December 19 2008

Makeover for van fleet

A Doncaster housing organisation has taken delivery of 108 new vans to give part of its fleet a makeover – and it means a more efficient repairs service for council tenants.

St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation that manages just over 21,000  properties for Doncaster Council – has replaced older vehicles with leased silver Ford vans.  The remainder of the 152 fleet of vans will be replaced over the next four years.  The move is good news for tenants and St Leger Homes staff. The new vans are also advertising a range of St Leger Homes’ services.

Paul Lightfoot, Assistant Director at St Leger Homes, said: “The vans are good news for our tenants because it means we can carry more stock, meaning fewer visits to our stores to collect items. We can now attend more appointments each day to carry out more repairs, meaning repairs will be carried out quickly and efficiently.  Because of the hand held computers that our operatives have, appointments are sent to them while they are at a location, leading to less travelling between jobs, saving fuel and reducing costs. The vans are also limited to 62 mph – which reduces fuel consumption and saves money.

“We have also consulted and worked with our staff to get their preferences on makes and types of vehicles. We will be fitting a number of the vans with purpose built racking to make operatives working lives easier. The racking transforms the inside of vehicles and means equipment is stored on the van much better.

The vans are part of the company’s repairs service. With the support of Doncaster Council, St Leger Homes offers a free 24 hours-a-day helpline service for tenants on 0808 126 3123.

 

December 18 2008

Young apprentices of the year honoured

A young plumber has scooped the prestigious title of St Leger Homes overall Apprentice of the Year and is also in the running for the title of best regional apprentice.

Alan Potterton (25) received a shield and trophy for his work at St Leger Homes – the organisation responsible for managing just over 21,000 homes for Doncaster Council.  But he has also been shortlisted to the last 12 in the Best Apprentice in the JTL Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Awards.

His manager, Mark Brown, said: “Alan has a good outlook on life and a very positive attitude. His time keeping is impeccable, he always completes tasks set within timescales and never complains. If there is a problem he relishes the challenge and enjoys finding solutions. He is an asset and ambassador to St Leger Homes.”

Alan will find out if he is successful in the Yorkshire and Humberside awards on November 26.

A further two apprentice plumbers also clinched St Leger Homes awards.  Alex Dove (19)  won first year Apprentice of the Year and Ryan White (19) received second year Apprentice of the Year awards.

Paul Lightfoot, assistant director at St Leger Homes, said: “We have some great apprentices and it was really hard to judge who should win. The three lads who won trophies are outstanding apprentices and I want to congratulate them on this fantastic achievement.”

 

December 16 2008

Our tenants are being asked for their views on a number of proposed changes on how council homes are allocated.

Everyone on Doncaster Council’s housing waiting list will soon be receiving a special newsletter from St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation that manages just over 21,000  properties for Doncaster Council.

Doncaster HomeChoice was launched last November and is the way to rent council homes. It means that people on the council waiting list apply to be considered for a home of their choice rather than wait for an offer to be made to them. They simply get in touch with St Leger Homes to express an interest in the homes they are interested in moving to.

Now, the policy is being reviewed to see what ‘tweaks’ need to be made to improve the way it works. Many of the suggested changes have come from customers and staff.

Janet Clarke, assistant director at St Leger Homes, who oversees Doncaster HomeChoice, said: “Now Doncaster HomeChoice has been running for a while it’s time to review the policy and see if any changes need to be made.  Suggestions include allowing families with one child to be allocated a three bedroom home, because there aren’t many two bedroom family council homes in Doncaster and considering applications from people in the armed forces 14 weeks before their discharge –rather than six like now.

“But we now want your comments on these proposed changes,” she added. “Our customers are our number one priority and we want your thoughts and feedback on the suggested changes to allow us to improve the way the system works.”

If you are on the council house waiting list and do not receive a newsletter by October 27– please ring 01302 862628.  Alternatively, you can view it on the Doncaster HomeChoice website http://www.doncasterhomechoice.co.uk/ or the St Leger Homes website http://www.stlegerhomes.co.uk/  under Doncaster Homechoice. 

Would-be tenants can comment on the recommendations by ringing the number above, by emailingor by writing to the HomeChoice Officer, St Leger Court, White Rose Way, Doncaster, DN4 5ND.  Comments need to be received by November 5.

 

December 11 2008

Going green

Tenants of St. Leger Homes are going green, thanks to a number of energy saving initiatives.

St. Leger Homes of Doncaster is supplying all new tenants with six free energy efficient light bulbs when they move into their new home.

The bulbs help tenants to save money and help the environment and show a dramatic effect on electricity bills. If the bulbs are fitted to the 1600 homes that are re-let each year, the combined savings in electricity for tenants is up to £96,000  - or up to £10 per light and around £60 per home.

And if the newly let home doesn’t already have a smoke alarm, it will be fitted with up to two each containing a ten year battery.

Andy Rowe, business manager at St. Leger Homes, said: “It is great news for our new tenants. Not only are they moving into a new home but they have the reassurance that they are saving money and being environmentally friendly.  We’re also fitting smoke alarms that could save lives.”

St. Leger Homes is also working with Yorkshire Water to install water saving devices in toilet cisterns free of charge to tenants.  These are fitted to homes that do not already have low use water cisterns.  One water device fitted to a nine litre plus toilet saves one litre per flush. On average a toilet is flushed 5000 times per year, saving 5000 litres of water per household.

 

December 5 2008

Training on offer to tenants

A range of free courses are available to Doncaster council tenants to enhance their skills.

The courses, organised by St Leger Homes of Doncaster  include personal finance planning, internet skills, fundraising, confidence building and assertiveness and basic ICT.

The sessions are run at either the Salvation Army Hall, Lakeside, or in the Carr House Centre, Danum Road, Doncaster, and run from 9.15am till 3pm.

Lynne Harrison, Community Liaison Officer at St Leger Homes, said: “For any of our tenants wanting to learn extra skills these courses are great.   We also run the courses around school times so parents can still take and collect their children from school as well as attend the training.”

For more details please contact St Leger Homes’ Community Liaison Team on 01302 862292 or email community.liaison@stlegerhomes.co.uk

 

November 12 2008

Staff at St. Leger Homes glammed up to raise £450 for the charity Cancer Research UK.

Every penny of the money raised, through donations, a raffle and a guess the sweets in a box competition, was donated to the cancer charity, to help mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

One of the organisers, Janet Gledhill, a team leader at St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: “Usually when we raise money for charity we have a dress down day and make a donation for not wearing our usual work clothes. We decided we should glam up instead.  It was good fun and at the end of the day we raised a fantastic amount for such a good cause.”

John Young, St Leger Homes’ Chairman of the Board, said: “On behalf of the Board I want to congratulate everyone involved in the event.  The staff raised a fantastic amount for such a worthwhile cause.”

 

November 10 2008

Tenants and residents give cash boost to charity

Big hearted Doncaster Council tenants and residents have raised a huge £1,307 to help a Mexborough mum hit her target for a Yorkshire hospital.

Tenants of St Leger Homes of Doncaster and residents took part in a coffee morning recently to get the cash rolling in, which has now been handed over to Cheryl Robinson who will present the money to Leeds General Infirmary.

Cheryl and her best friend Nicky Simpkins, who works at St Leger Homes, decided to raise £2,000 to say thank you to the hospital after the birth of baby Max last year. Max was diagnosed with critical pulmonary stenosis and has a hole in one of his heart ducts and a heart murmur.  He was rushed to the Leeds hospital where they carried out a life-saving operation.

Cheryl, together with family and friends, and with the money from Doncaster tenants and residents, have exceeded their target by raising £2,405.

Cheryl said: “A big thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of Max, all the family and the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund at Leeds General Infirmary. We are overwhelmed with the response we have had.”

Lyn Ralph, Chair of the Doncaster Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations and vice chair of St Leger Homes Board, said: “Doncaster tenants and residents did a brilliant job of raising cash for such a worthwhile cause. The amount raised exceeds all expectations. Well done everyone!”

Cheryl added: “It is fantastic what all of these Doncaster people have done. I can’t wait to hand over the money to Leeds General Infirmary – the cash will help so many other young patients.”

 

November 2 2008

Back to the floor

A Doncaster director has gone ‘back to the floor’ to help mark Customer Services Week.

Judith Jones, Director of Customer Services at St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation that manages just over 21,000 properties for Doncaster Council - visited the Doncaster Homechoice team who are responsible for managing Doncaster Council’s housing waiting list and allocating council homes.

Judith, and her fellow directors, will continue to go ‘back to the floor’ to find out what issues are important to Doncaster council tenants and to take comments and ideas from staff on how to enhance services.

Judith worked all morning in the Doncaster Homechoice team and said: “It was very interesting experiencing the work of the team at first hand. It is a very high pressured job with everyone working very hard to help our potential tenants.”

 

October 28 2008

Doncaster Young Tenants Action Group

Are you aged 16-30 and live in a council house? If so, St Leger Homes wants to hear from you.

The Doncaster Young Tenants’ Action Group – also known as DYTAG – is looking for new members who want to have a say and help influence how St Leger Homes delivers services.

Nyssa Hird, St Leger Homes’ diversity officer, said: “We are keen to hear the views of Young People because they can play an important role in helping us shape our services.”.

St Leger Homes supports attendance by paying travel expenses, provides free refreshments and crèche facilities if required.”

DYTAG has also recently launched it’s own webpage which can be visited at  www.doncaster-fed.org.uk/dytag.html.

For more information ring Nyssa on 01302 862624.

 

October 20 2008

Helping Baby Max

A Mexborough mum-of-three and her best friend are trying to raise £2,000 to say a huge thank you to Leeds General Infirmary.

St Leger Homes’ tenant Cheryl Robinson (32), gave birth to baby Max last year but the day after the happy arrival he was diagnosed with critical pulmonary stenosis. He also has a hole in one of his heart ducts and a heart murmur.

He was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary, where they operated the next day.

Today Max, who recently celebrated his first birthday, still undergoes regular check-ups at Leeds hospital and Doncaster Royal Infirmary, but is full of life.

Now to say thanks to Leeds General Infirmary, Cheryl, of Hawthorne Cresent, Mexborough, and her best friend Nicky Simpkins, who works for St Leger Homes of Doncaster, together with family and friends are working hard to raise the money. 

Cheryl, also mum to seven-year-old Morgan and Finlay (2), said: “We’re fundraising for Leeds hospital’s Children’s Heart Surgery Fund which provides money for equipment, resources and research for the treatment of children with heart defects. It also provides a happy and relaxed atmosphere within the hospital for both the children and their families.

“Staff at the hospital are fantastic and have been brilliant with Max,” she added.

Nicky, Cheryl’s best friend since school days, said: “We’ve done a lot of fundraising which has included a sponsored run, the local nursery did a sponsored walk, Cheryl’s partner Gareth organised a charity football night and when Max celebrated his birthday, guests were asked to donate cash rather than buy gifts.”

So far around £1,250 has been raised and Nicky and Cheryl are looking for more ways to get the cash rolling in to reach their target.

Anyone who would like to make a donation should ring Cheryl on 07894 403280.

 

October 14 2008

Charity

A Doncaster community liaison officer has put his best foot forward in the Great North Run to raise nearly £1000 for charity.

Karl Chapman, of Rossington, who works for St Leger Homes of Doncaster,  ran the 13-mile course around Newcastle on Sunday (Oct 5) and the cash raised will go to the Make A Wish Foundation.

Make A Wish grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses. Founded in 1986, the charity has granted more than 5000 wishes.  At any time in the UK more than 20,000 children are living with life threatening conditions and the charity’s aim is to grant 21 wishes a week by the year 2010.

Karl said: “This is a charity that provides some much needed joy and relief to families and children going through the hardest of times. It was a tough run and has left me with a few injuries, but it was well worth the pain to raise so much money for such a good cause.”

 

October 9 2008

Cheers! New council tenants are receiving a welcome pack to help greet them to their home.

All tenants moving into a home managed by St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation that manages over 21,000 properties for Doncaster Council – receive a box of useful household items which includes mugs, tea, coffee, sugar, a washing up bowl, loo rolls, window cleaning spray and other cleaning products.

New tenant Muriel Newton, who recently moved into a bungalow at Scawthorpe, said: “I am thrilled to bits with my new home and my welcome pack. It was really nice. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. It came in very handy.”

Andy Rowe, of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, added: “Our tenants are our number one priority and we want to greet them to their new home. We hope our new customers find their welcome packs useful.”

 

September 14 2008

St Leger Homes launches money advice website

St Leger Homes of Doncaster has just launched SLHD Moneywise, which provides information and help in a range of financial areas including benefits, how to budget, how to choose the cheapest energy supplier and what to do when money problems occur.
 
The website can be visited at www.slhdmoneywise.co.uk<http://www.slhdmoneywise.co.uk/>

Judith Jones, Customer Services Director at St Leger Homes, said: “Tenants who want help to manage their money will find this website invaluable. A lot of advice is available at the touch of a button and tenants without computers, can access this information on computers at their local library.
 
“The website is packed full of easy to understand information about a wide range of important issues,” she added. “We’ve worked with customers to find out what matters most to them.”
 
Information from the website will regularly feature in future editions of ‘HouseProud’ – the bi-monthly magazine for St Leger Homes’ customers.

 

August 28 2008

Interim Chief Exectutive appointed

St Leger Homes of Doncaster Ltd has today announced the appointment of Colin Mayhead as Interim Chief Executive.

Colin brings a wealth of housing management experience having served as Interim Managing Director of Ealing Homes, Chief Executive of New Prospect Housing, interim Head of Housing Service at the London Borough of Merton and Interim Executive Director of Housing at Harlow Council.  He has also held senior positions at the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest, Camden and Lambeth.

He will commence his duties on September 3rd until which time Judith Jones will continue as Acting Chief Executive.

Colin said: “I look forward to joining St Leger Homes and building on its strong foundations. My priority will be to work closely with the Council and the St Leger Homes Board to deliver the Decent Homes work for Doncaster’s tenants. I also look forward to meeting staff  from all areas of St Leger Homes.”

Welcoming the appointment, St Leger Homes Acting Chief Executive Judith Jones said: “We look forward to welcoming Colin to St Leger Homes. Colin’s wide experience will help us continue in our mission to provide quality homes in quality neighbourhoods in Doncaster.”

 

August 15 2008

MBE for Mahroof

Doncaster Diversity Manager, Mahroof Hussain has collected his MBE from Buckingham Palace.

Mahroof (40), of Rotherham, who works at St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation that manages just over 21,000 properties for Doncaster Council – received the accolade in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours.

Also a Rotherham Borough Councillor, Mahroof (pictured) was given the award for services to local government.

On collecting the MBE from Prince Charles, Mahroof said: “It is a great honour and privilege to receive this award.”

 

August 13 2008

Top marks for Balby Carr pupils
 
A Doncaster pupil will see her work displayed in a housing company’s offices throughout the Borough after winning a design competition.
 
Emily Craig, a pupil at Balby Carr Community College, who received £30 of vouchers, will see her art work reproduced and used in a St Leger Homes of Doncaster poster campaign which is aimed at Discovering the Spirit of the Borough and communities living in harmony.
 
Two runners-up Sadie Parish and Courtney Bowes each received £15 of vouchers.
 
St Leger Homes worked with year eight pupils at the school as part of their citizenship lessons where they discussed a wide range of issues including hate crime.  Hate crime is when a crime is committed against a person or their property because of either race, religion, gender or disability.
 
Julie Jablonski, of St Leger Homes, said: “We were only too happy to work with the school and the pupils because we work in the Balby community. The young people did a fantastic job and my colleague Mahroof Hussain had a really tough job of picking the winners.”
 
St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation that manages just over 21,000 homes for Doncaster Council -  is part of the Safer Doncaster Partnership, a statutory body also made up of representatives from the council, police, health authority and other agencies – who all work together to reduce crime and disorder in the borough.

 

August 1 2008

Boost for arts and craft sessions

Stainforth tenants and residents who attend a local arts and crafts class have received a £150 boost, thanks to St Leger Homes of Doncaster.

Members of the Polton Close Tenants and Residents Association (TARA) successfully applied for the money for the class they run – now the cash will be used to buy materials.

St Leger Homes of Doncaster is the organisation that manages just over 21,000 properties for Doncaster Council.

Mary Nesbitt, secretary of the TARA, said: “It’s a great class. Tenants and residents come along and as well as learning arts and crafts skills they have a chance to chat to each other. It’s a great community event. We are really grateful for the donation.”

Martin Musgrave, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: “We are only too happy to sponsor this project. We firmly believe in investing in the communities we serve.”

 

July 27 2008

Invited to help your community

Doncaster tenants are being invited to have a say in shaping their communities by become more involved in the company that runs the Borough’s council homes.

St Leger Homes of Doncaster wants tenants to consider applying to be board members to help the company continue going from strength to strength.

St Leger Homes is looking to recruit tenant and independent board members to have a say on how services are provided in their neighbourhood. The vacancies have arisen because some board members have served their term of office.

Board members help to make sure the company provides the services the customers want.

Martin Musgrave, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes, said: “Tenants and Independent members sitting on the board play a huge part in making this company a success. Tenant representatives are vital because they can tell us what services customers want. Being involved will also help your community and it can also be a fantastic way to develop your skills and meet new people.”

Travel expenses are paid to board members.  For more information or an informal discussion please contact Linda Milan, the Company Secretary, on 01302 862703.

 

July 23 2008

Doncaster tenants reap benefits

Tenants of St Leger Homes of Doncaster have reaped benefits after completing a questionnaire to help shape and improve St Leger Homes’ services.
 
St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation that manages just over 21,000 properties for Doncaster Council – is working in partnership with Doncaster Council’s Housing Benefits section to carry out this initiative.

So far 12,000 questionnaires have been completed and the work has identified almost 1,000 tenants who may be eligible for housing benefits – but for one reason or another they weren’t claiming it.

As a result some of these tenants have claimed nearly £50,000 a year in housing benefit plus backdated awards totalling more than £22,000. Ten of these tenants have been awarded housing benefit of over £50 per week. Some tenants have also been awarded Council Tax Benefit totalling nearly £11,500 and other benefits such as Income Support.
 
Martin Musgrave, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes, said: “We want to help our tenants as much as possible. For example, the survey will highlight if a tenant has a physical disability, so when a member of staff or workman visits their home they know it will take longer for the tenant to answer the door. It also makes us aware of tenants who need our newsletter in large print or in audio format, so we can let them know the latest news and information.
 
“The questionnaire has also given us a good understanding of the different language needs of our tenants,” he added. “Besides this, these questionnaires are also helping us to advise our tenants on the benefits they are entitled to.”

 

July 21 2008

Panto fun on the way

Oh no it isn’t……oh yes it is!

Panto fun will soon be on the way to around 150 children who attend Highfields Primary School, thanks to St Leger Homes of Doncaster.

The school’s local tenants and residents association (TARA), the Highfields TARA applied to St Leger Homes for a £600 grant and has just discovered it has been successful.

The money will pay for the youngsters’ tickets to watch the panto Beauty and the Beast, to be staged at the Dearne Playhouse Community Theatre in Goldthorpe, Barnsley.

Anne Pawson, chairman of the TARA, said: “The children haven’t been to a theatre with school for a number of years – it’s something we wanted to do for them and thanks to St Leger Homes we can now do this.”

Martin Musgrave, chief executive of St Leger Homes, said: “It’s a pleasure to make this donation to the TARA who want to treat the young people in the Highfields area.  This again shows our commitment to the communities we serve.”

 

July 16 2008

GOOD NEWS FOR MEXBOROUGH TENANTS

Over 300 local council homes will soon be seeing the benefits of a new central heating system as gas mains are laid in Mexborough.

St. Leger Homes and construction partner, Henry Boot Construction, have started Decent Homes works in the area and part of this work is to introduce gas central heating to council properties.

Over 500 homes will be going through decent homes works but 318 of these properties do not have a gas supply. Homes in the area are currently using solid fuel or electric as a source of heating which is less energy efficient.  Gas would enable the user to regulate their central heating to their desired temperature as well as being greener and more energy efficient.

Martin Musgrave, Chief Executive of St. Leger Homes said: “It is great news for Mexborough tenants. We are dedicated to improving council properties. Last year more than 10,000 homes had some work carried out.”

This year over £54 million is being spent on the Decent Homes Programme to ensure all properties meet the government’s Decent Homes standard.  In addition to gas central heating, these properties could also be receiving a new kitchen, bathroom, a rewire, new windows and doors as part of the decent homes improvements.

Simon Carr, Director of Henry Boot Construction said: “As part of our continued commitment we are very pleased to be the contractors chosen to deliver both the gas supply and the Decent Homes work to the residents of Mexborough. I am sure the residents will soon appreciate the benefits of gas central heating in their newly improved homes.”

"Tenants are reminded to ask for identification when approached by St. Leger Homes and our partners. All operatives carry identification and when any tenant is approached, they should always ask to see their details."

 Homes on Maple Road, Highfields, Sycamore Road, Oak Road, Beech Road, Highwoods Crescent, Manvers Road and Walnut Grove will be receiving gas works.

 

June 22 2008

CANADIAN MAYOR ON FACT FINDING MISSION TO DONCASTER

A Canadian Mayor has been on a fact-finding mission to Doncaster, to see how the Borough provides services for council tenants.

Larry O’Connor, Mayor of the large township of Brock, Ontario, visited St Leger Homes of Doncaster to see how the company runs the borough’s council homes.

Larry, who made the visit during a holiday in the UK, is also Chairman of one of the biggest housing providers in Canada and a Director of the Social Housing Services Corporation.

Martin Musgrave, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation that manages just over 21,000 council homes for Doncaster Council – who previously worked in Canada, said: “Larry wanted to see how we provide services to tenants. He was delighted at the work we do. He was gushing about our staff and thinks we provide a really high class service to tenants.

“We took him around Doncaster to meet tenants face-to-face, so he could hear about the work we do. He was impressed with the Decent Homes work – a multi-million pound council house refurbishment programme that will improve many tenants’ quality of life.”

Larry added: “I’ve enjoyed my trip to Doncaster. Everyone made me feel really welcome. It was great speaking to the tenants. I’m taking home a huge amount of information, including on the Decent Homes programme. I learned a lot on the visit and hope to present some of the ideas used in Doncaster to our Board for consideration.”

 

June 8 2008

TENANTS CLINCH PRIZE

Two Doncaster tenants are celebrating after winning a St. Leger Homes’ prize draw.

Louise and David Glaister, from Edlington, received £100 of Argos vouchers after filling in a Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ) following improvements works to their home.

Anglian, one of St Leger Homes’ construction partners, fitted new windows and doors through the Decent Homes Programme, which is transforming council homes throughout the borough with one of the biggest programmes of housing investments in Doncaster’s history.

Louise and David were the lucky ones out of hundreds who had also filled in the questionnaire, which gives tenants the opportunity to comment on the work they have had.

Their property received 10 windows and two new doors as part of the Decent Homes works and they have already made a real difference to the family home.  

“The old windows created a terrible draft in our front room and we could hear the traffic going up and down the street,” said David. “Now our home is much warmer and it is lovely and quiet. We are thrilled to have won the money which we decided to spend on our kids.”

Martin Musgrave,  Chief Executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: “Congratulations to Louise and David on their winnings. It is great to hear that the couple are happy with their new windows and doors. We encourage tenants to fill in questionnaires at the end of the Decent Homes work because we want to hear what they think about the work we have carried out.”

Between  September 2007 and April 2008, £11 million was invested in more than 7,000 council homes providing double-glazed windows and secure doors.

Through the Doncaster Decent Homes Standard, all homes must have UPVC double-glazed windows and all external doors and windows meet minimum security standards.

 

June 2 2008

AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR CANTLEY

 

A Cantley tenants’ and residents’ association (TARA) is drawing up ambitious plans to develop an Olympic standard skate park in the area.

The TARAs in Cantley have already been donated land the size of a football pitch from Doncaster Council and they are currently raising £1750 to get the necessary plans drawn up for the development.  St Leger Homes of Doncaster has pledged £500 towards this.

Once the plans are ready the giant task of raising £300,000 to fund the project in Cantley Park begins.

If plans are passed, the park will cater for inline skaters, skateboarders, BMX riders and wheelchair users. The free to use facilities will include:

 

• A vertical ramp
• Skating bowls
• Street skating facilities
• Wheelchair access
• Floodlighting
• CCTV

 

Hugh Wright, Cantley resident and treasurer of the TARA, explained: “Once we have the plans together we will start approaching companies asking for donations towards the project and apply for grants.

“We have carried out lots of surveys about the project and asked what people want. All responses have been very positive and the young people have been saying that it is what they want.  There’s no youth club facilities in Cantley, so this facility will also be an ideal place to meet friends.”

Hugh, an ex-skateboarder himself, added: “I coach skateboarding and I have done a lot of work in Sprotbrough, and the sport has taken off really well.  It’s great to see the kids enjoying it – it keeps them busy and fit.”

Martin Musgrave, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: “We are happy to give this project £500 and wish the TARA all the best with these ambitious plans.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation towards the skatepark should get in touch with Hugh, or his wife Lisa, by either ringing Doncaster 533561 or emailing lisawright36@aol.com

 

May 19 2008

Improving services to tenants

A new hi-tech way of allocating work is helping St. Leger save time and money and improve services to tenants.

we have just launched an initiative called Optitime for our repairs service. It works by allocating appointments to its workforce by postcode so that there is less travelling between appointments.

And later in the year a further initiative called mobile working is going to be introduced to increase efficiency even more.

Mobile working is where tradesmen and women have a handheld computer and jobs are sent through to this from the company’s call centre.  With the appointment is an electronic job sheet, which can be filled in at the tenant’s home on the small computer – stopping paperwork and saving time.

Martin Musgrave, our chief executive said: “Our workforce already do a great job. We are using technology to help run the repairs service even more efficiently. By reducing travelling and paperwork we not only save time but also money.  This way is also far more flexible than the system previously used so workloads can be planned better. We are also working hard to achieve further efficiencies throughout the business and pass the benefits onto our tenants.”

Over the past 15 months a number of initiatives have been put in place to save money – giving better value to tenants. These include:

• Negotiating eight grass cuts per year instead of four for the senior citizen garden service – at no extra cost.
• Changing the way the company sends out bulk mail – saving £11,000.
• Introducing more efficient ways for customers to pay their rent.

Money saved has already helped to pay towards an estate caretaker service, a Smartwater anti-theft system for tenants and helped the Doncaster Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations hold its tenants’ conference.

 

May 19 2008

 

TENANTS CLINCH PRIZE

Two Doncaster tenants are celebrating after winning a St. Leger Homes’ prize draw.

Louise and David Glaister, from Edlington, received £100 of Argos vouchers after filling in a Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ) following improvements works to their home.

Anglian, one of St Leger Homes’ construction partners, fitted new windows and doors through the Decent Homes Programme, which is transforming council homes throughout the borough with one of the biggest programmes of housing investments in Doncaster’s history.

Louise and David were the lucky ones out of hundreds who had also filled in the questionnaire, which gives tenants the opportunity to comment on the work they have had.

Their property received 10 windows and two new doors as part of the Decent Homes works and they have already made a real difference to the family home.  

“The old windows created a terrible draft in our front room and we could hear the traffic going up and down the street,” said David. “Now our home is much warmer and it is lovely and quiet. We are thrilled to have won the money which we decided to spend on our kids.”

Martin Musgrave,  Chief Executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: “Congratulations to Louise and David on their winnings. It is great to hear that the couple are happy with their new windows and doors. We encourage tenants to fill in questionnaires at the end of the Decent Homes work because we want to hear what they think about the work we have carried out.”

Between  September 2007 and April 2008, £11 million was invested in more than 7,000 council homes providing double-glazed windows and secure doors.

 

May 7 2008

 

THANKS FOR HELPING SHAPE SERVICES

St. Leger Homes is saying a big thank you to a 91-year-old tenant who likes to have her say and help shape services.

Bessie Fish, of Doncaster, is a tenant of St Leger Homes – the organisation that manages over 21,000 properties for Doncaster Council.

And throughout her 62 years of being a tenant, she has been involved in a number of focus groups – that help to influence services.

Bessie was originally involved in the company’s Disability Focus Group, but after breaking her hip found it difficult to attend. So now she receives the minutes of meetings for the Rural Focus Group and is more than happy to put her views forward.

Bessie, pictured receiving a bouquet of flowers from Martin Musgrave, Chief Executive of St. Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: “I am interested in everything that is going on around me. I like to have a say too. I like to voice my opinion.”

Great-grandma Bessie believes it is important for tenants to be involved.

Martin added: “It’s wonderful that Bessie is involved in having a say on what we do.  We encourage all tenants to join focus groups and help to shape the services that they use.”

Anyone wanting further details on focus groups should ring the Equality and Diversity team on 01302 862624.

 

April 21 2008

FUN FOR ALL

It was fun for all the family at Saturday’s (April 19)Unity in the Community 2008 event held at Doncaster Racecourse.

More than 1,000 attended the event, organised by the Doncaster Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations (Doncaster Federation) and supported by St Leger Homes of Doncaster. There was a wide range of attractions including a playbus, jugglers, side shows, Irish and street dancing, Asian arts together with Bollywood dancing demos, arts, crafts, nail and face painting and much more.

During the day a cheque for £5099 was also handed over to the South Yorkshire Community Flood Relief Fund– cash raised by the tenants and residents associations in Doncaster and The Doncaster Federation through a variety of ways, including coffee mornings.

Lyn Ralph, Chair of The Doncaster Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations, said: “Everyone had a great time. The aim of the day was to bring everyone together and to show them what the Doncaster Federation and tenants and residents associations do. Everyone I’ve spoken to enjoyed the event.  I want to thank everyone who helped us to stage it. “

The winning raffle prize numbers are available by calling 01302 737490.

 

April 14 2008

 

TOP OF THE CLASS!

Two talented youngsters came top of the class for their artwork after entering a Stay Safe competition.

Brandon Kucz (10) and Kenan Kaya (8), pupils at Lakeside Primary School, Sandy Lane, Doncaster, entered the school poster competition after having a visit from David Steele, of Wates Living Space to talk about staying safe and keeping away from building sites.

Wates are currently working in partnership with St Leger Homes of Doncaster to carry out part of the Decent Homes Programme in the borough. In Doncaster around £300 million is being spent on the Decent Homes Programme to ensure all properties meet the government’s Decent Homes standard. Work on homes can include new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors, new fireplaces, rewiring and central heating.

Shakil Mutaza, of Wates Living Space, said “We work hard to keep the tenants of St Leger Homes safe at all times. By visiting schools in the area where we are working allows us to reinforce this important message in an interactive and fun way.”

Kevin Middlebrook, of St Leger Homes, added: “We received so many excellent entries for this competition. It was really hard to pick the winners so well done to all our entrants from Lakeside Primary School. However, Brandon and Kenan did some brilliant colourful drawings for their entries and clinched book tokens for their hard work.”

 

March 11 2008

TENANTS URGED TO REPORT ANY DAMAGE FROM 'QUAKE'

Council tenants are being urged to call a 24-hour repair line if their homes suffered any damage from this morning’s (Feb 27) earthquake.
 
If council tenants notice any damage or visual changes, such as cracks, to their home please ring St Leger Homes of Doncaster’s Repair Contact Centre on 0808 126 3123.
 
Tenants in council flats are also being reassured about the safety of their home.  
 
Martin Musgrave, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: “After initial assessments we believe that the risk to flats is minimal.  However, as a precautionary measure St Leger Homes has arranged for engineers to carry out visual inspections of all high rise council flats in the borough.”

Tenants living in flats should be aware that the engineers will not need access to their homes.

 

March 10 2008

 ST. LEGER HOMES HONOURED IN AWARDS

A Doncaster housing organisation clinched a prestigious award at last night’s (Thursday, February 21) first ever South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Annual Awards.
 
Staged in Sheffield at the City Hall, St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the company that manages just over 21,000 properties for Doncaster Council – won Best Business Partner Award.
The ceremony was to recognise the achievements of people and organisations who made a real difference to peoples lives in the county in 2007.
St Leger Homes won the award for its on going support to South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE) courses.  The courses aim to give a positive experience to young people who have been involved in or are at risk of offending, truancy or anti-social behaviour.
Martin Musgrave, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: “I am honoured to receive this award on behalf of the company and its staff.  We work hard to support initiatives carried out by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and also help to promote these in our tenants’ newsletters.”

 

 

February 20 2008

SEARCH IS ON FOR GOOD NEIGHBOUR OF THE YEAR

The search is on for Doncaster’s Good Neighbour of the year.
 
This is just one category in this year’s Unity in the Community Oscar style ceremony, which will take place on April 19.
 
Deadline for entries is February 29 – so get your entries in now!
 
Other categories are:
 

• Best achieving Tenants and Residents  Association (TARA) or Tenants’ Club (TC) award.  
• Most innovative project  award. Here judges will  be looking for a group that has done something a little bit different to help  both its community and the wider area.  
• Behind the scenes award. This shield will be awarded to the depot  or housing office that has received the most staff  compliments.  
• Staff who care award. This will be awarded to a member of St  Leger Homes of Doncaster staff who has gone  the extra mile to help a tenant.

The awards will  be presented at the Tenants and Residents Day, called Unity in the Community, to be held at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday April 19, which has been organised by The Doncaster Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations with support from St Leger Homes of Doncaster.

Lyn Ralph of The Doncaster Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations, said: “We want to celebrate the success and achievements of good neighbours and all the tenants and residents groups in the borough. Please let us know your nomination!”
 
To make a nomination contact The Doncaster Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations by ringing 01302 737490 or email secretary.donfed@btconnect.com <mailto:secretary.donfed@btconnect.com>

 

February 22 2008

Top marks for safety conscious pupils

Two youngsters scored top marks for their posters after entering a Stay Safe competition.

Kathleen O’Donovan (9)and Mihir Rao (10), pupils at St Peter’s Catholic Primary School, Sandy Lane, Doncaster, entered the school competition after having a visit from David Steele, of Wates Living Space to talk about staying safe.

Wates are currently working in partnership with St Leger Homes of Doncaster to carry out part of the Decent Homes Programme in the borough. In Doncaster around £300 million is being spent on the Decent Homes Programme to ensure all properties meet the government’s Decent Homes standard. Work on homes can include new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors, new fireplaces, rewiring and central heating.

Joanne Jamieson Business Unit Director Wates Living Space, said: “Our number one priority is to keep the tenants of St Leger Homes safe at all times. By visiting schools where works are in progress, allows us to reinforce this important message in an interactive and fun way.”

Paul Hopkinson, Director of Property Services for St Leger Homes, added: “The pupils at St Peter’s Catholic School drew some fantastic entries for the school’s poster competition. It was a pleasure to meet the youngsters and see their fantastic designs.  A huge well done to the two winners.”

 

February 18 2008

TENANTS CELEBRATE WIN

Two Doncaster tenants are celebrating after winning a St. Leger Homes prize draw.
 
Mary and Alan Mellor from Bentley were presented with £100 Argos vouchers after they won a prize draw for filling in a Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ) after having work carried out in their home.
 
One of the company’s construction partners, Kier, recently fitted new windows and doors through the Decent Homes Programme – which is transforming council homes throughout the borough with one of the biggest programmes of housing investments in Doncaster’s history.
 
Mr and Mrs Mellor were the lucky ones out of the hundreds ofentries who had also filled in the December questionnaire, which gives tenants the opportunity to comment on the work they have received.

“It was a great surprise,” said Mrs Mellor. “I couldn’t believe it, we never usually win anything. The vouchers have given us the chance to finish off our home by buying the decorations we were saving up for.”
 
St. Leger Homes is working in partnership with, Kier, Anglian, Nationwide Windows and Sovereign Group to deliver new windows and doors to over 8,000 homes in the borough in this financial year.    

“We are thrilled with the new windows,” said Mr Mellor. “We moved into our home in July last year and we refurbished the home but not the windows, so we are happy that our home is now complete.”

Martin Musgrave, chief executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: “Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Mellor on their winnings. It is great to hear that the couple are happy with their new windows and doors. We encourage tenants to fill in questionnaires at the end of the Decent Homes work because we want to hear what they think about the work we have carried out.”
 
In total, £11 million will be invested throughout 2007-08 on council homes that currently have single-glazed windows and doors. Through the Decent Homes Standard, all homes must have UPVC double-glazed windows and all external doors and windows meet minimum security standards.

 

February 18 2008

NEW INITIATIVE TO TACKLE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Victims of violence or domestic abuse in Doncaster can carry on living in their homes without fear of attack thanks to a new initiative launched by the Safer Doncaster Partnership.
 
The Doncaster Sanctuary Scheme provides enhanced security for people at risk of violence, intimidation or harassment and already four of St Leger Homes’ tenants have accessed the scheme.
 
Because the scheme is operated by the partnership, tenants and residents can feel secure in the knowledge that if they do have an emergency situation, all agencies, including the police, fire service and Victim Support will be made aware of the problem.  
 
Mayor Martin Winter, Chair of the Safer Doncaster Partnership, said: “My aim is for all residents and tenants to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods.
 
“This service is invaluable as it enables all residents living across the Borough, who may be at risk of becoming homeless through experiencing domestic violence or abuse, to access the support that they need.”
 
Martin Musgrave, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: “Through our involvement in the Safer Doncaster Partnership, we are working towards making our tenants feel safer. This scheme enables us to offer support to our tenants who are affected by domestic violence or other harassment.”
 
If you are at risk of becoming homeless through experiencing domestic violence you may be eligible for the Sanctuary Scheme which is accessed via the Safer Doncaster Partnership and a risk assessment of your circumstances. For more information contact 01302 736943.
 
Visit www.dvforum.co.uk <http://www.dvforum.co.uk/>  for more information about domestic violence and the support that is available is Doncaster.

 

February 2 2008

NEW SERVICE LAUNCHED FOR TENANTS

A Doncaster housing company is launching a new solid fuel servicing programme for tenants.
 
St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation that manages just over 21,000 homes for Doncaster Council – will launch the service in early February, with work starting in Bentley, followed by Balby, Hexthorpe and Toll Bar.
 
Letters have already been sent to tenants explaining the new service which will see workmen carrying out a full service on all solid fuel fires. If any faults are found they will be repaired, chimneys will be swept and re-pointed if necessary.
 
Martin Musgrave, chief executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: “We are always looking at ways to improve services to tenants. Now tenants with solid fuel fires will have them serviced every 12 months.”
 
Tenants wanting further information on the solid fuel servicing programme should ring either Sean Rodgers or Amanda Booth at St Leger Homes on 01302 862766.
 
Appointments will be made with tenants via letter when their servicing is due.

 

January 14 2008

FIRST TENANTS GAIN HOME USING HOME CHOICE SYSTEM

A Mexborough couple, who needed a bungalow due to ill health, have just moved into their new home after being the first tenants to gain a council property through the new application system.
 
Jacqueline (63) and Charlie Justice (66) needed to move from their terraced home to a bungalow after Jacqueline was diagnosed with emphysema and was struggling to walk up the stairs.
 
Jacqueline, who is learning how to use a computer, saw the bungalow advertised on the Doncaster HomeChoice website, and with the help of a friend, put in an expression of interest on the property. Within days, she received a call to say she was successful in her application.
 
Jacqueline, who was in Doncaster HomeChoice’s bronze band, said: “I am so happy that we gained this bungalow. The stairs were so steep in my old home and I really struggled to climb them. Using Doncaster HomeChoice was so easy.”
 
Doncaster HomeChoice is the new approach to renting affordable homes and means that people on the council waiting list apply to be considered for a home of their choice rather than wait for an offer to be made to them.
 
Vacant properties are advertised every week with applicants on the council housing list getting in touch with St Leger Homes to express their interest in the homes they are interested in moving to. People who are registered can apply for homes of a size and type their family require anywhere in the borough.       
 
Available homes are advertised each week in the borough’s libraries, in the council’s customer service centres, on the Doncaster HomeChoice website, through supporting people agencies, in the Doncaster Free Press and in St Leger Homes’ offices.
 
Councillor Chris Mills, Doncaster Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Investment said, “It is a really easy system. Residents wanting to express an interest in a home can contact St Leger Homes in a variety of ways including in person, by phone, text, or the website and declare an interest in a home.”
 
Martin Musgrave, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: “Doncaster HomeChoice is really easy to use and help is at hand for anybody who needs it.  I wish Jacqueline and Charlie all the best in their new home.”
 
Further information on Doncaster HomeChoice can be found at www.doncasterhomechoice.co.uk <http://www.doncasterhomechoice.co.uk/>  or by ringing 01302 862628.

 

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