Weir Link Celebrates Second Birthday with Another ‘Wonderful’ Community Fun Day
Jun 24th
The annual community fun day to celebrate the second year of The Weir Link was held earlier this month with a flavour of the World’s cuisine and fun and games for all the Family as well as dancing and music.
The event was attended by new local MP, Chuka Umunna, the Deputy Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor Christiana Valcarcel and local ward Councillors, Diana Morris, Lib Peck and Ed Davie. Hundreds of local people also joined in the fun at the event held on Weir Estate on 12th June.
Chuka Umunna (pictured) got a taste of Poland, tucking into delicious pastries from the country as well as other delights from Somalia.
A cultural experience was also flavour of the day, with wonderful dancing with the moves and sounds of the Columbian Groove, with some students demonstrating Columbian dancing beautifully.
Those awaiting England’s first game of the 2010 World Cup also had something to do on the day with the Father’s group, organised by Father’s Outreach Worker, Tony Miller providing football games on the day and many enjoyed getting into the vibe for England’s first World Cup game set for that night.
The new Lambeth Deputy Mayor described the event as ‘Wonderful’ during one of her first official engagements.
Local people also enjoyed free ice cream in the sunshine as well as many other activities which gave the event a real variety for all to enjoy. Local Children
Music was provided by Melodians Steel Orchestra who where on hand to keep the up tempo beat in full swing on the day.
New Ward Councillor Ed Davie paid tribute to the hard work of the Centre and the triumph of the fun day saying “The Weir Link has been a great addition to the community and this second birthday celebration proves how it is valued by the people here.”
The Weir Link said of its celebration “Thank you to all involved, the day was a great success due to the contribution of our centre users and volunteers and we hope to welcome you to next year’s event which is sure to be bigger and better.”
Next years event will be held jointly by WERA and The Weir Link to bring a bigger event for many to enjoy. Unfortunately this year, Weir Estate Residents Association was on its summer break and was unable to be present at the event.
The Centre which opened its doors to the community in June 2008 has grown into a very well used facility by varying groups and members of the community as well as the nursery which was earlier this year given an Outstanding Ofsted report. The highest given to any Nursery in its first year.
The Fun day give the Centre a great opportunity to showcase its success in the community and it would certainly appear fun was had by all who soaked up the sights and sounds on offer.
The Weir Link sent us a selection of pictures, see below:
Lambeth Police Commander to Visit Weir and Thornton Ward
Jun 21st
Lambeth Police’s most senior police officer, Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Nick Ephgrave is to visit Weir Estate and Thornton Ward at the beginning of July, in order to see first hand the working partnership between one of his Safer Neighbourhood Teams and the Community.
Chief Supt Ephgrave will visit Weir Estate and other areas of Thornton Ward to see how the work of his officers in the area has dramatically reduced crime in the area, making the area one of the safest in the borough as well as throughout London.
The Safer Neighbourhood team which is made up of three police officers consisting of a Police Sergeant, two Police Constables and three PCSO’s was recognised for their efforts at working with the community earlier in the year to reduce crime by Weir Estate Residents Association. The team was presented with a framed certificate of achievement and now their most senior officer in Lambeth has been invited to visit to hear for himself what impact the partnership has had in reducing crime as well as the excellent strategies put into place to engage with community groups and local individuals such as a designated liaison officer for each estate to share concerns and issues as well as discussing problems. This has proved invaluable according to WERA Chair Dave McEvoy “Our SNT have worked incredibly hard alongside us to hear our concerns and take on board our criticisms in what have been at times difficult circumstances, their support and active policing has proven that such partnerships between the local police and the community has a tremendous impact on reducing crime and making our residents feel safer in and around their homes.”
The Borough Commander will be accompanied on the walkabout by members of the SNT and local councillors where areas of success will be pointed out as well as being told how the team have achieved good response times to crime when it’s arisen as well leading the way with new schemes in the community such Message in a bottle.
WERA’s Chair, Mr McEvoy will give the Borough Commander a tour of Weir Estate and surrounding areas which have benefited from the reduction in crime as a result of the hard work of the local team and the working relationship with members of the community.
Local residents are welcome to join in the visit as well as putting questions to the Lambeth Borough Chief. Dave added “We are very excited about Commander Ephgrave’s impending visit and to be able to show him the work we have undertaken together. I believe he will be suitable impressed and I hope he may take away something which can be implanted elsewhere.
Consistently, Weir Estate has remained one of the lowest for any crime in Lambeth, with Thornton seeing another ten per cent (10%) drop in crime compared to the same time last year following figures provided to the area’s Safer Neighbourhood Panel, earlier this month.
The visit is due to take place on Thursday, 1st July 2010, from 2:30pm outside, leaving from outside the Weir Link.
This will be the Borough Commander’s first visit to the area and will hopefully go further to highlighting the work of a hard working team and their engagement with the community.
You can find the details for your SNT here and by clicking here
Housing Officer Bids Fond Farewell to Weir after Six Years
Jun 20th
Highly respected and long term Weir Estate Housing Officer, Grace Eyamba has told of her sadness and fond memories of Weir Estate and its residents. At the beginning of June, Miss Eyamba departed from managing the estate after six hard working years.
In a statement sent to WERA last week, Grace tells of her gratitude to Weir Estate residents for ‘taking her under their wings and making her so welcome’ and tells of her sadness at having to move on from serving the residents of Weir Estate. She also recalls her commitment when she arrived to staying on as Housing officer for at least two years, going on to keep that promise remaining for six years.
Residents have become familiar with Grace as she has attended meetings on a regular basis and has served the residents well by tackling concerns on a one on one basis. She has worked out of the housing office at Worsopp Drive Clapham housing since 2004.
In her statement Grace says ‘I have greatly enjoyed and cherished my time as the Housing Officer for Weir Estate.
Some of you may not know that I became the Housing Officer for Weir Estate back in February 2004 and at that I time I promised all of the residents & TRA’s that I would do everything in my power to remain their Housing Officer for at least a minimum of 2 years. I am happy to say that I was able to achieve this promise…’
Many residents who heard of Miss Eyamba’s impending departure have expressed their disappointment and sadness at the news of Miss Eyamba’s departure after years of building up a good relationship with residents and Weir Estate Residents Association.
Tenancy Manager, Daniel Idoller has also joined Grace Eyamba in departing from the area to move to Brixton. Lambeth Living will undergo a major restructuring later in the year, which could well see further changes to Clapham Housing Area.
The area has a history of being under staffed and these sudden departures could well see further strain on services to residents.
Grace goes on to add in her heartfelt statement ‘I am very sad to have to leave this patch especially as I when I first started in Lambeth 6 years ago it was the residents of Weir Estate that took me under their wings and helped to guide me around the estate…’
Dave McEvoy, WERA’s Chair said of the Housing Officers departure “We are incredibly saddened by the news that Grace has left as our Housing officer and has come as a shock to many. Grace has been a highly regarded and respected officer for both Lambeth & Lambeth Living during her time here. Many residents will have a heavy heart at seeing Grace leave but of course we wish her all the very best of luck in her new area who I am sure will realise how fortunate they are to have her.”
Mr McEvoy also revealed that Grace was the person who first encouraged him to stand as Chair for WERA when he signed his tenancy with her in 2007 “Grace encouraged me to get involved in WERA from the first day and this shows her commitment to Weir Estate and its residents, for this I will always be grateful.”
A new Housing Officer has already taken over with Teodoro DeCarvalho filling the post. WERA will now be seeking to build a new rapport with Mr DeCarvalho and Daniel Idoller’s predessor, Aletha Baird as Tenancy Services Manager.
Dave insisted “We of course welcome the opportunity to work with somebody new, after losing Grace, whose shoes will be hard to fill but we will make every effort as we always do to welcome Mr DeCarvalho and continue to build on the success we have had in the past”
Mr DeCarvalho will now be invited to attend a WERA meeting to meet residents and see how WERA operates.
Grace has now moved to Clapham High Street area following her departure from Clapham Area.
Grace will be missed by all at Weir Estate and we wish her and Mr Idoller well for the future in their respective new areas.
You can read Grace’s full statement below:
‘Hello to all of the residents of Weir Estate. Firstly, for those of you who do not know already, regrettably as of the 14.06.10 I am no longer the Housing Officer for Weir Estate.
I would just like to say that I have greatly enjoyed and cherished my time as the Housing Officer for Weir Estate.
Some of you may not know that I became the Housing Officer for Weir Estate on 14.02.04 and at that I time I promised all of the residents & TRA’s that I would do everything in my power to remain their Housing Officer for at least a minimum of 2 years. I am happy to say that I was able to achieve this promise.
I am very sad to have had to leave this patch especially as I have when I first started in Lambeth 6 years ago it was the residents of Weir Estate that took me under their wings and helped to guide me around the estate.
I will surely miss the likes of Mrs Crawford, Mr and Mrs Broderick (I would often call on this lovely couple to tap into their fountain of community knowledge and also for directions when I could not locate one of the properties), Sue, Mrs Ellen Hawkes, Mrs Adjei, Ms O Neil, Claire & Ian Rennie and their long standing commitment to the Weir Link Development, TRA Chair Dave McEvoy (keep up the good work) and for those of you, whom I have not named individually please note that I have not forgotten you, it is just, that there are so many, many lovely people on this estate and working with all you has been an amazing learning experience for me. You have all helped me to grow and develop in this job/role, that I can never thank you enough.
Your new Housing Officer is Mr Teodoro DeCarvalho, and I am sure that you will make him feel just as welcomed as you did when I first took over on the estate.
So finally, I would just like to say once again a big, big ‘Thank You’ to ALL of the residents of Weir Estate and I shall miss you dearly..
All the Best and Take Care xxx
Regards,
Grace Eyamba
Estate Community Garden Gets Lambeth Living Support Boost
Jun 18th
Plans to convert a disused space on Weir Estate into a new Sensory Garden for use by residents and the local community, have been given a boost by Lambeth Living who are to help get the work underway by preparing the area and installing the fencing.
WERA Chair, Dave McEvoy met with Lambeth Officer, Chris Adamson, Strategic Housing Manager and Landscape Architect, Caroline Fraser to discuss moving the project forward and now plans have been drawn up on how the garden could look once completed.
With Lambeth Council planning to become the first co-operative council, Lambeth Living have agreed to work with residents and support the project by undertaking some of the preparation work as well as providing guidance and advice. Once this is done, the garden will then be handed over to WERA to manage to develop the space into a sensory garden. The co-operative model is designed to empower residents more while getting support of the council and its housing management organisation, Lambeth Living. The funds will be provided by Weir Estate Residents Association.
The area sited in the corner of Anfield Close, has been disused for a number of years will be transformed into an area of relaxation and sensory stimulation.
Lambeth Living have got behind the project though it shall still be funded by funds from the Association. The project which is expected to get underway by the end of the summer will then hopefully be opened by the end of this year.
Drawings of how the garden could look have been drawn by Lambeth Living’s Architect, Caroline Fraser who is also advising on how best to undertake the project. These will now go before association members and residents for consideration and approval before any works get underway. The garden will consist of sensory planting, seating, the growing of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs which will then be sold to local residents at a small fee to then keep the garden going. Residents will also be invited to take part in its implantation and development as well as gaining new skills, hints and tips from gardening experts. It is expected that local schools and groups will also be invited to make use of the space once it has opened. WERA also insist that it will be a great relaxing space for all ages to enjoy and be interactive.
Chair, Dave McEvoy told of his delight at getting the support of Lambeth Living “The garden will turn a run down, disused and unattractive part of the estate into something which brings many benefits to residents and local people, something that I am keen to ensure remains at the forefront of life on Weir Estate, this partnership and support from Lambeth Living is fantastic and will ensure that this project becomes a reality. This is a very exciting project and I hope residents will get involved in transforming this disused and eyesore part of the estate and see the fruits of their labour grow in the future.”
Residents at a number of WERA meetings agreed to spending association funds generated by the mobile phone masts is to be spent on converting the area which will be secured by fencing and a gate in the evenings to prevent it being misused.
WERA Asks…Diane James-McFee
Jun 18th
Please introduce yourself
I’m Diane James-Mcfee, Interim Head of Service Delivery, Lambeth Service Centre
Can you explain what your role is?
I am responsible for leading the staff and managing operational functions of the Lambeth Service Centre (call centre) and local Area Housing Office counters. This includes ensuring that a customer service driven environment is developed and sustained across these services.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Balancing resources with the demand for services – Whilst this is challenging it is also exciting. Having to look at ways to deliver excellent customer services with an ever-reducing budget is challenging but allows for innovative thinking, whilst at the same time maintaining quality through good management practices. For instance, I’m currently considering applying a ‘lean’ process to help identify any waste in our processes. The recession has hit every sector and it is key that our service demonstrates good value for money.
What would you like to do if you weren’t working in the Customer Service sector?
I can’t imagine my self outside the customer services sector, be it operational, strategy or policy; I guess the only other sector would be travel. I would love to be a tour guide – only if it came with free holidays!
Lambeth Service Centre is the first point of contact for phone calls and emails to Lambeth Council, do you think this service shows Lambeth Council in a good light?
We are ambassadors for the Council. Being the first point of contact it, is important that we demonstrate excellent customer services at all times. Customer Satisfaction results show that 87% of our users are satisfied with the service they receive from our call-centre agents, if not necessarily with the overall council service. Our services cover a wide remit from Parking, Housing Repairs, Homelessness, Social Services, etc and another part of our job is to help these departments identify areas of dissatisfaction and improve on them. Some of these services affect very vulnerable people and are often governed by national policies that we have to adhere to; this means we can’t always give our customers what they would like so the job is also about managing expectations. We continue to attain recognition for how we deliver customer services. In 2005 we were awarded the European Call Centre of the year Award. We are current holders of both the Charter Mark Award and Customer Excellence Award.
What does community mean to you?
Community is about life – Our Citizens are at the heart of our community, the community helps to shape the success of our country. No two people are the same, neither are communities. Within Customer Services it is key that we have an understanding of what the community needs are and are able to tailor our services accordingly. We have to listen outwards as well as inwards.
What would you like to see more of from the Service Centre?
It would be great if our staff were able to see all enquiries through to resolution, so the caller can leave satisfied that their action has been attended to. The current organisation of our business does not always allow for this and therefore enquiries are passed to the service units where specialist and trained professional complete the end task.
We understand you recently received a letter from the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.
How did you feel when you received the letter and Can you explain why the PM wrote to you?
It was a nice feeling, more importantly it was good to see that the Prime Minister took the time to acknowledge excellence in Customer Services. The letter acknowledged our recent award of ‘Customer Service Excellence,’ a new accolade aimed at ensuring that public services meet the official government standard for organizations in the public sector effectively. This award can only be obtained following a far more rigorous assessment process which challenges the strategy and principles behind delivering excellent service to customers rather than simply ‘ticking the boxes.’
What is a typical day in the office for you?
No two days are the same; our Service is driven by customer demand which guarantees a different challenge every day. I oversee an operation that handles an average of 5000 telephone calls each day. My day can comprise anything from monitoring call volumes, redeploying resource based on volumes or staff shortage or handling customer complaints or dealing with an incident in an office front Counter. I’m frequently meeting with our internal partners or liaising with our training and development teams about updating staff on changes to services. That’s not to mention reporting performance issues up the line, hosting visits from a huge range of internal and external guests, and getting involved with arranging staff motivational events. Actually, one thing that is typical is that the days are always long!
What CD would you have at home in your CD player at the moment?
I love music so my collection varies. At the moment I have the Black Eyed Peas, Beyonce, Lady Gaga because I can workout to their tunes. I look to Bob Marley for inspiration. If I need to chill out then it’s anything from R&B to Jazz
What do you think is the most important aspect of working in Customer Services?
Customer Service might not be rocket science, but there’s a lot to consider. It’s about getting it right first time wherever possible, listening to the customer to learn and make improvements, and communicating very clearly. It starts with respect. If you respect the customer as a human being, and truly honour their right to be treated fairly and honestly, everything else thereafter is much easier
If you could adapt your role, what would you introduce?
I would spend more time in the Community running focus groups to improve Customer Services across the Organisation.
What was the last book you read?
The Time Traveler’s Wife it’s a romantic drama about a Chicago librarian with a gene that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and the complications it creates for his marriage.
How has the ‘Lambeth Promise’ improved communication with customers contacting the service centre?
The Lambeth Promise is our pledge to our customers that we will work hard to provide them with the very best service. As a result of the pledge our Customer are now more aware and comfortable about discussing their problems with us and our staff also understand and appreciate the importance of the pledge and ensure this comes across when communicating with customers.
Do you think more could be done to integrate and encourage communication between residents associations?
Although I have worked in the Lambeth Service Centre for a few years, I am new to managing the Housing element of the call centre. I am a firm believer that more can always be done to manage the communication flow and build working relations with our partners, and I’d be keen to embrace ideas about an improved consultation mechanism with our RAs. I know that our colleagues in Revenues and Benefits hold regular meetings with these groups and I’m looking into how could perhaps share in that arrangement. Marshalling the range of views held by a variety of resident groups could be a significant benefit in helping develop the service further, but it’s important that such events are managed with a positive and constructive approach.
Who inspires you?
Maya Angelou because of her inspirational work which is centered on themes such as identity, family, and racism. Gandhi because he was a great leader and Richard Branson for the range of creativity, leadership and entrepreneurial skills he instills.
How many telephone calls does the call centre receive on an average day?
On an average day we receive around 5000 calls, that’s over a million calls per year.
How many emails does the call centre receive on an average day?
Typically, it might be around 150-200 emails, but we’re hoping to encourage expansion in this area over the coming year.
How many members of staff work in the Lambeth Service Centre?
We currently employ 104 staff working within the Lambeth Service Centre including all of its support functions. However, this number varies throughout the year. Staff handle enquiries for up to 16 different service areas, each with considerable seasonal variation in demand.
If residents are unhappy with the service they receive from the service centre, how can they complain? Similarly, if they would like to comment on good service, how can they do this?
The Council has a complaints/ comments policy which applies to the Lambeth Service Centre. This can be accessed at www.lambeth.gov.uk/complaints and leaflets are available at council offices. Alternatively, our customers can contact the Service Centre on 0207 926 1000 and ask to speak to a manager, who will record the feedback provided appropriately. While Matt Cooper (the Assistant Director for the service) and I are always happy to hear the views of our users directly, contacts which avoid the official complaints procedure risk not being properly logged or tracked, so it’s definitely best to follow the above process – our Complaints team always ensures that we are made aware of any escalations which need our attention.
Weir Freezing Out Cold Callers As New Zone is Introduced
Jun 17th
Door to door sales people are now being given the cold shoulder in three areas of Lambeth including Weir Estate in Thornton Ward. Lambeth Council and the police have now introduced the long awaited “No Cold Calling Zones” as part of their commitment to protect vulnerable residents from con artists.
Door-to-door salespeople and other unsolicited visitors will be actively discouraged in the zones in Thurlow Park, Thornton, and St Leonards. Callers will be reported to Lambeth Trading Standards or the police.
At the same time, the council is promoting a new scheme that protects people from cowboy builders by listing reliable trades people, called Trustmark. The scheme, which is backed by Lambeth Council, allows people to search a list of approved builders and other trades people near to their home, safe in the knowledge that they are reliable and professional.
Cllr Rachel Heywood, Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety, said: “Protecting older and vulnerable residents is one of our absolute top priorities. Rogue builders or gardeners often target elderly or vulnerable people in particular, and someone who may appear to be an innocent salesperson can actually be checking out a property so they can revisit later to carry out a burglary.”
“The No Cold Calling zones will give people the confidence to say “no” to people who call at their door, and by promoting the Trustmark list we aim to give people confidence when they employ builders and other trades people.”
“No Cold Calling Zones send out a warning to the rip-off merchants that they are not welcome in the neighbourhood, and that they are being watched. Cold callers are a nuisance but at their worst they are criminals who deliberately target the vulnerable.”
The areas have been chosen after consultation with local residents which showed widespread support for the scheme, and because they are areas that have a high number of older residents. Local ward Councillors lobbied to ensure Weir Estate was included in the scheme following request by residents.
Dave McEvoy Weir Estate Residents Association Chair praised the scheme by saying:
“We of course welcome the introduction of a No Cold Calling Zone in our area and will do all we can to encourage its success, in order that our residents particularly the elderly and vulnerable feel safe in their homes as well as keeping them safe from those who may have ulterior motives such as distraction crimes. This will also of course give all residents peace of mind from unwanted disturbance by cold callers to their home. We are delighted that the NCCZ will be implemented. We must ensure that those who are vulnerable are protected in every way and this will provide much needed reassurance.”
Rogue traders have been known to calculatedly steal thousands of pounds from individuals or become victims of distraction burglaries.
A residents’ information pack with additional information, contact details and stickers has been sent to every household in the zone. There will be regular patrols by Trading Standards officers in the area and traders found working in the area will be asked to show basic documents, such as company details and contact details.
WERA Asks…Daniel Idollor
May 28th
Can you please introduce yourself, stating who you are; what your role is; and briefly what this involves?
My name is Daniel Idollor and I am the Tenancy Services Manager for the Clapham Area Housing Office. As the Tenancy Services Manager, I am responsible for five housing officers who in turn are charged with providing general housing services such as, transfers, amendment of tenants’ details, neighbor disputes, nuisance, and mutual exchanges to residents in the Clapham area.
What motivates you to do your job?
Customer satisfaction.
What does community mean to you?
People of different backgrounds being able to live together in harmony.
How many people are in your team?
There are six people in my team and this is made up of five housing officers and one Voids Officer.
Do you feel there is enough communication between Tenancy Services and Residents Associations?
I think there is enough communication between the Tenancy Team and Residents Association because most of the issues that the Tenancy Team would normally deal with relate to individual tenants which cannot be discussed with the Association unless they have the tenant’s written permission because of Data Protection Act.
How do you think Weir Estate has improved?
It has improved in the last two years because they have become very pro-active in taking up issues relating to the estate.
What is your biggest professional ambition?My biggest professional ambition would be to have a very cordial working relationship with all the Residents Associations in the Clapham area.
Who is the most influential person you have ever met and why?
The most influential person that I have ever met is Danny Glover, the actor. This is because we are both called Danny.
Do you think Britain is getting better or worse, and why?
This depends on the period that you are comparing but personally, I think Britain is getting worse because compared to 30 years ago; we are all getting too selfish and no longer care for our neighbours.
Does your team work directly with WERA, and if so, in what way?
My team works directly with WERA by attending their meetings and taking up any issues that fall within tenancy management.
What do you think is most important about working with residents?
To maintain effective communication with residents and the TRA so that the Council can deliver a consistent and good service.
In what ways do you think the Weir Estate Residents Association benefits it’s residents?
Taking up issues on behalf of all the residents on Weir Estate.
Do you like to read? If so what was the last book you read?
I like to read and the last book that I read was Barrack Obama’s ‘Dreams from My Father’.
Where in the world would you most like to live and why?
I would very much like to live in Las Palmas because of the climate and the food.
How do you like to relax after a hard day in the office?
I relax by watching the comedy channels.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I am a keen photographer.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
Helping to re-house the homeless people and ensuring that residents are happy and safe in their homes.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?Best advice that I was ever given was to take a scholarship examination to enable me study in the UK. I was successful and ended up coming over to study in the UK in 1974 on full scholarship.
What job did you do before coming to work for Lambeth Living (or Lambeth Council)?
I worked in the media all my life before coming to Lambeth.
How can residents contact you, and when should they contact you?
I would prefer residents contact me through 0207 926 6000, the Service Centre number so that their calls can be logged.
You never know when this may become relevant.
![DSThompson [800x600]](http://blog.wera.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/DSThompson-800x600-64x64.jpg "DSThompson [800x600]")
WERA Asks…David Thompson
May 14th
Can you please tell us who you are and what you do?
I am David Thompson responsible for the day to day responsive repairs service, planned maintenance programme and decent homes investment that Lambeth Living provides.
Can you give a brief description of what your role involves?
Delivering around £25 million of revenue works and services through 30 contracts and £55 million of capital works through 80 contracts. These contracts and services affect tenants in Lambeth Living and Tenant Management Organisations outside Lambeth Living and the contracts and services also affect leaseholds in all over 30 thousand homes. There are over 130 multi disciplinary staff involved in this work in the Property Directorate that report to me and in addition we use external construction industry specialists to protect our interests.
How long have you been doing this role?
Four years.
What is the biggest change you have seen to Housing during the time in your role?
To date securing increased capacity to deliver new roofs and windows and increased value for money for tenants and leaseholders in Lambeth by joining a local authority purchase club called the London Housing Consortium has meant we have delivered the annual budgets we are given more effectively and have secured over £6 million of savings when compared to traditional small scale contracts that we used four years ago.
How important do you think it is for estates to be improved under the major works programme?
A safe, warm and modernised home can transform the lives of people and that is the objective of our decent homes investment plane over the next few years but we need to compliment this with improved day to day services.
Do you think there could be more investment in bringing council homes up to decent homes standard?
The Decent Homes standard is a minimum and residents could well wish to see further improvements to communal and external areas of their neighbourhood. Also there may be some neighbourhoods that require finance beyond the capacity of an ALMO where discussions will need to take place about the options for further investment to be made.
What are you and your team doing to improve communities and residents lives within Lambeth?
The Property Services directorate has an improvement plan following our view of what it takes to get to a two star organisation. This means that we need to respond to requests for repairs on time, ensure that gas servicing is completely up to date, deliver programmes successfully within budget and above all make decisions in collaboration with residents so that the disruption that goes hand in hand with investment is minimised.
Who has provided the biggest influence in your life?
The biggest influence in my housing career has been that of local residents involved in making key decisions about the management and investment in their neighbourhoods. There is nobody better to see the issues that need resolving and to be part of unlocking successful solutions.
What changes would you like to see being made to improve the way Lambeth Living delivers planned maintenance on estates?
Lambeth Living has plans to devolve and de-centralise housing maintenance and investment as currently it a centralised process. We have plans to devolve into 6 neighbourhoods and bring both accountability for service delivery closer to the 6 neighbourhood representative structures.
Where was your last holiday destination?
My last holiday destination was Centre Parcs in Penrith in Cumbria as it provided an opportunity for
strenuous physical activity with my three sons.
If you could change one thing about Lambeth as a place, what would it be and why?
The one wish I have about Lambeth is that it is seen as a place that delivers excellent housing services. The reason I would wish to see this is for too long residents have been disappointed in the level of services provided.
What is your favourite quote?
My favourite quote is that “individuals are seldom perfect, but teams can be”
How would you say your friends and family would describe you?
Driven
What services would you most like to develop under your remit of responsibility?
The service that I would most like to develop is that of the day to day responsive maintenance as it is that service which residents on average use three times per year and affects their view of their landlord significantly.
How important do you think direct communication with residents associations is in your division?
Direct communication is vital from the start to the end of a project. Without direct communication significant floors and mistakes develop.
What do you think has been your biggest achievement since taking up your position?
Stabilising the Property Directorate following a serious fraud over three years ago!
How do you feel Lambeth Living compares to the former delivery of Lambeth Council’s housing repairs and maintenance?
On a journey to improve and is just about to complete the performance year 2009/10 where improvements in time taken to respond to urgent repairs and resident satisfaction with repairs will show an increase on previous years, as will the ability of Lambeth Living to deliver the annual capital allocation.
What aspects of your role do you find most and least enjoyable?
Most enjoyable in receiving the thanks of a resident; least enjoyable receiving the disappointment of a resident!
What does community mean to you?
A place where people want to live
When should residents contact you, and how can they do this?
My telephone number is 020 7926 3427 or may be answered either by myself or my Support officer, it is also possible to leave a voicemail on this number should I or my support officer not be able to take the call
ALMO Director Visits Estate to See Weir Works Progress
May 1st
Earlier this week, Lambeth Living’s Director of Property Services, David Thompson, was given a tour of Weir Estate to see the transformation one of his departments, Major Works, has made to residents homes and transforming the estate.
A year after Mr Thompson who oversees repairs and major works to Lambeth properties was tackled by WERA over the outdated 60 year old windows and doors which blighted resident’s lives, returned to see the changes made to the estate after the installation of new double glazed windows and more secure doors alongside a new paint job. With works just weeks off completion, WERA’s chair invited the Director of Property Services who was accompanied by Major Works Manager Keith Hardy.
During the visit they were shown the new look blocks and met with site staff from Breyer Group. During the visit they gave an insight into the program which has included four other Lambeth Estates to the estimated tune of millions of pounds of investment to improve home of residents living on Weir Estate and other homes across the borough. The windows program began a year ago, with the sight of finishing moving ever closer.
Mr Thompson and Mr Hardy also met with WERA’s Treasurer, Sue Cranmer who told of the impact it had on her and her family not to mention to the reduction of heating costs.
Mr Thompson was also told of the efforts by WERA to improve the estate with various projects planned such as a new community garden and painting of estate railings.
Following his visit, Director Mr Thompson said of the discussion with Sue Cranmer and the impact the works have had “Particularly impressive was the comments of the resident we met, I think she was the Weir TRA treasurer. She said because of the new windows her home was warmer than it has ever been and her heating bills had reduced and her children had no winter colds which for her family was exceptional.”
Mr Thompson who has been a Lambeth Housing Director for four years, responsible for the day to day responsive repairs service, planned maintenance programme and the decent homes program to bring Lambeth properties up to a decent living standard added “I thought the working relationship with the contractor Breyer was very good with mutual respect for the role of contractor and residents in sorting out any issues. All in all the appearance has been greatly enhanced on Weir Estate.”
Major Works Manager Keith Hardy praised the level of work which has taken place thanks to a joint campaign by WERA’s Chair and local Labour councillors after Weir Estate was left off the LHC5 Program to improve homes “I am very pleased to see the outcome of the Weir Estate major works improvement project and to witness the improvement to the quality of the estate environment as a result of these works. I am delighted that residents welcome the new double glazed windows and high security front entrance doors installed to their homes.”
Over the past year nearly all senior management of Lambeth’s ALMO including the Chief Executive, Cathy Deplessis have made visits to see the transformation of Weir Estate.
WERA Treasurer, Sue Cranmer said after the visit “We are pleased with the impressive impact the works have had on our estate and to the lives of residents and their families which is the main focus of this association.”
Sue added “We are very fortunate to have a great Chair who has worked very hard to make this happen and the work of local councillors. We are glad Mr Thompson and Mr Hardy came to see the difference to the estate and that the decision to include Weir Estate was the right decision after sixty years of neglected windows and doors.”
Work to remove scaffolding across the estate has continued with just three more blocks to see the scaffold removed, which is on course to be completed by the end of May.
Most blocks have now also had a fresh coat of paint.
Mr Thompson has also taken part in wera.org.uk’s exclusive inside interviews which is available now HERE
Former MP’s ‘Heartfelt’ Letter of Thanks Following WERA Surprise Presentation
Apr 30th
The Former MP for the Streatham constituency, Keith Hill has sent an open and sincere letter of ‘heartfelt thanks for the kindness and generosity’ after WERA presented a certificate of acknowledgement and appreciation following his retirement as our MP after 18 years.
Keith Hill who had been MP for Labour in the constituency covering Weir Estate, attended a recent meeting where he was presented with the framed certificate by members as well as a bottle of champagne in recognition of his service as the MP which in his time saw him taking sledge hammer to the former two storey laundry building, which used to be sited on Weir Estate and is now the thriving Weir Link Centre and Nursery. Furthermore, Keith had visited numerous estate fun days as well as a walkabout just before he retired before the forthcoming General Election.
Mr Hill who also held many high profile positions within the Government has sent a letter to Chair Dave McEvoy in which he writes ‘I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for your kindness and generosity in presenting me with the a certificate and good bottle of champagne, I shall always treasure the certificate”
The now Chair of Lambeth Living’s board goes on to suggest the champagne may not last as long saying ‘…I mean to drink the champagne on an early and appropriate occasion…’
Keith Hill will now take up the post of Chair to Lambeth ALMO, Lambeth Living for the next 2 years, over seeing the changes to thousands of residents homes using his knowledge and expertise to help guide Lambeth Living to the two star rating needed to gain over 200 million pounds of capital funding to improve homes across Lambeth.
In his open letter, Mr Hill who lives in the borough adds ‘It has been my privilege to serve the Weir Estate over many years and to work with its highly committed and able representatives. I expect we shall continue this relationship in my new Lambeth Living Capacity and this will be a happy relationship. I wish WERA every success for future.’
Chair, Dave McEvoy who received the letter said “I am honoured and grateful that our gesture of friendship in recognising Keith’s efforts as MP over nearly two decades, that he has taken the time to send such a lovely and kind letter. I would like to take this opportunity to give WERA’s sincerest thanks for his time as MP and hope we can continue to work together in his new role.”
The candidates to succeed Keith as the next MP including Mr Hill’s Labour Party Candidate Chuka Umunna are locked in a race to take the Streatham seat on May 6th at the General Election.
At the same time Lambeth residents will have their say on who will be the next Lambeth Council administration and councillors in local elections.
The letter will be read out at WERA’s next general meeting, on Tuesday 11th May.
