midlands development consortium has secured £16m to build more than 250 new affordable homes in the region. Spectrum Development Partnership, a consortium of ten west midlands affordable housing providers led by West Mercia Housing Group, has been granted £8.5m from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) for a development in Perryfields, Bromsgrove, and £7.2m for a development in Essington, South Staffordshire. The Bromsgrove-based scheme will be part funded and delivered by Spectrum members bdht and West Mercia Housing Group. Bromsgrove District Council is also providing £700,000 towards the total cost of the £16m development of 158 new family homes. The start-on-site is expected in spring this year. The second scheme to receive HCA funding is a rural development of 66 independent flexible care apartments for the over 55’s and 35 family homes in Essington. The £13.5m development will be delivered and is part funded by Housing Plus. Kathryn Robb, head of partnership development at Spectrum Development Partnership, said: “We are delighted to have secured this money from the HCA at a time when available funding is reducing and are proud to be involved in building much needed new homes in the west midlands. We are committed to using our skills to delivering these developments on schedule and to a high standard, ensuring we provide homes where people are happy and proud to live now and in the future.” These schemes add to the consortium’s existing development programme which has already delivered 1,000 new homes in the west midlands. This successful track record has been achieved thanks to the combined strength and experience of the consortium’s members. Paul Spooner, regional director for the HCA, said: “The HCA is committed to working with Spectrum Development Partnership and West Mercia Housing Group to invest in the region’s communities and provide people with affordable homes in places they want to live. We are delighted that our investment is enabling the consortium to push forward and deliver much-needed homes and extra care in the region.”

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IMPROVING THE SITE AND LIVES OF GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS IN WORCESTERSHIRE
18 March 2010

Rooftop Houisng Group has been successful in securing £999,600 from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) so that we can improve the site and lives of those living on a Gypsy and Traveller site in Wythall, Bromsgrove. The grant is part of £32m which has been made available by the HCA for 2009/10 under the Gypsy and Traveller Site Grant Programme, to develop and improve sites for Gypsies and Travellers. People on the site live in their caravans and each pitch has an amenity unit that houses their kitchen and bathroom facilities. The grant funding will allow us to remove and replace the existing 18 amenity units and to provide an additional five units to meet the needs of older people or those who are disabled. This is great news for those living on the site. This successful bid follows a lengthy and committed partnership between Rooftop Housing Group and Bromsgrove District Council who have worked together to secure this funding. David Hannon, Development Director at Rooftop said: "This grant will provide the essential funding to support the redevelopment and provision of new homes and facilities for the gypsy and traveller community in Worcestershire."

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PROJECT ‘TO HELP VULNERABLE TENANTS FIND IDEAL HOMES’
18 March 2010

An initiative which aims to help hundreds of vulnerable people across Staffordshire and Warwickshire find their ideal homes by surfing a new property website has been launched. People with physical and learning disabilities and mental health issues, the elderly, and young people could all benefit from the £7,000 project. Lichfield-based housing association HomeZone Living has joined forces with a range of other organisations to develop local service standards and a toolkit enabling vulnerable people to access UChoose, a website which is transforming the way thousands of homeseekers search for a new home. Residents across Staffordshire and Warwickshire are using UChoose which offers them a wider range of housing options, greater mobility, and a system that is easy to understand and access. The toolkit is being developed under a Local Standards Pilot scheme and is funded by the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) – the independent regulator of affordable housing in England. It will include an interactive DVD, a CD, prompt cards, pictures, storybooks and leaflets to help tenants use the home-search website. Training will also be provided for support workers and agencies. A workshop involving social services, voluntary and community groups, the TSA and others identified barriers for vulnerable tenants and suggested areas for improvement. The group is now gathering the views of vulnerable applicants and will monitor their satisfaction as they go through the process of securing a home through UChoose. Julie Walker, HomeZone Living’s director of housing, said: “HomeZone Living made the decision to bid for the pilot in the Allocations Standard area because of a desire across the new UChoose Partnership to ensure that vulnerable applicants had the greatest possible access to the new UChoose choice-based allocations process, which is predominantly internet based. “The aim is to develop local service standards and a ‘toolkit’ for vulnerable people, who may be existing and future tenants, to enable them to access UChoose. We want to create greater choice and flexibility, a wider range of housing options, greater mobility, and a system that is easier to understand and access.” A project group has been established involving representatives from HomeZone Living, Bromford Group, Bromford Support, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, and the Staffordshire Supporting People Team, to drive the pilot scheme forward. Julie added: “This is an exciting project which gives us an opportunity to develop locally tailored offers over and above the national standards and be at the forefront of shaping the emerging regulatory framework.” The website – www.uchoosehomes.co.uk – features properties from a partnership of 11 councils and housing associations which have joined forces to provide a single point of information. UChoose covers Lichfield, East Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Tamworth, South Staffordshire, North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth. In the first six months after its launch in July 2009, more than 10,000 people expressed an interest in the 1,205 properties advertised, with 864 applicants finding their ideal homes. Of those allocated, 127 were in Homezone Living’s region, 231 in Cannock, 59 in North Warwickshire, 382 in Nuneaton and Bedworth, and the remaining 65 with a variety of registered social landlords. UChoose provides a choice-based lettings scheme designed to make access to affordable rented properties more straightforward. It makes the move between council, housing association and private rented properties much easier and provides access to homes in more areas. Anyone looking for affordable rented housing can log on to www.uchoosehomes.co.uk to get information, advice and assistance. HomeZone Living is committed to the provision of affordable housing and support services, serving the communities in and around Lichfield District and surrounding boroughs. Its key role is to develop and manage rented, leasehold and shared ownership homes for customers. It is dedicated to achieving high levels of customer satisfaction through continuous service improvement and by engaging with customers to understand their needs.

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NDC EVENTS HELD IN COVENTRY
18 March 2010

Coventry New Deal for Communities has teamed up with a number of its key partners and agencies to hold a week of activities for unemployed people in North East Coventry. 'Your Future is Your Business' week kicks off on Monday 22nd to Friday 26th March at Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre in Wood End. Every morning from 9am-1pm, there will be a range of free activities for anyone looking to start their own business or to inspire those who have never considered self-employment as an option. The week ends with a Jobs and Training Fair where visitors will be able to apply for job vacancies across the city. Lucy McGovern, NDC Employment Lead said: "Over the last two years NDC has supported 387 people into work in the NDC area. These are tough times for anyone looking for work which is why we have specifically funded this event to support residents from the North East of Coventry into thinking about starting up a business, taking up training or going into employment, with a whole week of exciting activity. "On Friday 26th we are focusing on employment by holding a North East Jobs and Training Fair where people can access free job search, CVs and Careers Advice as well as information about health, training opportunities and work placements." Partners who are supporting Coventry NDC on the day include: Enterprising Coventry, Henley College, Jobcentre Plus, Pertemps People Development Group – The Workshop, Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Partnership NextStep. Your Future is Your Business – 22nd-26th March Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre 9pm-1pm Monday - Hobbies and Crafts Tuesday - Catering and Small Businesses Wednesday - Construction, Landscaping and DIY Thursday - Health, Beauty and Care Friday – North East Jobs and Training Fair Monday to Thursday there will be opportunities for people to find out about business start-up and enterprise opportunities. Visitors will have the opportunity to take part in taster sessions, see demonstrations based around different work themes and speak to people who have already started their own business in the local area to share their experiences. Taster sessions include hairdressing, art, photography, holistic therapies including massage and other fun activities.

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HOUSES BECOME HOMES IN BENTLEY
18 March 2010

Walsall Housing Group (whg) has completed work on the second of four sites it is redeveloping in Bentley. Customers are now settling into the 12 new apartments and six family homes which have been built on the former clinic site off Churchill Road. whg, which is Walsall’s biggest social landlord, is building 130 new homes on four sites in a £16million partnership with contractor Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). Caroline Jarratt, who has moved into a new house with her two-year-old daughter Cyra, said: “We are so happy and absolutely love our new home. It’s nice to have our own space and is great to be able to provide a home for Cyra.” Work has already been completed in nearby Appleyard Close, where eight bungalows and four apartments for the over 55s have been built. Construction is ongoing on the site of the former Old Hall pub in Churchill Road. The 60 apartments for over 55s and five houses being built there are due to be completed by December. whg is also building 35 homes, a mix of houses and apartments, in Western Avenue. They are due to be completed in May on land formerly occupied by Fairview Court and Grange Court flats. Alan Watts, whg’s Regeneration Manager, said: “This redevelopment is much needed in Bentley and provides high quality homes for the community.”

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
18 March 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS Fusion21 are seeking an experienced project coordinator based in Huyton. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest.Closing Date: March 19. Hammersmith United Charities is seeking a Trustee - Housing Specialist. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london/job. Hammersmith United Charities is seeking a Trustee - Housing Specialist. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london/job. West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Policy/Service Improvement Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing Date: March 18. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Procurement Manager based in Sunderland, salary circa £31k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 22. JOBS Shelter Scotland is seeking a Empty Homes Co-ordinator, £31,838, Location flexible within Scotland. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: 26 March 2010. Manor Estates Housing Association is seeking a Technical Inspector, Salary (from 1st April 2010) £27,190 - £29,911. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: noon on March 29. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Property Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 15. Tenders North Glasgow Housing Association is inviting tenders for Internal Audit Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 2. DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12. DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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SPOTLIGHT
19 March 2010

JOB OF THE WEEK: HEAD OF PROPERTY & DEVELOPMENT
19 March 2010

SBH………with the Community at Heart Head of Property and Development Salary £55,876 plus 2% car allowance and attractive benefits At SBH we’re proud of our services. That’s because we are committed to putting the community at heart. We’ve established a strong partnership approach and we believe that no matter how good we are there’s always room for improvement. That’s where you come in. Dynamic and focused you will have a strong vision and the leadership skills to drive through change whilst continuing to deliver our successful improvement programmes. You’ll need to demonstrate a proven track record in Property Services, will have knowledge of Regeneration and Development and will have all-important strategic know-how. So there’s never been a better place to make a difference. For more information please contact Human Resources on 0845 505 5500 ext 4313. The closing date for this post is Wednesday 24 March 2010. Please return completed application forms to the address stated or alternatively send to

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£500 OF RENT ARREARS IS THE ‘TIPPING POINT TO DISASTER’ WARNS COUNCIL CHIEF
19 March 2010

Chris Elliott Low income households are at greatest risk of falling into unmanageable debt once their rent arrears cross the £500 threshold, a Warwick council chief has warned. Chris Elliott, Chief Executive of Warwick District Council, says a study of council rent arrears levels within the District indicates what could be regarded as a ‘tipping point to disaster’, which councils need to be more proactive in tackling before it becomes too late. His call comes just days after a national debt charity painted an increasingly desperate picture of debt-ridden Britain. The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) said a record 335,323 people contacted its helpline last year but around a third of them could not be helped as they had no practical means of repaying their debts. “We need to avoid letting people fall into a pit of debt so deep they can’t climb out” warned Chris Elliott. “Councils must learn to develop early warning systems and ways of stepping in sensitively to help low income households, rather than waiting for things to reach that tipping point to disaster.” A cross-council study was undertaken this year involving Chris Elliott and the portfolio holders for housing and development respectively, Councillors Grainger and Hammon. The study looked at patterns of rent arrears and other factors affecting households with high levels of debt. It found that family breakdown, coupled with a failure to claim the benefits available and limited access to affordable credit facilities were often at the heart of the problem. “What we found by studying patterns of rent arrears and then looking at other information we have access to about people’s circumstances was that once people have built up around £500 in rent arrears, their debt problems begin to spiral out of control.” “Very often though, another council department may have valuable information about a family’s circumstances, such as national benefits being withdrawn after a family breakdown, that could help us identify vulnerable individuals and step in early to ensure they are getting the help and support they need.”

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SANCTUARY’S IN-HOUSE REPAIRS SERVICE CONTINUES TO GROW
19 March 2010

Sanctuary Group is expanding its successfull in-house repairs service by extending it to thousands of residents across the Midlands this week. The Internal Maintenance Service (IMS) workforce has been set up specifically to ensure we can provide the best possible service to our residents, with the aim to increase customer satisfaction and ensure value for money with a consistent level of service across the Group. The IMS is being rolled out in phases across the UK and is currently operational in the Midlands, Ely, Hertford and Rochford, with the Midlands’ expansion’s ‘go-live’ this week. Eleven operatives with a variety of maintenance skills have been recruited to cover Staffordshire and the East and West of the Midlands and have received intensive induction training ahead of today’s start date. Each operative will carry out responsive and out of hours repairs and maintenance work on empty properties, under the guidance of Midlands Operations Manager Phill Heales. This brings the total number of operatives in the Midlands to 29, covering properties across West Midlands, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire. Resident involvement has been key to the successful set-up of IMS so far, with a number of initiatives to ensure residents play a direct role in shaping the service they receive. Resident representatives sit on the interview panel during each phase of the recruitment process and also review promotional literature for the service. Perhaps the most crucial element of resident involvement however has been their active participation in training the newly recruited operatives. As part of the induction process residents speak to operatives about their own expectations from the service and the code of conduct by which the operatives should operate. Resident Geoff Copestake took part in the most recent recruitment drive and said: “To participate in the recruitment of operatives who will be visiting residents homes is a really valuable opportunity. It’s important to give the candidate a perspective from both sides, the employer and the customer, and was appreciated by each of the interviewees.” Darren Newman, Director of Maintenance, said: “Having residents involved in the set up of IMS is a hugely important part of the process and helps our staff to understand the impact the quality of service will have on our customers. “We are now on to our fifth operation in the UK and these roll-outs take a huge amount of time and dedication from a number of different teams in the organisation to be a success.” Plans are now well under way for the implementation of IMS in London & South East (Hackney & Haringey) in April, followed shortly afterwards in Ipswich, and a multi-phase roll out in the North of England from late May onwards. The South West is expected to follow in the Summer.

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WREKIN TRUST INVESTS IN TENANTS WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
19 March 2010

As part of its commitment to tenants, Shropshire’s largest landlord has organised a special team building day for its tenant auditors. The Wrekin Housing Trust invited its ten tenant auditors to take part in a dedicated team building day earlier this month. The team-working skills learnt will help them in their roles as evaluators of Trust services, to assist them in making recommendations on how services can be improved for all residents. The event was run at the Trust’s offices in Old Park by Nick Beanland of Beanland Community Consultancy, who designed the day around the training needs of the individual auditors. Maura Charlton, Tenant Auditor said: “All those who attended found the day invaluable, from those who have been auditing for the Trust for several years to the new auditors who have only recently joined.” The team building training is part of a dedicated schedule of courses specifically designed for the current auditors, including computer skills and diversity training. Jo Rowley, Resident Involvement Manager at the Trust said: “The Tenant Auditor Project enables tenants to make a real difference to the way housing services are provided. It was fantastic to see such an enthusiastic group of tenants who have a genuine desire to help others by giving up their time to be an auditor for the Trust.”

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FORMER STAFFORSHIRE CARE HOMES TO REOPEN
19 March 2010

Two Staffordshire care homes closed-down in 2008 are to be brought back into use as part of a package to improve housing and social services for elderly and vulnerable people by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and the Staffordshire County Council. Kniveden Hall in Leek and Lightwood Home, Cheadle, were closed in 2008 by Staffordshire County Council as part of the authority's Changing Lives programme. Now, new-style specialist housing for older people with a range of care needs or those requiring dementia support or respite care will be provided on those sites. At Kniveden Hall, facilities will be extended to the adjoining Springhill Hostel, a home for people with learning difficulties, which had also been under threat of closure. The Changing Lives programme involved the closure of 14 authority-run care homes for the elderly and 10 disability care homes across the county and sparked a storm of protests from relatives. The new joint venture by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and the county council has been welcomed by campaigners who fought to keep homes open in the Moorlands, where 25 per cent of the 90,000-plus population are pensioners. The new complex at Cheadle is due to open in 2012 and includes 40 apartments, each catering for two people. The new complexes will also help meet demand from an increasing number of people suffering from dementia in the Moorlands. Latest figures show that in 2008, 1,258 people over the age of 65 in the district covering Biddulph, Leek and Cheadle were afflicted by Alzheimer's. The figure is expected to increase to 1,509 in 2015 and 2,110 by 2025. So far, 414 extra-care places providing independent living quarters, with care on hand should it be needed, have been provided in the county and there are another 597 in the pipeline. Community leaders claim those figures are set to soar over the next few years. Councillor Mike Maryon, county councillor for Cheadle and Checkley, said: "We are accelerating provision across all of Staffordshire. "By 2013, we plan to have more than trebled the current number to a total of 1,250." Councillor Matthew Ellis, county council cabinet member for social care and health, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to create something special for people in the Moorlands. "There are serious inequalities between care and support available in the north and south of Staffordshire that need to be addressed.”

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YELLOW WATER SHOCK IN BLACK COUNTRY HOMES
19 March 2010

Yellow water has been pouring through the taps of hundreds of households – sparked by a burst pipe drama in the Black Country. Families in Bloxwich noticed the discoloured water, which Walsall-based South Staffordshire Water blamed on the water main problems in Great Bridge more than seven miles away. The burst pipe sent a torrent of water gushing down Dudley Port and Horseley Road, Great Bridge, on Monday, causing £150,000 of damage. Flushing out of the Bloxwich pipe network was carried out yesterday after complaints from residents and firms in the Field Road area and Turnberry estate. The water board’s director of water supply and resources Keith Marshall said: “We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience. We would advise that people turn on the tap and let the water run and it should clear.”

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
19 March 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS Fusion21 are seeking an experienced project coordinator based in Huyton. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest.Closing Date: March 19. Hammersmith United Charities is seeking a Trustee - Housing Specialist. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london/job. Hammersmith United Charities is seeking a Trustee - Housing Specialist. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london/job. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Procurement Manager based in Sunderland, salary circa £31k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 22. JOBS Shelter Scotland is seeking a Empty Homes Co-ordinator, £31,838, Location flexible within Scotland. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: 26 March 2010. Manor Estates Housing Association is seeking a Technical Inspector, Salary (from 1st April 2010) £27,190 - £29,911. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: noon on March 29. Tenders North Glasgow Housing Association is inviting tenders for Internal Audit Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 2. DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12. DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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