LOWISS_MYNT-7_Apr2010

The magazine for My North Town residents

ISSUE ONE: Feb 09

News

news

ISSUE SEVEN: MAY/JUNE 2010

www.mynorthtown.net

www.mynorthtown.net

0800 358 0459

0800 358 0459

Managing Phase One – new opportunities and timing

in our last newsletter we announced that we had increased the number of homes in the fi rst phase of the redevelopment by 102 new units – from 55 to 157. This change reduces the time that residents will be in temporary accommodation. we also said we hoped to start Phase 1a in Spring 2010 and Phases 1b and 1c following Spring in 2011.

Now we can announce more details of how we will be managing Phase 1. Firstly, our selection of the contractor is taking a little longer than we planned (more about this on page 8). As a result we now expect that the work will start in the Autumn of this year. However, when we start on Phase 1a we now plan to also bring forward the start of Phase 1c to start at the same time. (An updated plan, including changes to these timings is shown on page 2 and 3).

Our fi rst priorities are to accommodate everyone in the existing community who wants to stay in rented property as a First Wessex resident and to minimise any time spent in interim accommodation. We have now met with all residents in Phases 1a and 1c and we are very near to agreeing all arrangements for both interim and permanent re-housing.

Another piece of good news is that, having met the rehousing commitments in Phase 1a, we are now also able to mix the different types of property available

(ie tenure). This means there will be the opportunity for shared ownership and a few homes to buy outright on the market.

Following discussions with the Homes & Communities Agency (the government agency that provides the funds for the project) we are now including 25 shared ownership and 6 outright sale homes in Phase 1. This is a new opportunity because we had not expected to include these until the later phases. There will be opportunities for shared ownership and outright sales homes for existing residents who want to stay on the estate and change tenure type provided they meet the fi nancial criteria. (More about shared ownership and our sales team on page 5).

We are able to use some of the additional units in Phase 1 like this because the number of people on the existing estate who will be rehoused on the estate is lower than we fi rst expected, due to the number of people who have already moved off or who would prefer to move off in due course.


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new build

(s tar t ing Autumn 2010)

(s tar t ing Autumn 2010)

(s tar t ing Spr ing 2012)

(s tar t ing Spr ing 2013)

(s tar t ing Winter 2013)


Plu s some reta i l un i t s


(s tar t ing Summer 2011)


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Here is an interview with a resident who has recently moved into her temporary accommodation on the estate and is looking forward to her move to her permanent home in My north Town.

19 years ago, after her marriage broke down, Mrs Straw relocated to North

Town and brought up her family on the estate. She has a strong network of friends here and is extremely close to one particular neighbour, Bet.

Originally from Nottingham, Mrs Straw likes it here; “it is handy for the town and accessible for everything”. When she first heard about the regeneration of the area she admits to being apprehensive at first but knows that “at the end of the day it is going to be better and nicer.”

She understands how a lot of older people could be scared of the change but having gone through a big move before, she realizes it will be okay in the long run. One of her neighbours has been here for 40 years and is worried about the move but Mrs Straw wants to reassure her that everything will be fine. ”If people are worried all they have to do is tell First Wessex and ask for help – don’t be frightened to ask about anything.”

”That’s what my friend Bet and I did. We had all our meetings with First Wessex together and knew that if possible we wanted to end up near to each other on the new estate. I can always rely on Bet and she on me. We are very close.

First Wessex was brilliant like that. Bet got her offer of temporary accommodation first and Julie then saw me and asked if it was okay if I was just over the road from Bet for my temporary accommodation. We then chose our permanent accommodation really near to each other. Mine is a two bed maisonnette up near the off-licence with a ground floor garden. Bet will have a house nearby. We are very happy with the fact we can stay together.

I have now moved into my temporary accommodation. I went to view it with Julie beforehand and the bathroom at this time was a bit of a disaster area but Julie told me not to worry and that it would all be done up.

Everything has gone fine and they have done it up quite nice. The kitchen was a different layout to my old one and First Wessex provided me with a new cooker because mine didn’t have that cut off switch that you have to have now. Also I used to put my TV and Hi-fi on the old stone fireplace. Well there isn’t one here and so Julie said I could have a new TV unit stand. I don’t think people realize how helpful First Wessex will be to them. They are very understanding.”

”I call Jacko my little angel.” (Jacko works for First Wessex and is based at North Town as part of the refurbishment team.) ”Jacko and the lads have been brilliant particularly on the day of the move. I can’t fault them. I had rabbits to move and Jacko helped move the cages over for me, he put up a blind and also came back to put up my curtain pole.

Pickfords were the removal company. Although I packed the majority of it myself they did finish the last bits off. They will do it all for you if you want though. There was a small bit of damage to a knob on the wardrobe but I put in a claim for that and it was settled very quickly.

When I moved in the standard of finish was good but there was a grubby light fitting and the taps were not good. Well that was all changed the very next day. All you have to do is go down to where they are situated, tell them the problem and they are very helpful and sort it out for you.

I needed to put my tumble dryer in the airing cupboard and also had to have a new switch for my washing machine. They came and did that and put a new power point in the cupboard for my tumble dryer. Don’t be frightened to ask.

I find talking to First Wessex really easy – if we are not on the phone then Julie and I will text and go through anything to make sure I am happy. I don’t think people realise how much they will help you as long as it is a reasonable request. First Wessex has made this move really painless. I am looking forward to work starting and moving into my new maisonette.”

We will continue to update residents with Mrs Straw’s experiences in further issues of our newsletter. We hope that people are now reassured by Mrs Straw’s own account of her move.

if you would like to discuss any worries – no matter how small you think they are will us – please give our team a call now on 0800 358 0459.

if you have a story you would like to share with us email our editor Judi Ammari and she will contact you to find out more about it. Contact Judi by email: [email protected]

Moving Stories

Jacko with Mrs Straw


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now that there are more opportunities available in Phase One for shared ownership, why not find out if you are eligible by calling our shared ownership team.

For shared ownership homes, the size of the share available to buy is between 25% and 75% of the open market value of the property, although this does depend on individual circumstances.

Potential buyers will be expected to be able to finance the purchase of their share, usually with a mortgage, and pay a rent to First Wessex for the share retained by us. The rent payable on the remaining share is lower than you would normally expect to pay for a privately rented property as the rent is subsidised by a Government grant.

There will usually be a service charge to cover items such as buildings insurance and management and, for flats the cleaning of any communal areas together with costs associated with any future major works such as internal decorating.

As your circumstances change, you may legally purchase further shares in your home, this process is called stair-casing, there is however no obligation on you to buy more shares. When you purchase a further

share the rent you pay reduces accordingly and if you should decide to purchase your home outright in the future, there will not be any rent payable. If the property you purchase is a house you will normally be given the freehold interest. The additional equity you buy will be based on the current market value of your home at that time which will be determined by an independent valuer approved by the Royal Chartered Institute of Surveyors.

is the scheme open to everyone?No. This scheme is intended to help anyone who cannot afford to buy a suitable home in any other way. Applicants will be required to meet a financial affordability check and meet the criteria of the scheme at the time of application. Priority is given to existing housing association residents, local authority residents and keyworkers or in accordance with Government guidelines in place at the time.

For further details about shared ownership please contact the First wessex Shared Ownership Team on 01252 368 745.

Shared ownership explained

Residents in Phase 1AThe First Wessex housing team has now consulted with all residents in Phase 1a about their re-housing requirements. All have now had an offer of temporary (interim) accommodation and those who want to remain on the estate, have also been offered permanent accommodation. Any temporary accommodation is on the basis of an assured shorthold tenancy. When residents move to their permanent accommodation they will return to assured tenancies.

Already our first residents have begun to move to their refurbished temporary accommodation. Residents in Phase 1a are expected to remain in temporary accommodation for a minimum period of 18 months.

The majority have been very happy with the accommodation offered – only a small number are awaiting further alternative offers. We are able to give a maximum of three offers.

Residents who chose to move off the estate have also been awarded an extra 20 points to their housing application. First Wessex have also been able to offer extra help with bidding on the Housing Register by flagging some properties specifically for residents in Phase 1a.


ISSUE ONE: Feb 09

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• Chairperson: Jim white, 28 Alma House Tel: 01252 657 615 or 07890 641 570 email: [email protected]

• Vice-Chairperson: Tania elsby Tel: 07717 172 474 email: [email protected]

• Vice-Chairperson: Allan Ford, 118 Pegasus Avenue Tel: 01252 642 114

• Claire Sandison Tel: 07748 881 736 email: [email protected]

• Sharon Hamill email: [email protected]

• Roey boswell, 22 Denmark Square

• Jenny dewan Tel: 07979 002 593

• Christine Frampton Tel: 01252 657 372 or 07731 962 786

My North Town Residents’ Consultative Group

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lisa Axten 145 denmark Square

Kerry James 16 Pegasus Avenue

leonard Amos 25 eastern Road

we welcome three new members to the group:

Other members of the group include:

denmark Square nos 127–138, 157–168

denmark Street nos 1–11, 13–35, 14–36, 2–12

eastern Road nos 27–49, 51–73

north lane nos 212–236, 238–262

Pegasus Avenue 1–23, 25–59 d

Come and join the team!To ensure we have full representation on the Residents’ Consultative Group across the estate we would really welcome residents who feel they would like to represent their neighbours’ views from the following areas:


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dear fellow residents

i apprehensively volunteered for the My north Town Residents’ Group to represent the residents of Alma House and the affected areas of north Town at the suggestion of my fellow residents of Alma House.

I was born and bred in Aldershot, beginning working at the age of 15. I was eventually called upon for National Service, before and during that time was a keen sportsman, with a passion for

boxing. After leaving the service, I finally settled in a career as a telephone engineer for the General Post Office, where I remained until my retirement.

Over the years, I have been actively involved in local politics, including serving as a local councillor. I have and always will try to defend the rights and needs of our community.

The Residents’ Consultative Group is, as is My North Town, in its infancy but already I feel that we have raised many important issues such as site safety, disabled access and play equipment for the children. All points raised with the relevant people have, I am happy to say, been met with enthusiasm and support.

Where possible, we have endeavoured to ensure that the residents’ needs, choices and views are included in the plans. We are working closely with

First Wessex, and despite my earlier myth of thinking my opinions would be ignored, I am pleased to report that this illusion has been shattered.

At our last residents’ meeting we agreed with First Wessex that we would jointly staff the Housing Surgeries run from the North Town Base, as we are keen to do everything we can to support you in these times of great change. We truly are working as a team for the benefit North Town residents.

As a community group we would still like more block representatives (from the list below). Please contact either myself or any of the other group members who will be happy to give you further information, and would welcome you at the next meeting.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Jim white

Word from the Chair

Citizens Advice at your serviceDid you know that First Wessex works with Citizens Advice Bureau to make sure all tenants can get confidential, specialist advice easily and quickly? (Including a drop in every Wednesday afternoon at North Town Community Base?) We are always looking at new ways to make sure

people can seek help early, because we know how important it is to stop problems getting out of control – especially when it comes to debt and money issues. The longer you leave things the more difficult it can get, so take advantage of the services available – you can phone, email or call in for advice: both bureaux have local rate numbers – Aldershot is 0845 120 3765, and Farnborough 0845 120 3752; both also run evening sessions, and Aldershot is now open Saturday mornings. More information and email advice on www.rushmoorcab.org.uk

My north Town Rehousing SurgeriesThese take place at the north Town base every other Thursday from 4–6pm

For May and June the surgeries will be held on 20 May, 3 June and 17 June.

As well as First Wessex and Rushmoor Borough Council staff being in attendance, it is hoped that a member of the Residents’ Consultative Group will also be there to help put forward concerns you may have.


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For most north Town residents, doorstep selling can be just a bit irritating – but for some people it can feel quite threatening. unscrupulous cold callers are known to target the elderly and vulnerable in our community. These hardened criminals not only take people’s life savings, they can shatter their confidence and steal their independence.

First Wessex are working with the Police and Trading Standards to introduce a new No Cold Calling Zone to the area. Letters explaining about the scheme will be delivered with this news letter along with a leaflet explaining how to beat the bogus caller.

If most residents in the area agree, signs will be put up on lamp posts and stickers handed out for front doors. The Zones cannot prevent doorstep callers, but will deter the worst offenders as they show that residents are aware of potential problems.

Hampshire Trading Standards have found that in No Cold Calling Zones across the county, 83% of residents felt safer and 74% felt more confident when dealing with cold callers.

we are pleased to tell you that six building contractors were successful in being shortlisted; all are british companies who have had experience of large regeneration development projects. They are currently being asked to tender for Phase 1 – the successful contractor will be closely monitored and reviewed before being considered for future phases.

Tenders are currently being submitted by the shortlisted contractors but a lot more work needs to be done to examine how they meet our specifications for sustainability such as reducing fuel costs and insulation requirements.

The final selection process has begun and work will start on site in the Autumn.

The contractor selection has been slightly delayed due to our request for more data regarding sustainability as it is a requirement for all new-build Government-funded schemes to achieve ‘Code for Sustainable Homes’ accreditation. The current standard is a level ‘4’ and the requirement by phase 6 of the scheme will be at a level ‘6’ (carbon neutral) for the homes.

New technologies introduced must be cost effective for our residents in the long-term running costs. We are currently investigating the most economical form with a specialist consultant. As part of the tender process, the shortlisted contractors have been asked to cost several of these technologies and it is this data that is currently being analysed.

First Wessex fully understand residents’ concerns in relation

to a delay but the last thing First Wessex want after all the good work that has taken place, is to get one of the fundamental elements wrong. First Wessex is committed to ‘getting it right’, first time.

Site visits to the proposed contracts existing schemes by First Wessex will also take place. The My North Town Residents Consultative Group will be involved in the final interview process for the contractor.

we can now inform residents that the agreed hours of construction will be:

Monday to Friday 0800-1800Saturday 0800-1300Sunday no construction work

The successful contractor will be expected to provide local employment opportunities, through labour, supply, and apprenticeship schemes.

Appointment of Building Contractor

New ‘No Cold Calling Zone’


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in addition to this initiative, posters have now been put up in all the blocks, warning bogus Callers not to try and access properties within the estate. The poster states clearly that all authorized contractors are required to show id, and if in doubt, residents should call the My north Town freephone number to verify the id presented. we encourage residents to report any unauthorized callers directly to the police on 0845 045 45 45.

if in doubt, keep them out!

Reporting Anti-Social behaviourWe are pleased to report that following a recent North Town Partnership meeting, it was highlighted that incidents of anti-social behaviour have decreased as a result of the installation of the new games equipment at Ivy Fields.

This is very good news. However, First Wessex and the community police team are keeping anti-social behaviour at the top of their priority list and want residents to remain vigilant and report incidents of anti-social behaviour. You can do this by calling the following numbers:

Telephone 101 – to report low level issues like noise problems, parking issues or very low level anti-social behaviour issues.

Telephone 0845 045 4545 – to report issues that may not require police attendance and can be dealt with over a period of time. This number can also be used to report Bogus Callers or suspicious people.

Telephone 999 – to be used only in an emergency where an offence has or is taking place and the offender is still in the location.

Your local beat team for your area are: PC20731 Wright, PCSO 14489 Collins, PC22348 McCoy and PCSO13463 Walker

You can also report incidents of anti-social behaviour to the First Wessex housing team on 0800 0191 470 if you think it involves a resident of First Wessex.

did you know that your tenancy could be at risk if you are found to be committing anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour is any aggressive, intimidating or destructive activity that damages or destroys another person’s quality of life.

First Wessex takes reports of anti-social behaviour very seriously and will take the relevant action required against the tenancy of the person causing the problem

should they deem it necessary, this could include being served with a notice of seeking possession or by gaining legal orders through the courts.

As the tenant it is your responsibility to ensure that visitors to your property behave within the guidelines of the tenancy. This is also applicable for any member of your household including children and lodgers and animals living in your home.

To ensure that this does not happen to you please read through your tenancy agreement and ensure you understand the terms of the agreement. If you are unsure about the detail please do not hesitate to contact James devonshire neighbourhood Manager for the North Town Ward on 01252 368747 or email [email protected] alternatively you can contact First Wessex customer consultants on 0800 0191 470.

Beware of Bogus Callers


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Here we provide answers to the questions residents have recently asked us. we hope this helps in addressing any concerns you have. Please call our enquiry line for any further information you need.

1. Can we stay in our temporary home longer to ensure we get our preferred property in a later phase?

If your choice of accommodation is not available in the new build phase you are expected to move to then you can remain in your temporary accommodation until the next phase is built. However, this does depend where your temporary accommodation is located and may involve a second move to temporary accommodation in this instance.

2. When will the playground be relocated?

We have always said that the existing playground will be moved to another location on the estate once the ground works and landscaping have been completed. The original idea was to store play equipment on site for as little time as possible before installing it in its new position. We obviously want to limit the amount of time that the playground is out of action and we are currently speaking to the architects to establish the best way forward.

3. Will residents in Phase 6 be moved to properties in Phase 6?

We hope, within four to five years of starting the development that we will have re-housed all residents wanting to remain on the estate. The Phase 6 area indicated on the map is the Stage 2 planning application for the additional homes on the development. Therefore, residents currently living in Pegasus Avenue and a small part of Denmark Square will be rehoused in Phase 4 new build properties or properties in earlier phases should there be vacancies of the type of accommodation that residents want.

4. Will residents definitely have a garden?

All houses, ground floor maisonettes and bungalows will have a private garden. Some ground floor flats may have gardens where possible, but this will be subject to later confirmation and further discussion with the residents of those properties. If we need to, priorities will be based on the age of children or the length of tenancy and whether you currently have a garden you would like to retain.

Answers to your frequently asked questions


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5. Will support be given to arrange redirection of mail, setting up Cable or Sky, gas and electricity supply?

Yes the disturbance allowance covers the cost of these items including the cost of curtains or carpet where existing furnishings will not fi t the new property. Residents will be asked to retain any necessary receipts for purchases of new curtains if required as we will need these as proof of purchase in order to process your claim. First Wessex will pay the suppliers on your behalf for the following:• Carpets

• Removalcosts

• Disconnectionandreconnectionsofappliances

If you require any assistance with the actual phone calls or administration of changing addresses then please speak to us at the time of your move.

6. How will homeloss payments be made to residents who don’t have a bank account?

Payments can be made into a post offi ce account or at your authorization, to a family member who does have a bank account. Please speak to us at the time of your move if you are going to have any diffi culties in receiving the homeloss monies. Please note that the homeloss payment will be minus any rent arrears or recharges for rubbish left when vacating your property.

7. Will there be provision for the external storage of mobility scooters?

Properties with a garden will have sheds provided which will allow for the storage of both mobility scooters and bicycles externally. All fl ats are served by lifts which are large enough to take scooters. An internal space is provided adjacent to the front door of each fl at which is suitable for parking a mobility scooter, bicycle or wheelchair.

8. Will washing line/drying areas be provided?

Communal drying areas are not normally used elsewhere in new developments because they incur costs such as surfacing, lighting etc which would have to be added to service charges. Therefore these will not be provided. There are balconies and overhead rails above baths. All houses and maisonettes with gardens will be provided with a suitable drying area in the back garden.

9. Will there be enough power points in the new properties?

All properties will have adequate power points in each room and comply with all modern government housing standards. The design will also be mindful of people with mobility issues and the power points will be installed in locations and at heights that are accessible for all residents. We will also provide points for broadband and cable options.

10. When you offer the permanent properties to residents will they be able to choose their own kitchen units, tiles and fl ooring?

Yes you will be able to make a choice from the selected range. For example it will typically include oak or beech fi nish kitchen units appealing to most tastes. There will also be choice of colour for fl ooring but from a specifi c non-slip range in order to comply with safety requirements.

11. Will there be an option for residents to choose coloured tile inserts in bathrooms?

Tiles to the kitchen and bathroom will be white, as will the bathroom suite. However residents will be offered a choice of coloured tile inserts if they wish.

12. I see that you are replacing kitchens and bathrooms and also some boilers in the temporary accommodation. What will happen to these once the properties are eventually demolished?

We will recycle all boilers and boiler parts if possible. Some of the older boilers are also being stripped for spare parts. The kitchens can also be used.

www.mynorthtown.net

www.mynorthtown.net

0800 358 0459

0800 358 0459


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MondaysClothing Exchange Tel: 01252 518 136

North Town Job Club Gill White 07765 283 087 10am to 12 Noon (Term Time) 12 Noon to 2pm

TuesdaysNorth Town Job Club Gill White: 07765 283 087

Rushmoor Healthy Living Weekly Walks Christine Pieters: 01252 362 660

Maple View Children’s Centre Smoking Cessation Mandy Prentice: 01252 316 963

Scrapbook Group 9.30am to 12 noon 12noon to 1pm 2pm to 5pm 7pm to 9pm

WednesdaysOver 50s’ Club

Citizens Advice Bureau – Debt Advice Carol Pearce

Rushmoor Healthy Living Energy Efficiency Advice And Health Trainers Tom Moore & Derek Kirkup: 01252 362 660

Cheeky Monkeys Youth & Play Session Sessions For 5–13 year olds Rachel Martin: 07909 547 767 10am to 12.30pm 1pm to 3.30pm 1pm to 3.30pm 4pm to 8pm

ThursdaysConnexions Service Service For 13–9 year olds: 01252 324 037

Reach Out Employment Project Hannah Phillips: 07714 064 774 Gill White: 07765 283 087

First Wessex Surgeries James Devonshire or Claire Gleed: 01252 368747

My North Town Rehousing Surgeries Julie Ruffle: 0125 236 8615 Every 2 weeks Thurs 20th May 2010 – 4pm to 6pm Thurs 3rd June 2010 – 4pm to 6pm Thurs 17th June 2010 – 4pm to 6pm

FridaysMaple View Children’s Centre Mandy Prentice 01252 316 963 9am to 5pm

north Town Community base Calendar of Services

north Town Community base 232 north lane Aldershot Hants Gu12 4TH Tel: 01252 314 437


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with the progress of the new development our thoughts have turned to the subject of new street and court names.

A name change for a street or a new court is very much a process where the community can get involved. It is important that you have your say in this as it can be very sensitive. A lot of people already like the names in existence but some residents think that a change of name will be good. For instance the residents of Alma House want to retain the name Alma in their new sheltered housing block.

With this in mind, we will be asking residents who are directly affected for their valued input into the process. It is very important that the people who are going to live in a road or court have their chance to suggest or consider any new name proposal.

We are at the moment consulting Rushmoor Borough Council as to what other street names can or can’t be changed.

We are also in contact with a local historian to understand the heritage of the area so that the names could refl ect a little of the past as well as look forwards towards the future.

In the late summer we will invite directly affected residents in the early phases or the redevelopment

to attend an event to gather your views – what you want to retain, what you don’t like and your suggestions. The Residents’ Consultative Group will be working in partnership with us to make this a successful community involvement process.

we need your community ideasTo help with all the changes that will take place over the next few years, First Wessex recognises the importance of maintaining the good community spirit in North Town and keeping the community together.

To further this aim we would like to encourage you to submit your own ideas for community activities during the life of the construction programme. One suggestion has been for the community to organise street parties for each naming ceremony of the new courts. Another idea is to arrange for Christmas activities or have a summer carnival.

Your own ideas/suggestions are needed. Please write down your ideas and put them in an envelope marked ‘Community Events’ and post it through the letter box at the North Town Base. Or visit the website: www.mynorthtown.net where there is a comments box on the home page for you to email your suggestions to the team at First Wessex.

Street Naming


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The Job Club will meet every Tuesday morning at the north Town base north lane, between 10–12.

benefits of coming to the Job Club:• Freeinternetuse

• Uptodatedetailsofjobsinthearea

• Jobhuntingguidance–helpwithsearchingandapplying for jobs

• CVclinic

• Helpwithletterwriting

• Tipsoninterviewtechniquesandplanningfor an interview

The Job Club aims to help people at all stages of their job search – from preparing a CV and filling in application forms through to interview techniques.

The Job Club is a friendly place to meet, chat and have a coffee with people who can help and support you.

For more information contact Gill white at M b learning on 07765 283 087

Come and give it a try; the kettle is on!

North Town New Job Club

Contact Your Local Councillors

Residents with queries on My North Town can also contact their ward councilors:

Cllr Sue dibble Tel 01252 329 831 email: [email protected]

Cllr Frank Rust Tel 01252 314 376 email: [email protected]

Cllr Keith dibble Tel 01252 329 831 email: [email protected]


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To sign up for this service please pick up a leafl et from the North Town Base or contact us via the website www.mynorthtown.net and give your details and permission for us to send you a message. If you have any queries regarding this please contact Matt Smith.

My North Town updates – direct to your mobile

Matt SmithCommunity Regeneration Manager Tel: 01252 368 735

Some residents have asked us to clarify the difference between these payments and what is covered. For residents moving to temporary accommodation and then onto permanent accommodation, they may have to make more than one claim for disturbance payments.

Homeloss paymentThis is currently a payment of £4,700 which is paid to residents moving to PeRMAnenT accommodation either on or off of the estate. The amount is set by the government under the Land Compensation Act 1973 and is reviewed yearly. First Wessex can deduct from this payment any monies owed to us by residents, for example rent arrears, re-charges, court costs and the cost of removing rubbish and goods left in your existing property when you move out. The payment is made by cheque usually within 21 working days of you handing the keys back to your existing property.

disturbance paymentsThis is not a set amount of money paid to residents, but is the amount of money each individuals move will cost. The items that can be claimed by residents are:

• Removalandstoragecosts(storage costs only applicable to residents having to move to temporary accommodation for the period they are occupying temporary accommodation)

• Newcurtains(where your existing ones cannot be re-used)

• Carpets(where your existing ones cannot be lifted and re-laid)

• Disconnectionsandreconnections of appliances

• Disconnectionandreconnection of telephone lines/broadband/sky etc.

• Re-directionofpost(for up to 12 months)

• Newschooluniform–wherea move off the estate means that your children have to change schools

• Fittingorre-fittingofexistingornew adaptations as required by the resident to temporary or permanent accommodation (with the prior approval of an Occupational Therapist)

• Re-fittingoffixturessuchasshelves, curtain poles etc. as part of the move if you are not able to carry out these tasks yourself because of a mobility or other medical issue.

The above lists are examples of the type of expenses you can claim for and is not exhaustive. First Wessex may consider other types of claims if the cost incurred is a direct result of your move.

Please note that the disturbance payment is in AddiTiOn to the Homeloss payment, we do not deduct disturbance payment from the Homeloss payment.

It is very important that you retain any receipts or bills for purchases you make if you wish to claim for these under the disturbance allowance. We will make a cheque payment to you for these items once you have moved. All claims must be made within six months of your move to either temporary or permanent accommodation.

Focus on Homeloss and Disturbance Payments

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www.mynorthtown.net

www.mynorthtown.net

0800 358 0459

0800 358 0459

OYS 3302 / 05_10

If you would like this information translated into any other language or made available in large print, Braille or audio format please contact our Enquiry Line:

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