Lianne Kay, Housing Officer
Bury, Prestwich, Whitefield
Higher Blackley, Pendle, Rossendale, Nelson
Dear Customers,
I hope you are all well.
As many of you may already know, I took over responsibility for Bury, Prestwich, Whitefield, Nelson, Higher Blackley, Pendle (Brierfield), Rossendale (Bacup) and Nelson in July.
It has been a pleasure meeting many of you over the past few months, and I have enjoyed getting to know both the communities and neighbourhoods that make up this area.
Recently, I carried out an estate audit across the neighbourhood. Overall, I was pleased with the condition of the estates and the pride that many residents take in their homes and surroundings. Thank you to everyone who helps keep our communities clean, welcoming and enjoyable places to live.
Fly-tipping
During the audit, I identified a small number of issues that required attention. Where concerns were regarding untidy gardens or other tenancy-related matters, I have raised them directly with the individuals concerned. My aim is always to work with residents to resolve issues positively and maintain a pleasant environment for everyone.
I did notice some areas where fly-tipping was an issue. We're using CCTV to identify the people responsible where possible and have introduced a new policy to charge them the cost of clearing it.
Grounds maintenance and cleaning
I also identified some areas where ground maintenance and cleaning services had not been delivered to the expected standard. Thank you to those customers on the Redvale Estate (Radcliffe Road, Central Avenue & South Terrace) and Mcvittie House who got in touch expressing their concerns. I have reported these to the Irwell Valley Homes Estate Team who will take approrpriate action. I will continue to monitor progress to ensure that standards improve where required.
Working Together
We all play an important role in keeping our communities safe, clean and attractive. I would encourage residents to:
- Dispose of waste responsibly and report fly-tipping.
- Maintain gardens and outdoor spaces where possible.
- Report communal cleaning or grounds maintenance concerns.
- Be considerate of neighbours and shared spaces.
Staying safe this winter
As we move into the colder months, I would like to remind everyone to take some simple steps to stay safe and well:
- Check boilers and heating systems are working correctly and report repairs promptly if needed.
- Be mindful of icy paths and take extra care when walking outdoors.
- Ensure smoke alarms are tested regularly.
- Avoid overloading electrical sockets, particularly when using additional heaters.
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours where appropriate, especially during periods of severe weather.
- Keep an eye out for any slips, trips or hazards in communal areas and report them as soon as possible.
My next estate audit
My next estate audit will take place on the 2nd and 4th February. If there is anything you would like to draw my attention to, such as flytipping hotspots or areas that need repairs, please do get in touch by emailing contact@irwellvalley.co.uk or calling 0300 561 1111.
Or you are very welcome to join me on my walkaround. Please get in touch using the details above to arrange.
Monthly drop-ins
My monthly drop-ins are a chance for you to meet me and get support face-to-face.
Here are the details of my next one:
When: The last Thursday every month - next date is Thursday 27th November
Where: Healthwatch Bury, Bolton Street.
Times: 11am - 1pm
You can check the dates for upcoming drop-ins on our website.
Can't make it?
If you can’t attend a drop-in, I am still here to support. You are always welcome to request a home visit or phone call by calling 0300 561 1111 or emailing contact@irwellvalley.co.uk.
Join our customer complaints panel
We’ve recently launched a new customer group looking at how we learn from complaints. We’re on the lookout for someone with knowledge of repairs or maintenance to help us with this important work.
If this sounds like you, email involveme@irwellvalley.co.uk or call us on 0300 561 1111 and ask to speak to Jen Smith.
Manage your home online
If you want an easier way to access your tenancy documents, view your rent statements and request repairs, check out our online portal.
Cast your vote
Is your neighbour great? Or maybe you know a volunteer group that's doing incredible things for the community? Don't forget to nominate them in the Irwell Valley Homes Heart of the Community Awards.
We're here to support you
Remember, we’re here to support you.
If you need help or have any concerns, please do get in touch with us at contact@irwellvalley.co.uk or by calling 0300 561 1111.