respect our environment · access. the service costs you absolutely nothing other than a small...

...respect our environment

2007

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT VILLAGES HOUSING CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE www.villages.org.uk

Welcome to Villages Housing’s 2007 calendar. This year our theme is the Environment. We know from feedback from you that the quality of the local environment is important to you. There are many things that we can do that will have an impact and it is up to all of us to do our bit. We can stop dropping litter; clean up after our dogs; re-cycle our paper, glass, cans and plastic; turn down our heating and save water. Villages Housing works with local groups to plant trees and improve local environments and carries out improvements to properties which can help reduce running costs. We also provide energy saving light bulbs to all new tenants. All these things, although they may seem small, do impact on the environment globally.

In the coming year we would also like to work more closely with you to improve areas around Stockbridge Village. If you have any ideas please get in touch and we will happily explore what can be done.

Finally I must thank again, the local school children and teachers, for working with us to provide the lovely pictures that illustrate the calendar and remind us of the variety and beauty of wildlife in its natural habitat.

Sarah Bevan Villages Housing Association

JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007 JANUARY 2007

BE SENSIBLE – BE SAFE – HAVE A GAS SERVICE!

It is essential that you grant us access to your home so that this work can be undertaken. This service is for the safety of you, your family, visitors and neighbours. If you fail to permit this vital work to be carried out there will be no alternative but to take you to court to gain access. The service costs you absolutely nothing other than a small amount of your time.

If you fail to permit this vital work to be carried out there will be no alternative but to take you to court to gain access.

FONES 4 SCHOOLS RECYCLING CAMPAIGNThere is a box in Reception at Villages HA until Easter for any old mobiles which local schools are recycling. There are over 100 million unused mobile phones in the UK by recycling them we can help to protect the environment. *Remember to remove the SIM card from your old phone

PEST CONTROLCouncil Pest Control Officers will deal with pests that are harmful to public health and well being at homes and businesses. Rodents including rats, mice and pigeons can be particularly unsettling due to their possible transmission of diseases. Pest Control 0151 443 2455 or email: [email protected]

Don’t forget to recycle old Christmas cards and trees at local collection points.

1 Mon New Year’s Day

2 Tues

3 Wed Housing Office opens 10am (Staff Training)

4 Thurs

5 Fri

6 Sat Epiphany - Twelfth Night (Christian)

7 Sun

8 Mon

9 Tues


11 Thurs

12 Fri

13 Sat

14 Sun

15 Mon

16 Tues


18 Thurs

19 Fri

20 Sat

21 Sun

22 Mon

23 Tues


25 Thurs Burns Night

26 Fri

27 Sat

28 Sun

29 Mon Chinese New Year – Year of the Pig

30 Tues


IF YOU WISH TO DISCUSS ANY ISSUE ABOUT YOUR TENANCY PLEASE CONTACT OUR HOUSING TEAM ON 0151 480 1313

JANUARY 2007 Drawn by Charlotte aged 8

Drawn byDemi aged 10

1 Thurs

2 Fri

3 Sat

4 Sun

5 Mon

6 Tues


8 Thurs Paranirvana Day (Buddhist)

9 Fri

10 Sat

11 Sun

12 Mon

13 Tues

14 Wed Housing Office opens 10am (Staff Training)St Valentines Day

15 Thurs

16 Fri

17 Sat

18 Sun

19 Mon

20 Tues Shrove Tuesday

21 Wed Housing Office opens 10am (Staff Training)Ash Wednesday (Christian)

22 Thurs

23 Fri

24 Sat

25 Sun

26 Mon

27 Tues



FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007 FEBRUARY 2007

HOUSING BENEFITVillages staff are able to verify and copy original documents for Housing Benefit purposes and every year we process many hundreds of enquiries. If you have been asked by Knowsley Council to provide details of identity and income, or other documentation, or if you wish to hand in a renewal form, this can be done at the Villages Housing office.

Villages HA stresses that it is vital that you complete forms to receive benefits you are entitled to.

DEBT ADVICEIf you need help and advice regarding your rent account there is someone at Villages who will be able to help. You can ask to see the Estate Management Officer (EMO) who is responsible for your tenancy or you could ask in reception for a Debt Advice Pack which has been prepared to “point people in the right direction” for help and advice.

The Citizens Advice Bureau holds regular sessions in the reception at Villages Housing every Tuesday morning offering free housing advice, including debt advice. Please telephone 0151 480 1313 to arrange an appointment or just call in on the day.

WASTE AND RECYCLING FACTSBy the year 2010 almost all of Britain’s landfill sites will be full. To make better use of these sites, we need to find better ways of disposing of waste. Recycling is the most effective way to achieve this. Every year the UK produces 27 million tonnes of rubbish, 83% of this is sent to landfill sites, 9% is incinerated and only 8% is recycled. To increase the amount of recycling and composting and to reduce the impact on the environment, the government has set targets for local councils in their ‘Waste Strategy 2000’ document.

It is hoped recycling will have increased by 30% by 2010.

Drawn by Connor aged 10

Drawn by Kelly aged 9

FEBRUARY 2007

1 Thurs St Davids Day (Wales)

2 Fri

3 Sat Holi (Hindu)

4 Sun Purim (Jewish)

5 Mon

6 Tues


8 Thurs

9 Fri

10 Sat

11 Sun

12 Mon

13 Tues


15 Thurs

16 Fri

17 Sat St Patrick’s Day (Ireland)

18 Sun Mothering Sunday

19 Mon

20 Tues


22 Thurs

23 Fri

24 Sat

25 Sun British Summertime begins (clocks go forward)

26 Mon

27 Tues


29 Thurs

30 Fri

31 Sat


MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007 MARCH 2007

GET INVOLVED…Villages Housing is keen to improve the quality of life on Stockbridge. There are many ways to get involved with your community including residents’ groups and the Tenants Forum to help make a difference. We would encourage everyone who wants to get involved to pick up a ‘Resident Involvement’ leaflet at reception or visit our web site for more details. www.villages.org.uk

ENCAMSRuns the Keep Britain Tidy campaign for more information www.encams.org/campaigns

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS WITH LANDFILL SITES

Landfill sites produce harmful greenhouse gases and pollution to our water supplies. There are simple things we can do to ease these problems

Composting reduces waste by up to 25% and improves soil quality

Re-use plastic carrier bags and bottles DON’T throw clothes, toys and household goods

into the bin, give them to local charity shops if you don’t know anyone who can use them

Use both sides of paper and recycle Buy refills and whenever possible buy things in

returnable or recyclable containers.

Environmental education starts in school. Did you know every school on Stockbridge Village is now an ECO school?

Drawn byLaura aged 9

Drawn byDimitri aged 9

MARCH 2007

1 Sun Palm Sunday (Christian)

2 Mon

3 Tues Pesach (Jewish)


5 Thurs

6 Fri Good Friday (Bank Holiday)

7 Sat

8 Sun Easter Sunday

9 Mon Easter Monday (Bank Holiday)

10 Tues


12 Thurs

13 Fri

14 Sat

15 Sun

16 Mon

17 Tues


19 Thurs

20 Fri

21 Sat

22 Sun

23 Mon St Georges Day (England)

24 Tues


26 Thurs

27 Fri

28 Sat

29 Sun

30 Mon


APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007 APRIL 2007

CYCLICAL MAINTENANCEThe external Repair and Paint Programme and the Major Works programme for 2007 – 2008 will take place between April and September 2007 and will include the following areas:

LOW RISE HIGH RISE OFF ESTATEDanette Hey Firscraig Cartmel RoadCremorne HeyBrandearth Hey

LOCAL ENVIRONMENTYour local council is responsible for all street furniture, street care and cleaning. All the following should be reported directly to the borough: animal fouling; dead animals; flyposting; flytipping; graffiti removal; vandalism; road spillage and litter. If you need to contact Knowsley MBC about any environmental matter contact details are as follows:Environmental and Operational Services0151 443 2400or email: [email protected]

AWARDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS Knowsley MBC run several awards to encourage residents to get involved in environmental projects these include:

The Environmental Challenge AwardsBusiness Environmental ChallengeBusiness Environmental ChallengeCommunity Environmental ChallengeSchools Environmental ChallengeLocal Agenda 21

Drawn by Jessica aged 11

Drawn by Charlegh aged 11

APRIL 2007

1 Tues


3 Thurs

4 Fri

5 Sat

6 Sun

7 Mon May Day Bank Holiday

8 Tues


10 Thurs

11 Fri

12 Sat

13 Sun

14 Mon

15 Tues


17 Thurs

18 Fri

19 Sat

20 Sun May Ascension Sunday

21 Mon

22 Tues


24 Thurs

25 Fri

26 Sat

27 Sun May Pentecost

28 Mon Late Spring Bank Holiday

29 Tues


31 Thurs


MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007 MAY 2007

NORTH WEST IN BLOOM 2007Stockbridge Village is entering this prestigious competition for the third time this year. Everyone has a part to play in this community project by working with neighbours to keep the immediate area in front of houses clean and litter free and of course by brightening up front gardens with flowers and hanging baskets.

If you want to get involved phone Barbara0151 480 1313 ext. 132or email [email protected]

HANGING BASKET WORKSHOPS Watch out for details in the Village Times for Hanging Basket workshops led by Villages expert landscape gardening team. GARDEN COMPETITIONDon’t forget the Garden Competition which will be judged in July. Entry forms will be available in the Village Times and from Villages Housing reception.

WATER SUPPLY AT RISKScientists have discovered the world’s glaciers and ice caps are in terminal decline because of global warming. A survey has revealed the rate of melting across the world has sharply accelerated in recent years placing even previously stable glaciers in jeopardy. The loss of glaciers threatens the water supplies of millions of people within a few decades.It is thought that 99.99% of all glaciers are shrinking.

Tree Council – Walk in the Woods throughout Mayhttp://www.treecouncil.org.uk/projects/wiw.htm

Drawn by Toni aged 7

Drawn by Liam aged 9

MAY 2007

1 Fri

2 Sat

3 Sun Whit Sunday (Christian)

4 Mon

5 Tues World Environment Day


7 Thurs

8 Fri

9 Sat

10 Sun Trinity Sunday (Christian)

11 Mon Pentecost (Christian)

12 Tues


14 Thurs

15 Fri

16 Sat

17 Sun Fathers Day

18 Mon

19 Tues


21 Thurs Summer Solstice (Longest Day)

22 Fri

23 Sat

24 Sun

25 Mon

26 Tues


28 Thurs

29 Fri

30 Sat

JUNE 2007


JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007 JUNE 2007

COMMUNITY BUDGETThe Community Budget exists to give financial help to any community group which is committed to improving the quality of life for residents. Whether it’s a football team, a dance group, a trip out - get organised and get support from Villages to get your ideas for community involvement off the ground. For further information and application forms phone Barbara on 0151 480 1313 ext 132 or download an application pack from our web site www.villages.org.uk

SAVING WATERBy thinking carefully about our water use in the home and changing some water-wasting habits it is easy to save water.• useabowlofwaterratherthanrunningatap• onlyboiltheamountofwateryouneed• keep a bottle ofwater in the fridge instead of

running taps until water is cold• use half load on washing machines and

dishwashers• haveashowerinsteadofabath• placea‘saveaflush’or‘hippo’intoiletcistern• repairdrippingtapsastheycanwaste4litresof

water a day• get pipes and external taps lagged to prevent

bursts in cold weather

Imagine the amount of water wasted when all these small amounts of water are added up globally.

RECYCLING CENTRES ON STOCKBRIDGE VILLAGE…at The Croft, Waterpark Drive (cans) and St Alberts Church (glass)

Drawn byKayleigh aged 14

Drawn byDavid aged 15

JUNE 2007

1 Sun

2 Mon

3 Tues


5 Thurs

6 Fri

7 Sat

8 Sun

9 Mon

10 Tues

11 Wed Housing Office opens 10am (Staff Training)Dharma Day (Buddhist)

12 Thurs

13 Fri

14 Sat

15 Sun Assumption (Roman Catholic)St Swithins Day

16 Mon

17 Tues


19 Thurs

20 Fri

21 Sat

22 Sun

23 Mon Birthday of Haile Selassie (Rastafarian)

24 Tues


26 Thurs

27 Fri

28 Sat

29 Sun

30 Mon

31 Tues


JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007 JULY 2007

PLEASE NOTEAll our contractors and staff carry identity badges.DO NOT let anyone into your home without checking their ID.HELP PREVENT BOGUS CALLERSIF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT

ENERGY EFFICIENCY LIGHT BULBS …… are available for all Villages HA new tenants … have you had yours? Ask your Estate Management Officer for further details. LITTLE WOODS LITTLE RANGERS...…works to educate young people about the natural world around us. The Rangers teach children how to respect and care for our environment.

For more information contact George Jewell on 01514984505.

KNOWSLEY IS ENERGY EFFICIENTIn October 2005 Knowsley MBC was named the mostenergyefficientboroughinthecountry.

INTERESTED IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY? Renewable energy is energy that is derived from inexhaustible sources such as wind, sun, sea or replaceable sources such as waste products and crops.Forfurtherinformationphone0800512012or write to:

Merseyside Energy Efficiency Advice CentreFreepostNWW3227WallaseyCH44 6YZ

Drawn byRebecca aged 11

Drawn by Jack aged 11

JULY 2007


2 Thurs

3 Fri

4 Sat

5 Sun

6 Mon

7 Tues


9 Thurs

10 Fri

11 Sat

12 Sun

13 Mon

14 Tues

15 Wed Housing Office opens 10am (Staff Training)Assumption of Mary

16 Thurs

17 Fri

18 Sat

19 Sun

20 Mon

21 Tues


23 Thurs

24 Fri

25 Sat

26 Sun

27 Mon Summer Bank Holiday

28 Tues

29 Wed

30 Thurs

31 Fri


AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2007

AIDS AND ADAPTATIONSWe are committed to helping people with disabilities who are finding it increasingly difficult to live independently. If you have trouble moving about the rooms inside your home or using some everyday fittings please ask your Estate Management Officer for a copy of our leaflet ‘Aids and Adaptations’ or phone 0151 480 1313 to discuss your difficulties.

KNOWSLEY FLOWER SHOW Sunday, 5th August 2007National Wildflower Centre,Court Hey Park, Roby Road, HuytonFor more information or details of how to enter,phone 0151 443 2155or online at www.knowsleyflowershow.com

ALLOTMENTSAllotment plots have many advantages such as providing fresh home grown vegetables, fruit and flowers. There is also a social side, enabling you to meet new friends and enjoy a healthy outdoor life with gentle exercise and a place to relax and unwind. There is an allotment group on Stockbridge and there are plots behind the Craigs Community garden. For more information about the community garden or allotments at the Craigs please contact Barbara Murray on 0151 480 1313.

ENERGY WATCHYour gas and electricity watchdogHelpline: 08459 06 07 08Web address www.energywatch.org.uk

Drawn byMatthew aged 7

Drawn byVicky aged 10

AUGUST 2007

1 Sat

2 Sun

3 Mon

4 Tues


6 Thurs

7 Fri

8 Sat

9 Sun

10 Mon

11 Tues

12 Wed Housing Office opens 10am (Staff Training)First day of Ramadan begins (Islamic)

13 Thurs Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)

14 Fri

15 Sat

16 Sun

17 Mon

18 Tues


20 Thurs

21 Fri

22 Sat Yom Kippur (Jewish)

23 Sun Autumn Equinox

24 Mon

25 Tues


27 Thurs

28 Fri

29 Sat

30 Sun


SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007 SEPTEMBER 2007

TENANTS EXTRA SUPPORT SCHEME (TESS) TESS is a dedicated team who work with tenants who are experiencing barriers to successful independent living. This service has now been extended to ALL tenants across Knowsley. If you need this service or are aware of someone who may benefit from the teams support please call 0151 480 1313 or collect a TESS leaflet from reception.

FREE HOME FIRE SAFETY CHECKLet the professionals secure your home Freephone 0800 731 5958 to arrange an appointment for the Fire Brigade to do an assessment in your home and install a free smoke alarm. The Brigade has advocates who can speak in different languages and are trained in a range of special needs so they can ensure all homes they attend are as safe as possible.

SEED GATHERING SEASONSeed Gathering Season 2007 starts on 23 September and continues until 23 October giving everyone plenty of seed gathering days to go for a walk with family, friends or fellow pupils in parks and woods in their local neighbourhood or to take part in special Seed Gathering Season events. For more information www.treecouncil.org.uk

BRUSH UP ON ENERGY SAVINGEliminate draughts and wasted heat by installing a cheap, easy-to-fix brush or PVC seal on your exterior doors. Letterboxes and keyholes should be covered too.

LOOK FOR THE LOGOWhen replacing appliances look for ones displaying the energy saving recommended logo. Energy saving appliances use less energy and could save you up to £45ayear.

Drawn byThomas aged 9

Drawn by Niamh aged 8

SEPTEMBER 2007

1 Mon

2 Tues


4 Thurs

5 Fri

6 Sat

7 Sun

8 Mon

9 Tues


11 Thurs

12 Fri

13 Sat Eid al fitr - Ramadan ends

14 Sun

15 Mon

16 Tues


18 Thurs

19 Fri

20 Sat

21 Sun Diwali (Hindu)

22 Mon New Year (Hindu)

23 Tues


25 Thurs

26 Fri

27 Sat British Summer Time ends (clocks go back)

28 Sun

29 Mon

30 Tues

31 Wed Housing Office opens 10am (Staff Training)Halloween


OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007 OCTOBER 2007

HEATING PAYMENTS FOR MULTI-STOREYSThis payment is vital to the upkeep of the heating system in your flat. Housing Benefits DO NOT cover this part of your rent so it is important that it is paid on a regular basis.

KEEP WARM, KEEP WELL Once more we are approaching winter and the additional risk this poses to health. This is particularly true for older people and those who have chronic illness or who are vulnerable to illness due to disability.

Each winter more than 25,000 older people die from cold-related illnesses.

AGE CONCERN gives the following guidelines about fuel bills and other costs. There is some help available so that you can keep warm and don’t have to worry about fuel costs in winter. Winter fuel payments are paid to most people aged 60 and over. Payments are £200 for each eligible household and £300 when someone in the householdis80orover.AlsoDress appropriately - thin layers of clothing rather than one thick layerStay active - don’t stay sitting still for long periods Get a flu jabEat well - at least one hot meal a day

HALLOWEEN AND DUCK APPLEEnjoy the fun events towards the end of the month but please remember Trick or Treat should not disturb anyone and degenerate into mischief. Watch local press for details of organised events for young people designed to reduce anti-social behaviour as the nights draw in.

PLANTING UP SEASON BEGINS NOWNow is the time to think ahead and plan spring displays so bulbs, plants, and trees can be planted up before any hard frost and cold weather.

Drawn by Amy aged 8

Drawn by Callum

OCTOBER 2007

1 Thurs All Saints Day (Roman Catholic)

2 Fri

3 Sat

4 Sun

5 Mon Bonfire Night

6 Tues


8 Thurs

9 Fri

10 Sat

11 Sun Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday

12 Mon

13 Tues


15 Thurs Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Sikh)

16 Fri

17 Sat

18 Sun

19 Mon

20 Tues


22 Thurs

23 Fri

24 Sat

25 Sun

26 Mon

27 Tues


29 Thurs

30 Fri St Andrews Day (Scotland)


NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER 2007

Drawn byKyle aged 9

Drawn byCarley aged 13

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR POLICYVillages Housing is committed to ensuring that all residents enjoy living in their homes. We will take positive action in conjunction with our partners to deal with disruptive tenants and other persons causing a nuisance or harassment in the area of any of our properties. We would advise residents to contact their Estate Management Officer in the first instanceon 0151 480 1313.

All complaints are treated as confidential

NOISE POLLUTIONVillages Housing Association would encourage all tenants to be considerate neighbours and remember noise pollution is another form of anti-social behaviour. Villages Housing will take action against tenants who breach acceptable behaviour according to policy as detailed in the Tenants Handbook. If you have a complaint to make in the first instance contact your Estate Management Officer on 0151 480 1313.ENCAMS forms part of a national campaign which encourages people to speak to their neighbour about any noise issues before they escalate into a dispute or they make an official complaint.Noise concern helpline - 01273 682223

NATIONAL TREE WEEK Villages gardening staff will work in partnership with local schools to educate children about the importance of trees to our environment.

BONFIRE NIGHTCheck local press for details of firework displays and events. Be safe and enjoy this event at an organised display. See local press for details.

SKIP SERVICEVillages provide a weekly rota Skip Service for bulky items. For details of dates and locations see the back pages of the Village Times.

NOVEMBER 2007

1 Sat World Aids Day

2 Sun Advent Sunday (Christian)

3 Mon

4 Tues

5 Wed Housing Office opens 10am (Staff Training)International Day of the Volunteer

6 Thurs

7 Fri

8 Sat

9 Sun

10 Mon International Human Rights Day

11 Tues


13 Thurs

14 Fri

15 Sat

16 Sun

17 Mon

18 Tues


20 Thurs

21 Fri

22 Sat Winter Solstice (shortest day)

23 Sun

24 Mon Christmas Eve

25 Tues Christmas Day (Christian)

26 Wed Boxing Day / St. Stephen’s Day

27 Thurs

28 Fri

29 Sat

30 Sun

31 Mon New Year’s Eve / Hogmanay


DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007 DECEMBER 2007

All the Staff and Board Membersat Villages Housing

would like to wish all residents

A Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year

Drawn by Adele aged 16

OFFICE CLOSURE Villages Housing will be closed from Tuesday 25th December2007toTuesday1stJanuary2008.

CHRISTMAS GROTTOThe Tenants Forum organise this annual event for all younger children who live in Stockbridge Village. Watch out for details in the Winter Village Times or reception at The Croft and bring your child to meet Santa Claus.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR LOCAL FIREBRIGADESadly the festive season is one of the busiest for the fire brigade so please take extra care with your Christmas tree lights, any candles you may use to decorate your home and cooking whilst under the influence.

For more information Tel. 0151 480 5325 or alternatively www.merseyfire.gov.uk

PLEASE REMEMBER IN AN EMERGENCY ALWAYS DIAL 999

Drawn byZach aged 11

Drawn by Kayleigh aged 8

DECEMBER 2007

1 Tues New Year’s Day


3 Thurs

4 Fri

5 Sat

6 Sun Epiphany – Twelfth Night

7 Mon

8 Tues


10 Thurs

11 Fri

12 Sat

13 Sun

14 Mon

15 Tues


17 Thurs

18 Fri

19 Sat

20 Sun

21 Mon

22 Tues


24 Thurs

25 Fri

26 Sat

27 Sun

28 Mon

29 Tues


31 Thurs


JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008 JANUARY2008

Useful Numbers

Emergency Repairs 0151 290 7375Villages Housing 480 1313Heating (Intergral) 0845 603 1271Street lighting 443 2351Traffic management 443 2229Highways repairs and faults 443 2354Environmental helpline 443 2400Refuse collection 443 2400Skips 480 1313Grounds maintenance/sweeping 443 2400Gully cleansing 443 2821Community woodlands officers 443 2274Environmental Health 443 4712Health Centre 489 9924Dentist 489 1298Heatwaves 443 2750Pest control 443 2455Stockbridge Library 480 3925Police crime stoppers 0800 555111Merseyside police 777 6230Neighbourhood wardens 230 0407Age concern 480 4632Citizens advise bureau 0845 1221300Trader approved scheme 546 6680Benefit advice line 443 6500Creative Forces in mental health 292 4815Pest Control 443 2455

Local CouncillorsDennis Baum 0151 480 7018Mick Foulkes 0151 292 5274Bill Weightman 0161 633 4060

Don’t forget to recycle old Christmas cards and trees at local collection points.

JANUARY 2008

EXTRACT FROM THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE VILLAGES HOUSING ASSOCIATION LTD

Balance sheets as at 31st March 2006

Group Association GroupRestated

AssociationRestated

2006£

2006£

2005£

2005£

Tangible fixed assets

Housing properties at cost 23,386,341 19,606,520 21,895,792 18,200,299

Less:

Social housing grant (10,885,442) (8,167,097) (10,864,427) (8,146,082)

Depreciation (1,257,297) (1,132,754) (1,029,954) (931,181)

11,243,602 10,306,669 10,001,411 9,123,036

Other fixed assets 977,612 964,614 738,973 723,809

Investments - 1 - 1

12,221,214 11,271,284 10,740,384 9,846,846

Current assets

Debtors 947,016 1,188,651 1,249,011 1,536,425

Cash at bank and in hand 5,193,168 5,006,425 6,714,481 6,570,340

6,140,184 6,195,076 7,963,492 8,106,765

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (2,729,455) (2,669,366) (3,571,348) (3,518,748)

Net current assets excluding pension liabilities 3,410,729 3,525,710 4,392,144 4,588,017

Pension liabilities (242,000) (242,000) (264,000) (264,000)

Net current assets including pension liabilities 3,168,729 3,283,710 4,128,144 4,324,017

Total assets less current liabilities 15,389,943 14,554,994 14,868,528 14,170,863

Creditors : amounts falling due after more than one year 12,786,892 12,786,892 11,899,744 11,899,744

Capital and reserves

Non-equity share capital 14 14 14 14

Designated reserves - - 1,461,053 1,390,300

Revenue reserves 2,603,029 1,768,088 1,507,709 880,805

Non-equity minority interests 8 - 8 -

Total capital and reserves 2,603,051 1,768,102 2,968,784 2,271,119

15,389,943 14,554,994 14,868,528 14,170,863

Villages Housing income and expenditure for the year ended 31st March 2006

Group Association GroupRestated

AssociationRestated

2006£

2006£

2005£

2005£

Turnover 7,861,995 7,514,958 7,688,358 7,347,660

Less operating costs:

Depreciation of buildings (250,045) (224,275) (214,044) (192,063)

Other operating costs (9,822,367) (9,593,956) (9,709,614) (9,534,825)

Operating Deficit (2,210,417) (2,303,273) (2,235,300) (2,379,228)

Surplus on disposal of housing stock 683,087 683,087 1,200,391 1,200,391

Surplus on disposal of land 1,300,000 1,300,000 32,500 32,500

Surplus/deficit on disposal of other fixed assets 9,654 9,654 (113) (113)

Deficit on ordinary activities before interest and taxation (217,676) (310,532) (1,002,522) (1,146,450)

Interest receivable and other income 240,989 256,539 277,925 299,789

Interest payable and similar charges (405,442) (405,420) (482,947) (482,828)

Gift aid - (60,000) - (120,000)

Deficit on ordinary activities before taxation (382,129) (519,413) (1,207,544) (1,449,489)

Tax on deficit on ordinary activities 15,396 15,396 21,244 21,244

Deficit for the financial year after taxation (366,733) (504,017) (1,186,300) (1,428,245)

EXTRACT FROM THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS VILLAGES COMMUNITY HOUSING ASSOCIATION LTD

Balance sheet as at 31st March 2006

Group Association

2006£

2006£

Fixed assets

Housing properties at cost 3,779,821 3,695,493

Less: Social Housing Grants (2,718,345) (2,718,345)

Depreciation (124,543) (98,773)

936,933 878,375

Other fixed assets 12,998 15,164

949,931 893,539

Current assets

Debtors 14,246 14,504

Bank and cash 186,743 144,141

200,989 158,645

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (166,919) (121,771)

Net current assets 34,070 36,874

Total assets less current liabilities 984,001 930,413

Creditors:amounts falling due after more than one year 149,051 232,747

Capital and reserves

Non-equity share capital 9 9

Designated reserves - 70,753

Income and expenditure account 834,941 626,904

Total capital and reserves 834,950 697,666

984,001 930,413

Income and expenditure account for the year ended 31 March 2006

Group Association

2006£

2006£

Turnover 460,538 441,059

Less operating costs

Depreciation of buildings (25,770) (21,981)

Other operating costs (341,912) (275,150)

Operating surplus 92,856 143,928

Gift Aid 60,000 120,000

Interest receivable and other income 1,654 972

Interest payable and similar charges (17,226) (22,955)

Surplus on ordinary activities for the year 137,284 241,945

Performance statistics for period1st April 2005 to 31st March 2006 - Stockbridge Village - VHA

DAY TO DAY REPAIRS

Target Achieved

Emergency Repairs(within24hours) 100% 97.8%

Urgent Repairs (within 5 working days) 92% 94.4%

Normal Repairs (within 20 working days) 92% 94.3%

RENT LEVELS

Property Type Average Net Rent

1 bedroomed property £40.57



4ormorebedrooms £59.15

Average net rent across all Stockbridge Village stock is £50.67 Average net rent across all Fitton Hill stock is £52.88.

Gas central Heating Performance

The Association is required to service all our gas central heating on an annual basis. For the year 2005/2006 we serviced 99%ofallourproperties.Theshortfallwasduetoourcontractorsbeingunabletogainaccess.

Right to BuyIn the period 1st April 2005 to 31st April 2006 11 properties were sold under Right to Buy.

AdaptationsVillagesHousingspent£45,000onadaptationstoproperties.

Shared OwnershipNosharedownershippropertiesstaircasedupto100%.Thestockremainsat41properties.

LettingsOur tenants come from a variety of sources and different circumstances. In 2005/06 Villages Housing Association let 276 new tenancies across our stock (Stockbridge Village and Fitton Hill).

Source of Referral

Internal Transfer 61Direct Applicant 212Referred from Social Services 1Other 2

Type of Tenancy

Secure 6Assured 79 Starter/Introductory 191

Total 276 Total 276

Economic Status

Working Full time 73Working part time 16Job Seeker 71Retired 26Not seeking work 37Full time student 2Long term sick/Disabled 24Other (adult) 3Data not available 24

Ethnic Group

White British 250White Irish 1White other 2Asian/Asian British:Pakistani 1Asian/Asian British:Other 1Refused 1Data not available 20

Total 276 Total 276

Performance statistics for period1st April 2005 to 31st March 2006 - VCHA

DAY TO DAY REPAIRS (based on period 1st April 2005- 31st March 2006)

Target Achieved

Emergency Repairs(within24hours) 100% 100%

Urgent Repairs (within 5 working days) 92% 97.3%

Normal repairs (within 20 working days) 92% 97.7%

RENT LEVELS

Property Type Average Net Rent




4ormorebedrooms £59.15

Average net rent across all Stockbridge Village stock is £50.67 Average net rent across all Fitton Hill stock is £52.88.

Gas central Heating Performance

The Association is required to service all our gas central heating on an annual basis. For the period 1st April 2005 to 31stMarch200699%ofVillagesHousing’spropertiesacrossStockbridgewereserviced.Theshortfallwasduetoourcontractors being unable to gain access.

Right to BuyIn the period 1st April 2005 to 31st April 2006 no properties were sold under Right to Buy.

AdaptationsVillages Community Housing Association spent £20,000 on adaptations to properties.

Rent Levels

LettingsOur tenants come from a variety of sources and different circumstances. In 2005/06 Villages Housing Association let 276 new tenancies across our stock (Stockbridge Village and Fitton Hill).

Source of Referral

Internal Transfer 3Direct Applicant 5Nominated by Local Authority 1Referred by Local Authority 1

Type of Tenancy

Secure 1Assured 5Assured shorthold 2 Starter 2

Total 10 Total 10

Economic Status

Retired 6Not seeking work 1Long term sick/Disabled 3

Ethnic Group

White British 10

Total 10 Total 10

Board Members

The Villages Housing AssociationMike Carter (Chair)Joyce EverattPeter FairhurstRod HillLynn McMillanLindsay MillerFrank O’RourkeBarbara ProsserBrian RickettsChris Wood

Villages Community Housing Association LtdAndrew Greenhill (Chair)Mike CarterAngela CholetJoyce EverattPeter Fairhurst (Co-opted)Frank O’RourkeDavid ShortallAnn Thomas

DirectorsChief Executive: Vernon JacksonDirector of Housing: Keith GrattonDevelopment Director: Tony DooleyFinance Director: Serge BotcherbyInitiatives Director: Sarah BevanCorporate Services Director: Ken MasonArea Director: Bernie McConnell

Villages Housing16 The CroftStockbridge VillageKnowsley MerseysideL28 1NRTel. 0151 480 1313Fax. 0151 480 5189Email. [email protected] www.villages.org.uk

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