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2 x 2 Bedroom 3 Person Wheelchair Accessible Bungalows |
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Message from the Chief Executive,
Satisfaction Rating from Tenants, “Right to Buy” Your Home Explained,
Harrow Handover,
Maintenance Matters |
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At 9.00am on Saturday 7th October, Caroline Kaldani (Community Development Manager), Mark Grimwood (Neighbourhood Officer) and Dick Chaplin (Community Development) from South Anglia Housing broke out of Chelmsford prison. Not because they are hardened criminals, but to raise money for two worthy causes. Caroline, Mark and Dick took part in the annual ‘Jail Break’ charity event hosted by Essex Association of Boys Clubs. Their challenge? To travel as far away as possible by midnight, without spending a penny. The team set themselves the goal of driving from Chelmsford to John O’Groats, without refuelling their car. And to add to the fun, they completed the challenge in full Pirate and parrot attire! The trio, who competed under the team name ‘Gasbags’, persuaded a local car company to provide the vehicle. Pentland Housing Association in Thurso, made a cottage available with beds for the night, and some well-needed food upon arrival in Scotland at midnight. Dick Chaplin, Community Development Manager for South Anglia Housing comments: “The event was fiercely competitive. In the past, teams have reached as far as Los Angeles and Rangoon. As this was our first attempt, we set John O’Groats as our destination, and are pleased to say we successfully completed the journey in 12 hours. We would like to thank Pentland Housing Association for supporting us, and providing a bed for the night after a long and tiring journey!” Dave Brookfield, Managing Director of Pentland Housing Association comments: “We were delighted to partner up with South Anglia Housing and support the ‘Gasbags’ in this charity event.” Sponsorship is still coming in, but the team hopes to have raised over £1,000. Half of the money raised will be donated to Essex Association of Boys Clubs, the other half will go to Norfolk charity, Break. A charity that provides help for children, adults and families with special needs, such as challenging behaviour or physical and learning disabilities. |
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Pentland Housing Association has launched their new subsidiary company. Pentland Community Enterprises Ltd is a non charitable company limited by shares The company will initially be responsible for managing the Associations large garage stock which has recently been the subject of an options appraisal that identified a number of opportunities for future investment. Tenants of the garages will notice no change in the people they deal with or the contact details as these will be same. The only real difference for our customers will be in the letterhead for all written communication and that all finances will be dealt with through the new company. In the future it is planned that Pentland Community Enterprises will also be a vehicle for providing innovative multi tenure developments including accommodation for key workers and new social enterprise schemes to provide jobs. David Brookfield, the Associations Director said, it’s a very exciting venture. The company will already have a healthy income from the well maintained and well tenanted garage stock and we will invest profits into developing initiatives that will greatly benefit the Caithness Community. |
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We are pleased to announce that the Association has joined partners with Pulteneytown Peoples Project to offer services to our tenants who live in the Wick area. The arrangement will enable tenants to make payments, request repairs and make general enquiries at PPP’s offices in Murchison Street, Wick. As the number of properties we have in Wick has increased, so we have become aware that access to the services we offer is not as convenient to Wick tenants as it is to our Thurso tenants who can easily visit our office in Traill Street, Thurso. We were unable to develop a satellite office in Wick cost effectively and so we turned to PPP for help. We have been delighted with the approach taken by PPP and very much look forward to working with them. |
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Harrowhill, Wick and Mansons Lane, Thurso are making excellent progress. The houses in Wick are expected to be completed by the end of November, which will offer 14 shared ownership opportunities along with 14 properties for rent. Mansons Lane will be completed in July 2007 and will offer 22 two and 2 three bed properties for rent and shared equity. All queries should be forwarded to Liz Hardiman, Housing Manager. Works began in June on 13 properties at Springpark Farm, Thurso. The work will include the refurbishment of a derelict farm courtyard into a sympathetic design using the original stonework with painted timber cladding. The development will comprise 2 three-bed properties together with 4 two-bed flats. The second phase of Janet Street has now had our funders’ approval and we are currently |
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Work is about to begin in June on a development to bring 13 new affordable homes to Thurso, with support from Communities Scotland, the Scottish Executive’s housing and regeneration agency. The £1.35 million development in the town’s Laurie Terrace by Pentland Housing Association will bring a much-needed boost to affordable homes in the area. Nine of the properties will be for social rent and four will be for sale through the Executive’s new shared-equity scheme, Homestake, which aims to get those on a low income onto the property ladder. It is hoped the development of the brownfield site on the edge of the town will help address the demand for affordable places to live. More.. |
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The new uniform incorporates a variety of components so staff can mix separates to meet their individual needs, and for the outdoors a warm, waterproof jacket is available emblazoned with the company logo. Pentland’s Director David Brookfield said: “We have worked extremely hard to provide excellent customer services and to create a great working environment for everyone. Getting our staff involved and engaged in the business has been key to this, including where possible being involved in decision making. The Uniform has been very well received by staff – which was to be expected since they chose it.” The uniform includes jacket, trousers, shirts, tie, polo shirt, sweat shirt and outdoor jacket, female staff have the additional option of blouses and skirt. All items reflect the organisations corporate colours of maroon and black and are of course branded with the official logo. |
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| Pentland Housing Association has gained charitable status. Pentland H.A. has become a recognised Scottish charity, number SCO037286. The organisation received recognition from HM Revenue and Customs and is now exempt from corporation tax and capital gains tax on most of its income and gains. The money saved can now be channelled into providing quality affordable housing for communities in Caithness. Pentland H.A. Director, David Brookfield, said: "With the conversion to charitable status will come the need to create subsidiaries to run the non charitable parts of our business. "This will lead to enormous opportunities to become involved in commercial activities which will greatly benefit an area much in need of investment." |
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New Affordable Homes For Thurso Work is underway on a development to bring 24 new affordable homes to Thurso, with support from Communities Scotland, the Scottish Executive’s housing and regeneration agency. The £1.4 million development in the town’s Manson Lane by Pentland Housing Association will bring a much-needed boost to affordable homes in the area. Sixteen of the properties will be for both social rent and eight will be for sale through the Executive’s new shared-equity scheme, Homestake, which aims to get those on a low income onto the property ladder. It is hoped the development of the brownfield site close to the town centre will help address the demand for affordable places to live. Communities Scotland area director for the Highlands and Islands, David Nicol, said: “This development is a welcome addition to housing in Thurso. Prices have risen sharply in the area and first-time buyers, particularly younger people, are struggling to get on the housing ladder. “Homestake will offer those on lower incomes the chance to own their own home and prevent people having to leave the area to look for an affordable place to live.” David Brookfield, director of Pentland Housing Association, added: Joni Smith |
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Pentland Housing Association are pleased to announce that the housing development at Mansons Lane, Thurso is now underway. The work is being carried out with funding from Communities Scotland under a design and build contract with local builders O’Brien Construction Ltd. The site, between the old Brewery and the Co-op car park has previously been unused for at least 20 years except as a car compound. The town centre site will provide 22 two bedroom flats and 2 three bedroom flats in an ideal location for access to the main shopping centre plus all facilities, the properties will be a split of rented and shared equity with 8 of the 2 bed flats being marketed as shared equity. The development is scheduled for completion in July 2007. |
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SCOTLAND'S FIRST HOMESTAKE HOMES SUPPLIED IN THURSO
Communities Minister, Malcolm Chisholm, said: "Homestake offers people on low incomes the chance to buy homes they otherwise couldn't afford. Article From www.housingnews.co.uk |
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Homestake Homestake is a brand new shared equity scheme to help people on lower incomes who wish to become homeowners but cannot afford the full price for a house. Pentland Housing Association in partnership with Communities Scotland is to offer for sale under the scheme 6 Flats in Naver Road. Pentland Housing Association will part fund a share in the property and hold a part equity stake with the homeowner. The owners share will be between 60 and 80 per cent at the start. The Homestake owner is responsible for paying off the mortgage and all other costs associated with the purchase and running of the property. You do not pay any rent. After two years the Homestake owner can if they want increase their share of the property if they feel they can afford to do so. When the Homestake owner decides to sell the house both the Housing Association and the Homestake owner receive their share of the property value. Please contact the office if you would like the information booklet ‘Helping you to become a home owner’ or if you require any further information on the scheme. |
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This years Annual General Meeting was held once again in the Viewfirth on 23 September. It was very well attended with over 50 people attending. The meeting heard from Kenny Green the Association’s Chairperson. This was Kenny’s last AGM as Chairperson and he thanked all those that had supported both him and the Association over its 12 year history. There was also a vote of thanks from the floor for all the hard work that Kenny has put in over the years. The Association’s Director then did a short presentation in which he launched the new Customer Service Charter which is enclosed with this newsletter. A focus on service delivery and customer satisfaction will be a major theme in the coming years. Questions were raised about the maintenance and management of the flats in Brownhill Road and Sweyn Road. The Director promised to address the issues in the coming year. The financial report gave a rosy outlook for the Association’s finances during the year. The speaker at this years AGM was John Farquhar of the NDA who gave a fascinating talk on the future of Dounreay and the related Caithness economy. Our contractors generously donated many prizes this year for our quiz, which is a traditional activity at every Pentland Housing Association AGM. Some of these were awarded to the successful entrants on the evening. However, those prizes not awarded on the evening will be awarded through this The office bearers for the new Management Committee were elected at a meeting a few days after the AGM. They are:- Jim Mackenzie Chairperson and Kenny Green Vice Chairperson. The position of There were no new additions to the Management Committee and no resignations. This means that there is still one place available for anyone that wishes to become a member of the Management Committee. Customer Service Charter pdf format |
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New Members of Staff The Associations new Housing Manager is Liz Hardiman. Liz replaces the Associations previous Housing Manager and will bring a wealth of experience to the Associations housing services having worked in housing and customer services with Eastern Airlines, Magna Housing Association where she was Assistant Housing Manager for many years and Wessex Water. The Association have also recruited two new positions. Mark Sheppard has been employed as Care and Repair Officer. Not only will Mark's appointment provide a higher level of service to those applying for Care and Repair grant it will also improve maintenance and repair services for the Associations residents by enabling the existing Maintenance Officer to carry out maintenance duties full time having previously carried out these tasks along with running the busy Care and Repair service. Fiona Jack is the new part time receptionist and her appointment will enhance the organisations reception and administration services. The Association now employs 11 full time posts, 2 part time and 2 externally funded positions making 15 staff in all from their offices in Traill Street., Thurso. |
Left to Right Liz Hardiman Housing Manager, |
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Harrowhill Development Pentland Housing Association are pleased to announce that the housing development at Harrowhill, Wick is now at above ground construction stage. The work is being carried out with funding from Communities Scotland under a design and build contract with local builders MM Miller and architects Pentarq. More |
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Emergency Housing for
Womens Aid The property comprises of an office with laundry room, meeting room and play rooms and a 2 bedroom flat that is wheelchair accessible. Also in the property are 3 and 4 bedroom flats plus 2 bed-sits with shared kitchen and bathroom… More |
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Janet Street Development - Work Completed Local contractor Steven Joiners were employed on a Design and Build Contract with local Architect Knight & MacDonald for the design. The project was started in April of 2004... More |
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. Getting to jobs quickly is certainly important for Dennis who has carried out over 1000 repairs since the scheme began in October 2002. Dennis said “At the moment there is only a very short waiting time for people who ask for work to be done and the new van will certainly help this, however as the scheme is getting more and more popular there may be the need to be some prioritisation of work in the future”. The scheme is open to anyone who is over 60 or who has disabilities, regardless if they rent or own their home. The service is free and carries out small repairs such as fitting hand rails, moving furniture and cleaning guttering. The scheme also offers information on energy efficiency and housing options, should the needs of clients change in the future. The Handyperson Scheme also carries out the fitting of smoke detectors with a ten year battery life supplied by the Highlands and Islands Fire Brigade. The Fire Brigade in the Caithness area is presently conducting home fire safety checks as part of their Community Fire Safety initiative. This service offers free advice on home safety to anyone in the local community. The Dennis also distributes the Message in a Bottle capsule which contains vital medical information for the emergency services, should the householder be unable to provide details, though illness or injury If you would like more information on the scheme then contact Pentland Housing Association on 01847 892507. |
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A development by Pentland Housing Association at Lower Pulteneytown in Wick won a Scottish Award for Quality in Planning this year, for ‘development on the ground'. Judges praised its ‘outstanding quality of design, details, vision and community and stakeholder working'. The £1.6 million project transformed derelict herring gutting and curing houses on Telford and Miller Streets into 16 affordable homes for rent. It was supported by Communities Scotland and the Lower Pulteneytown Townscape Heritage Initiative, which secured Heritage Lottery funding to help regenerate this previously underused and neglected area, designed by Thomas Telford in the early years of the 19 th century and believed to be the word's first industrial estate. Other funders included the local enterprise company and Highland Council. ‘This project is the first of six catalytic schemes designed to turn the area around,' says the initiative's project manager Mick Broad. The aim is to create a diverse, vibrant area, with new business space, provision for the arts and cultural activities, and improvements to the public realm, as well as new housing. ‘It was important to preserve the character of the town, which was set out in design terms by Telford in his plans of 1807 and 1811,' continues Mick. ‘It was laid out on a classical grid and we wanted to keep that pattern.' Pentland Housing Association's scheme is divided into three sections: a listed building which was largely intact, a gap site which had to be rebuilt from scratch, and a third building where only the front wall was preserved, and the remainder rebuilt to its original depth. The development used materials specified by Telford for the town's construction – including Caithness stone and slate - and original materials were salvaged and recycled where possible. Existing stone was re-pointed with lime mortar, and the rusted railway track lintels over the fish hatch openings were replaced with locally-sourced track. Windows were designed to resemble the originals, with vertical glazing beads. But because the buildings were redeveloped as modern homes, not all the original features were faithfully reinstated. The fish hatches, for example, were preserved but partially filled in, to create more conventionally-sized windows. The colours and finishes used in the development echo those of the sky, sea, coastline and ‘silver darlings'. ‘It's conservation, not pastiche, ' says Alan Paul Technical Manager of Pentland Housing Association. ‘We've accepted the past use of the buildings and preserved their form, but used them for something modern.'
But it is arguably a community arts project that has mobilised the local community in support of the project and brought the scheme alive. Lead artist Sue Jane Taylor worked with local young people on a series of projects that drew inspiration from the town's history, culture and natural environment. A writers' workshop researched Caithness dialect, and selected phrases and words were sandblasted onto Telford and Miller Streets' flagstone walls. Tin templates, inspired by the town's fish trade, were made for decorative copper cladding on the old fish hatches on both streets. And as part of a new media project, six young people trained in deep-sea diving and used an underwater camera to source images from the sea. These are shown on a plasma screen set into a wall, and projected from a second-floor window, providing a three-hour film show every evening. ‘The community art really made this project work,' says Mick Broad. He points to the recent celebrations when the new-media installations were switched on as evidence of how much things have changed. Artists had worked with local primary-school children to make lanterns for a parade. ‘Beforehand the streets were empty,' says Mick. ‘It's not just about the buildings: the community is taking over the streets again.' The model fishing town of Pulteneytown , its harbour and industrial area, was one of several projects by the renowned Scots engineer Thomas Telford that opened up the north to industry. He was also responsible for the Caledonian Canal, the first road north from Inverness and the harbour works at Aberdeen and Dundee, as well as for hundreds of miles of highways and canals, and their attendant bridges and aqueducts, that helped to transform Britain during the industrial revolution. Pulteneytown prospered during the herring boom, when ‘silver darlings' caught off the coast of Scotland were cured and exported across Europe . Decline set in with the first failure of the herring fishing in the1860s and continued between the wars. By the end of the second world war, the industrial area of Lower Pulteneytown was largely derelict. |
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Pentland Housing Association Caithness Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) are funding a new gardening scheme. It is to be run by Pentland Housing Association as part of their Handyperson Scheme, and will be available free of charge to people referred by the CMHT. The only cost will be for materials, such as new plants. The scheme will provide regular gardening support through the summer months, based on an agreed assessment of what is needed. Where practical, clients will be trained in gardening techniques so that they can gradually take over some or all of the gardening tasks over time. Anyone interested should contact CMHT on 01955 606915 |
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Ormlie Allotment Ground
Pentland Community Enterprises Ltd.
Service Improvements For Wick
Developments
New Affordable Homes for Thurso
Mansons Lane Development
Customer Service Charter launched at the AGM 
Lower Pulteneytown 
