WERA Asks…Cathy Deplessis
Dec 25th
Can you please tell us who you are and what your position is?
Cathy Deplessis, Chief Executive, Lambeth Living, one of the two Arms Length Management Organisations (ALMO) owned and controlled by the London Borough of Lambeth.
How long have you been doing this job?
Seven months at Lambeth Living.
What did you do before coming to Lambeth?
Was there life before coming to Lambeth? I was the first Chief Executive of Stevenage Homes for two years helping them to achieve their two star rating from the Audit Commission earlier this year. This has unlocked £63m to spend on the council’s housing.
What does community mean to you?
It means life, comfort, support and a force to celebrate. I want Lambeth Living to embrace the community in Lambeth and serve it well by providing excellent housing services.
How do you think Lambeth Living has changed and do you think your role has had an impact on this?
Lambeth Living is now much clearer about its direction and vision for the future. We are a very self aware organisation and have become increasingly realistic about what we need to do to improve services for residents. The Board is dedicated and hard working and has come through some very challenging times. We are optimistic and looking forward to helping to make life better for Lambeth residents.
Do you think residents associations benefit residents?
Very much so. They help the local community to come together in a way that promotes togetherness and support. They speak on behalf of residents, help them to access services, give then advice about what to do if something goes wrong and work with us to improve services. They also tell us if something has gone wrong and can help us to put it right. Lambeth Living is working to develop more residents associations and we want to empower residents to get involved in the services we provide.
Describe yourself in three words?
• Passionate
• Fair
• Determined
Who is the most influential person you have ever met and why?
Roy Irwin, Chief Inspector of the Housing Inspectorate, Audit Commission. Roy introduced the customer focused approach to housing inspection that has been responsible for driving up standards of service in housing. Lambeth Living is at an early stage of being one of the best organisations at providing housing management services and Roy’s approach teaches us that the only way is up.
Describe your role in a sentence?
To lead Lambeth Living to achieve its mission to manage and deliver high quality homes and excellent service to Lambeth tenants, leaseholder and freeholders.
Do you feel enough is being done to encourage a more positive approach to the younger community today?
More can always be done. Young people are our future and they deserve to be cherished and supported to be part of our society and community. Lambeth Living works with young people and others to show that we value and support young people.
Where would you most like to visit in the world?
Colorado, United States. Great snowboarding country!
How important do you think diversity and communication is in a community?
Lambeth is a great place to work because it is so diverse and so vibrant. I get a real buzz from working with so many different people and communities. It really adds to the richness of life. Lambeth Living aims to value, recognise and celebrate the diversity of our customers while supporting those who are vulnerable. Good communication unlocks meaning and information for communities and there is certainly more Lambeth Living can do to improve communication.
What is your biggest ‘pet hate’?
Marmite – yeuch!
What would you most like to achieve in the next 10 years?
Professionally – for Lambeth Living to achieve provide excellent services and achieve an excellent, three star rating from the Audit Commission within the next 5 years. For all the council’s housing to be decent. Lastly, for Lambeth Living to help develop and manage new affordable housing. Personally - to continue to live life well, making a difference, being happy and enjoying the support of my family and friends.
How would you like your role to develop?
I’d like to meet more members of the community and learn where our services need to improve and what we can do so that more people are aware of our services.I would like to be a part of any new proposals to change the housing revenue account so that more money can be spent on council housing.
What item could you not leave home without?
My mobile phones – personal and work one.
What is your favourite area of Lambeth?
Brixton – I am energised by walking through Brixton. It is so rich, so diverse – it always makes me feel good.
How many people are in your team?
Team Lambeth Living consists of 410 staff. My most immediate team is the Strategic Leadership Team of four directors. Housing Management, Cedric Boston; Improvement, Chris Hunter; Property, David Thompson; Resources Terry Gallagher.
Who would I invite to dinner?
Nelson Mandela and the Obama family. I would learn from Nelson about how he maintained his vision for South Africa despite long years of imprisonment. With Barack, I would find out if he loves his new role as much as I love mine. And with Michelle, I would find out what it feels like being part of such a dynamic duo. I would tell them that despite and because of all the challenges, being the Chief Executive of Lambeth Living has got to be the best job in the whole wide world!
Can you explain the procedure residents should follow for contacting Lambeth Living?
Cathy Deplessis provided an in-depth list of contact details for Lambeth Living, and contractors who work for Lambeth Living.
All these details can now be found on the Lambeth Living page… Click here
Residents Delight as More Weir Blocks Near Completion
Dec 19th
Three more Weir Estate blocks have been or will have new windows by Christmas, with two blocks completed and two more close to completion, much to the delight of two residents living in Olding House who now have their new Windows.
Mr & Mrs Antonio, who have lived on Weir Estate for over twenty years have told of their delight at having their windows, giving them much needed relief from the cold conditions in their family home.
Olding House, one of the biggest blocks on the estate is now one of four across the estate that could be finished by Christmas with Weir and Glanville Houses both finished ahead of schedule.
Merv and Hugh Antonio explained the impact the new windows have had on their lives since they was installed weeks before the festive season “Since the windows have been put in, we feel a lot more brighter, happier and most importantly warmer. In the short time we have had them; they have already had a positive impact on our heating in our home with less condensation”
Works are on going across the estate with many flats in West and Olding being finished on a daily basis giving many families a cosier better Christmas.
Other properties in Jewell House have already been started and Quennel and Dan Bryant will begin in the early part of the New Year. Most properties throughout Weir Estate have had new extractor fans and life saving carbon monoxide detectors fitted, and works are expected to be finished with new doors to residents homes being installed in the early party of 2010.
Mrs. Merv Antonio hailed the new windows as ‘an early Christmas present’ and the couple went on to praise the work of Weir Estate Residents Association who along with local Labour Ward Councillors, have worked incredibly hard to bring the new windows to the homes of residents after having metal windows which in most cases had warped and rusted “Positive things are now happening on our estate with thanks to our Chair and the team at WERA, We have been better informed and seen real change on our estate about things that affect us as Residents.”
On both Weir and Glanville House, safety netting has been removed and all blocks will get communal windows replaced along with complete redecoration and repairs to metal works.
As part of the programme, decorating has begun to brighten up the communal stairwell in Anfield Close which will also include improved lighting with funds coming from a contingency fund set aside for any additional works.
WERA Spokesperson said “Its fantastic that the windows are having a positive impact on residents lives and that WERA has been able to make such an impact to bring these windows to the estate after so long, It’s been great to see so many properties being finished in time for Christmas and we are very pleased residents like Mr and Mrs Antonio will feel the benefit during these cold winter months, our estate is starting to finally look better”
Further updates are available on wera.org.uk in the major works section, please click HERE for more details.
WEIR Almost Done!! – Weir House First Block to get New Windows completed By Christmas
Dec 12th
Weir House will be the first block to have it’s new windows fitted by Christmas, with just three flats left to get their new windows installed just before the festive season.
Residents living in Weir Estate’s smallest block, Weir House, will all enjoy a warmer and safer Christmas with many other families across the estate also enjoying their new double glazed windows.
However, it will be Weir House which will be the first estate block to finish having the new windows; though like the rest of the estate it will be in the New Year when residents will get their new front doors.
The 12 property block has had six of its flats installed with the new windows, many of which have been completed in one day as well as having the pilot flat at 3 Weir House, which has already had the windows and door fitted much to the delight of residents, Mr & Mrs Broderick as previously reported on wera.org.uk.
Some residents who have lived on the estate for many years have waited a long time to feel the benefits of new energy efficient double glazed windows which will provide warmth and cuts in rising heating bills which will come as a huge relief to all residents by the early part of 2010, after the intervention of WERA’s Chair and local councillors.
Other properties in West, Olding and Jewell Houses have also had their new windows fitted much to the delight of residents living in these blocks.
Works on the estate will come to halt over the festive break with works finishing on 23rd December and restarting on 4th January 2010. The new windows have come as a much appreciated early Christmas present to many families who will not endure freezing mornings during the winter months as they have since Weir Estate was built.
With Weir House complete in the run up to Christmas a delighted WERA Chair said “I am thrilled that nearly all the properties in Weir House have had their new windows installed and many other across the estate are also done, this shows what determination and the efforts of WERA can do.
It’s an extra bonus that residents will enjoy a better Christmas this year thanks to the installation of new windows, there is a long way to go but this shows a real effort to improve residents lives and what better time than at this time of year.”
Many residents living in Weir House and the neighbouring blocks which have been started can now begin putting up new curtains and blinds and enjoy better living conditions with one residents stating “I will now have to get my daughter to wake me up in the mornings for work as I won’t be woken by the draft and cold caused by the dreadful windows I have had since moving here over thirty years ago”
Posters on all blocks will be put up to inform residents when they can expect their block to begin with Glanville, Quennel and Dan Bryant all waiting to get their new windows. Appointments are already being made by the Contractor’s Resident Liaison Officer, Shuzna Begum.
WERA Asks…Richard Rivers-Simpson
Dec 10th
Can you please tell us who you are and what your position is?
Richard Rivers-Simpson, Senior Estate Services Officer for Clapham Area.
How long have you been doing this job?
I have been employed by Lambeth since November 2004. Originally as a caretaker working in the Brixton Area. I moved to Clapham as the Senior Handyperson in late 2006. I then changed to the Senior Caretaker in mid 2007 now known as the Senior Estate Services Officer
Can you please give a brief description of what your role involves?
Between the Estate services Manager and I, we are responsible for all aspects of the communal upkeep of all of the estates and street properties managed by Lambeth Living in the Clapham Area. This covers communal repairs, Grounds Maintenance, Estate Cleaning, Graffiti Removal, Bulk Refuse Removal, Parking Enforcement, Tree Maintenance, Refuse removal and managing the Estate services officers. More >
Windows Begin to Arrive on Weir Blocks
Dec 3rd
Long anticipated double glazed windows have begun to arrive in a number of flats on Weir Estate after years of hard work by WERA and local Councillors. A number of residents have also been given appointments to have their new windows fitted by the end of December.
Following works to the pilot flat at Weir House being completed, properties in Weir and West Houses have now also had new windows fitted giving residents relief from cold and drafty conditions caused by the old metal crittel windows which have deteriorated due to over 60 years of neglect.
Weir Estate Residents Association, led by Chair Dave McEvoy took action with the support of Thornton Ward councillors, Lib Peck and Diana Morris took bring new windows and doors to those living on Weir Estate.
The windows which are being installed by the Breyer Group will provide residents with comfortable, warmer and energy efficient homes bringing their fuel bills down.
Works are expected to continue across the estate as previously reported on wera.org.uk until the early part of the New Year. Many other works will also be taking place to improve the estate with complete external re-decoration; metal repair works to railings on balcony’s as well as internal extractor fans to flats.
WERA has strived to make the windows a reality this year with numerous meetings and correspondence to various officers within Lambeth Living and has continued to battle to bring the new double glazing to the estate.
Weir Estate had previously been left off the programme for new windows and doors until WERA’s Chair and local Councillors worked together; and have continued to tackle leaseholder concerns as well as answering questions from residents.
WERA Chair Dave McEvoy spoke of his delight at seeing properties being completed “We have worked hard to make this happen and it goes to show what a bit of determination can do to change the lives of our residents. This shows that Residents Associations really work with the right support from our local councillors. I am thrilled this will be the last winter residents will endure and we will see the end of tired warped and rusting windows, it’s a real relief and great to see more and more properties being done everyday.”
Many residents have now also been contacted with appointment dates as their windows arrive Mr McEvoy added “I won’t be satisfied until all the works that are taking place on this estate are completed and done to a good standard; we continue to work closely with Lambeth Living Officers and our fantastic ward Councillors”
Although properties on Anfield Close do not need new glazing Anfield Close will get re-decoration to its stairwell and improved lighting to brighten the communal stairwell which many residents have complained are too dull. This will come out of a contingency fund.
Works are not expected to be completed until March 2010 when the estate will be given a new lease of life with a new paint job and the desperately and long awaited windows. Many of whom will enjoy a warmer Christmas safe in the knowledge their heating is not escaping out of the window.
Community Visit by GLA Member and Lambeth Council Leader Highlights Good on Weir Estate and Thornton Ward
Dec 2nd
Weir Estate was visited by the London Assembly’s Val Shawcross, Leader of Lambeth Council, Councillor Steve Reed, this week to see what WERA has achieved with the support of the local Ward Councillors, such as the new Windows and to meet members of Thornton Ward to hear their views.
Valerie Shawcross, the Labour Assembly Member for Lambeth and Southwark, along with Councillor Reed met with WERA Chair Dave McEvoy, Treasurer Sue Cranmer and other residents, to commemorate the starting of the long awaited new double glazed windows and door replacement, as well as finding out about how Weir Estate is building new partnerships, to improve the lives of those living in and around the Weir Estate.
Mrs Shawcross and Councillor Reed also met staff at the Weir Link as well being given a tour of Agnes Riley Gardens and neighbouring Poynder’s Gardens Estate, where Lynn Lazenby, Chair of Poynder’s Gardens Residents Association showed off their new look community flat which has been remodelled from a tired former council property.
Following the walkabout on Tuesday, Valerie Shawcross and Cllr Reed, along with the Ward Councillors and members of the community were treated to refreshments at the Weir Link, a Children’s & Community Centre on the Weir Estate.
Thornton Ward’s Safer Neighbourhood Team were also present to give information about the partnership with WERA which has seen a constant low crime rate on the estate and the teams efforts keeping crime in the ward at a constant low.
Following the walkabout, Val Shawcross said of her visit “A really uplifting visit – it’s amazing to see what can be achieved by talented and committed volunteers. A fantastic set of projects. Great nursery, what a fantastic group of people involved in Weir estate Residents Association. They’ve achieved great things for the community”
WERA has worked closely with Thornton Ward Councillors to bring about many changes to Weir Estate to make life better for residents. The visit was set up following Val Shawcross’s WERA Asks on our website, wera.org.uk and Chair Dave McEvoy invited her to see the work that has been achieved by working with councillors and members of the council to make a real difference to their community.
Councillor Reed, also praised WERA following his visit this week “I really enjoyed my walkabout on the Weir Estate. It’s great to see all the work that’s under way to install brand new double-glazed windows.
The improvements on the Weir Estate are happening because community leaders and their local Labour councillors worked in partnership to give the estate a louder voice. The Weir Estate is a real example of what ‘people power’ can achieve and I’d like to congratulate residents’ association chair Dave McEvoy and everyone else who’s put in so much time and effort to make their estate a better place to live.”
Pictures for the Lambeth Life had also been taken for the future edition of the local newspaper distributed by Lambeth Council where the success of the new windows to the estate will be featured.
Chair, Dave McEvoy said briefly “We are incredibly honoured and grateful that Val, Steve, the Councillors and SNT visited Weir Estate and can see what a real difference we are making to our community. I hope this shows what we, as residents can do when we are empowered and able. This walkabout went someway to recognising the efforts of all involved and all across Thornton Ward”
Steve Reed has also written a story on his website, at www.stevereed.org.uk
EXCLUSIVE: TFL Report Indicates ‘Majority Support’ for Bus Route Extension
Nov 22nd
A report released by Transport for London on proposals to extend a bus route from Streatham Hill to Balham has revealed a majority of people, including that of WERA support the plans.
In the report, some sixty eight percent of local people and local businesses are in favour of extending the 255 bus route which would link the shopping districts of Balham and Streatham. However, Twenty Seven Percent and a petition from mainly Old Devonshire Road residents are against the plans over safety and congestion fears.
The 255 which currently terminates at Streatham Hill Station would extend to Hydethorpe Road, Radbourne Road, Weir Road and Old Devonshire Road, then terminating at Balham Station giving residents, some of who are elderly or disabled and have to walk, an easier way of getting to the nearby shopping areas.
Residents are said to have made ‘long standing requests’ over a number of years for a bus to service for the roads which is described as quite remote to other bus services in the area.
A consultation has taken place between May and July 2009, where residents and local businesses where asked for their views on the plans, the report suggests that many feel that it would be a welcomed service to the area and make life easier for many living in the local area.
Weir Estate Residents Association has given its support to extending the single decker along Weir Road and Old Devonshire Road’s Travis Perkins as supported the plan saying ‘it would have little or no impact on the operational basis of our business.’
The report is now being sent to the local authorities of Lambeth and Wandsworth for consideration on the proposals as a result of this report which suggest some significant changes to parking controls and enforcement in the area.
The route has been tested by TFL who are now satisfied that the bus would be able to operate safely and not cause much disruption to local people.
With some Six Hundred and Sixty Eight replies from local people in the area, sixty three percent of those who responded said they would use the bus if it was implemented.
Local Councillors supported the plans and campaigned along with some local residents to bring about the plans for extending the bus route.
You can read the full Transport for London report here
The results of the Consultation are not due until early next year. Keep visiting www.wera.org.uk for future updates.
Rough Sleeper is Removed to Delight of Weir Residents
Nov 20th
A homeless rough sleeper who took up residence in the Weir Link’s bike shed has finally been removed from the estate and sectioned under the mental health act, after a year long battle by WERA, some residents and Lambeth Council.
The homeless man who has been taken into a psychiatric unit to be assessed, took to sleeping on the estate a year ago when a number of squatters were evicted from neighbouring estate, Limerick Close.
‘Tyrone’ as the man is known to residents, was said to be disturbing a number of residents and their children in the early hours of the morning by shouting and laughing to himself.
With a joint effort from WERA and Lambeth Council’s Community Safety Unit, the rough sleeper who is known to have had a local connection to the area as well as a mental health condition has now been sectioned, giving some residents their first nights peace since his arrival a year ago. He was also known to deposit his human waste in the recycling bins and store rubbish in and around the estate.
Concerns were raised shortly after he started sleeping in the bike shed which is next to The Weir Link Centre and Nursery.
Despite attempts by the local police and that of the authorities, he remained on the estate angering some residents as well as causing sleepless nights.
Following numerous meetings and discussions amongst Lambeth Council and Lambeth Living as well as a mental health team, an assessment of his mental state has been carried out and Tyrone has now been taken into hospital as so he can potentially get treatment for his illness, much to the delight of those residents living close by.
WERA’s Treasurer, Sue Cranmer, who has also lived with the disturbance caused by the rough sleeper over the past year spoke of her relief and delight that he has now been taken off the estate “Up until yesterday I have been the only resident to log complaints regarding this man. People hear him, but say nothing. His behaviour has been totally unacceptable, when residents like me and their children are being woken up from 4.30am onwards almost every day for the past year it becomes increasingly frustrating, and you lose sympathy with the person and their situation.”
However, Miss Cranmer added “We wish the best for Tyrone, and hope he accepts the help that he needs. I am sure my neighbours will agree at looking forward to a peaceful evening and a restful night!! We are pleased this has finally come to an end. WERA would like to thank Eugenia Anderson from Lambeth Council’s Community Safety Unit, for her hard work to remove Tyrone off the estate and get him the care he needs”
Efforts had been made by Thames Outreach and the local police to encourage Tyrone to go into a hostel but he had refused saying he wanted to be out in the open, however his constant disturbances became too much for some residents. Residents were asked to come forward with information however many failed to respond, despite being affected by his behaviour.
New Door Colour Chosen by Residents in Ballot
Nov 17th
A Ballot for the new door colour choice in four of Weir Estate Blocks has been announced.
Residents in four blocks which are opened fronted were consulted by a ballot on door colour choice and the results show that all four blocks affected have opted for a stained colour door, though residents have been able to select their own design from the four that were available.
The four blocks, Weir which already has the pilot flat complete with the Stained door choice on show, neighbouring blocks West House, Olding House and Quennel House have all chosen to go with the Stained door. All council properties and Leaseholders who choose to have their front door replaced will now get the colour chosen in the ballot by a majority result in the ballot.
Residents had been given a choice of four colours and four designs, Red, Green, Blue and Stained as well as the designs of windows of Diamond, Four Squares, Large square panel and plain. The ballot was implemented to uniform the four blocks in one colour and prevent the estate from looking like a ‘Patch Work Quilt’ on the open blocks.
Those residents living in closed blocks will have free choice of colour and door design.
Works on Weir House are expected to commence later this month and then onto the rest of the estate.
Dates for Window Installations Announced at WERA Meeting
Nov 16th
Residents waiting for their new Windows will not have to wait much longer, as the dates for each block has been announced by contractor, Breyer Group plc, at a recent WERA General Meeting.
With the finishing touches being made to the Pilot Flat at Weir House, the long awaited new windows and doors will arrive and installation will start at Weir House the week commencing 24th November.
Despite late additions to the works, such as repairs to the metal work and wrangling over paint finishes, works are to roll out across the estate giving residents relief from the cold weather though residents will experience some chilly days as the programme of works is not due to finish until early next year.
The dates for the work to each block have been confirmed, residents are asked to bare in mind these are all Week Commencing dates and that there will be a break in December due to the Christmas Holiday:
Weir: November 2009
West: 30th November 2009
Olding: 30th November 2009
Jewell: 7th December 2009
Glanville: 14th December 2009
CHRISTMAS Holiday 18th December 2009
Quennel: 25th January 2010
Dan Bryant’s: 18th January 2010
Many works are still on going and all blocks have been jet washed, despite a very poor attendance by residents at the meeting, Breyer Group officials and Lambeth Living’s Major Works Team gave a full update to the association.
The Pilot Flat, the home of Mr and Mrs Broderick, have had all their windows installed and they have said how delighted they are with them. Two windows in the bathroom and toilet had to be changed in order to make them easier to open. This took place last Tuesday. All Ballot forms for the uniformed door colour choices have been returned and the result for Olding, Quennel, Weir and West will be announced soon.
Appointments for installations will be made by the Breyer Group Resident Liaison Officer, Shuzna Begum in the coming weeks. Residents will be contacted when these are available.
WERA’s Chair who has been working for some time to get the new windows for the estate has spoke of his delight that at the news, “The programme is moving forward and residents can now look forward to finally getting their long overdue new windows and doors. WERA has worked hard with the much appreciated and valued help from our ward councillors to get them and this shows what a residents Association can do.”
The estate has been waiting since the estate was built in 1952 for new windows and doors.
