Hear from your Neighbourhood Officer about what they’re up to in your area.
Ardwick, Fallowfield, Rusholme, Old Trafford, Stretford and Chorlton.
I hope you've had a good Autumn. I wanted to give you an update about what has been happening in your area.
Community Day at Jubilee Court – A Huge Success!
We recently launched our new customer strategy – Together With You. You can read it here. To kickstart our plans, we organised our first ever Customer Connect Day - our team were out and about making a difference in our communities. A range of activities took place including litter picking, seasonal planting and gardening. Our team also visited elderly residents with care packages.
I held a Community Day at Jubilee Court for my customers, and it was great to see so many of you come together for a day of teamwork and conversation. We got stuck in with a community litter pick to help keep the area looking its best. A large waste skip was also provided for residents to dispose of any unwanted furniture and household items responsibly.
Our pest control service joined us on the day to share useful tips on how to prevent and tackle pest issues. As a result of this, we have requested follow up works such as removing ivy to prevent the rats from hibernating in it and filling holes where they might be gaining access to the block.
It was fantastic to see members from our Feedback, Assets, Senior Leadership, Finance, Neighbourhoods, and Procurement teams in attendance. Many of our customers took the opportunity to sit down with us over a cup of tea and we chatted about how we can continue improving the site. It truly was a great day enjoyed by all, and we look forward to hosting more events like this in the future.
Awaab’s Law and Tenancy Reviews
As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping homes safe, healthy, and compliant with Awaab’s Law, we are carrying out routine tenancy reviews with many of our customers.
Awaab’s Law was introduced following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, caused by exposure to mould in his home. It places new legal duties on landlords to investigate and fix reported damp and mould hazards promptly.
During your tenancy review, our officers will check the condition of your home and discuss any issues, including mould, damp, and condensation. You can help prevent these problems by keeping rooms well-ventilated, using extractor fans, and wiping away condensation regularly. Together, we can make sure every home remains safe and healthy for our residents.
If you are struggling with condensation, damp, or mould in your home, please contact us as soon as possible – we are here to help. You can use the form on our website or by emailing contact@irwellvalley.co.uk or calling 0300 561 1111.
Fly-Tipping on our Estates
We’ve noticed an increase in fly-tipping, particularly around Alderfield Road, Fontwell Close, and Jubilee Court. Jubilee Court is the most affected, especially where shopping trolleys are being taken from nearby stores and left on-site. Our Estates Team work incredibly hard to keep our neighbourhoods clean and tidy, but the rise in fly-tipping is creating unwanted and excessive costs.
Please remember that your local authority offers a bulky waste collection service, which allows you to dispose of large household items safely and legally. You can find more information about this service on Trafford Council’s website. By using the correct disposal routes, you’ll be helping to keep your community clean and costs down for everyone.
Protecting Your Home This Winter
With the colder months approaching, now is the perfect time to prepare your home against frozen and burst pipes. Damage caused by freezing temperatures can often be avoided by following a few simple steps:
• Find your stop tap so you can turn off your water supply quickly in an emergency.
• Insulate water pipes with lagging to stop them from freezing. Insulating hot water pipes also prevents heat loss and can help save on energy bills.
• If your pipes do freeze, United Utilities have useful advice on safely thawing them. If you’re unable to resolve the issue or find a burst pipe, please contact us straight away for assistance.
Support With Winter Costs
We understand that the colder season can bring additional financial pressures. There is support available through Winter Fuel Payments, energy vouchers, and food vouchers. Organisations such as The Trussell Trust and Citizens Advice can also help with food support and energy-related queries.
If you’re struggling or unsure where to start, you can also contact us for guidance and support. You can get in touch by emailing contact@irwellvalley.co.uk or calling 0300 561 1111.
Come and See Me – Monthly Drop-In Sessions
Don’t forget, I hold a monthly drop-in session at Stretford Public Hall, usually on the last Tuesday of each month, running between 10am and 1pm. This is a great opportunity to speak to me person, discuss any housing or tenancy-related concerns, or just have an informal chat over a cup of tea.
Here are the details of the next one:
Date: Tuesday 25th November.
Time: 10am - 1pm
Location: Stretford Public Hall, Chester Rd, Manchester M32 0LG
If you can't attend a drop-in session, you can always email me at jessica.hargreaves@irwellvalley.co.uk
Do you know someone who is doing great things in your neighbourhood?
Whether they fundraise for a great cause, take time to litter-pick or are just a really great neighbour, nominate them for an Irwell Valley Homes Heart of the Community Award. The winners will get a special engraved glass award, a certificate commemorating their achievement and a £200 cash prize.
Plus, you could win something too - everyone who fills out a nomination will be entered into a prize draw to win £100.
Nominate someone today
Get support to live well this winter
We know that the cost of living continues to be challenging, especially as we head into the winter months. Click the link below to find out what support is available to you.
Get support for winter