Wirral Partnership Homes

WPH Survey of Tenants and Residents

Laura Wedekind — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:05:32 GMT

WPH is carrying out a tenant satisfaction survey called “STAR”. It is a standard satisfaction survey for all housing organisations.

Using the same survey means we can compare our results with other housing associations and share our findings with you.

Over 1000 tenants will be selected at random to complete the survey, and everyone who completes it will be entered into a prize draw to win a 32 inch TV or £250 cash.

If you are selected, we will send you a letter explaining how to complete the survey online or by phone. It’s a great way for you to get involved without leaving your living room.

Have your received a letter about our STAR Survey?

Go to our homepage and click the Star Survey link

WPH and Ridgeway High School make some ‘Green Choices’

laurawedekind — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:04:41 GMT

Wirral Partnership Homes (WPH) and Sodexo who provide horticultural and grounds maintenance for WPH developments, jointly funded two Environmental Awards of £500 for schools and residents’ groups in their annual Garden Competition. The winners were Ridgeway High School, who had a plan to repair their vandalised school garden and Coronation Buildings residents’ group who had drawn up plans to create a new communal garden area.

At Ridgeway, in addition to the Environmental Award, it was agreed to fund further work by way of a WPH Community Grant of £1200. These grants support our communities through a variety of activities and enabled the area to be totally transformed to provide access for the children, including those with mobility problems, to the new deep beds and plant flowers and vegetables. The area surrounding the beds and new pathways have now been turfed and an Olympic Rings design planted in crocus bulbs so the sloping
grassed area will be very impressive in the Spring!

Pauline Roberts, Ridgeway Headteacher said: “our bid for the Community Grant was submitted after the original garden was vandalised by intruders to the site over the Summer holidays. The bid outlined how we wanted to re-establish the garden in order to support our local community members who will be visiting the newly refurbished community centre. Our pupils will be growing vegetables with the idea of contributing to the weekly older people’s luncheon club which is held in the community centre each week.”

Taylor Liddell, a Ridgeway pupil and very keen member of the club would like to pursue a career in Horticulture. He said, “The garden looks fantastic and it will encourage lots of students to learn how to garden, we can't wait to see what it looks like in the spring when the bulbs come up.”

Brian Simpson, Chief Executive of WPH added: “The Environmental Award was designed to help groups fulfil their plans to create new gardens and Ridgeway have certainly done that. In addition, the Community Grants are intended to help improve neighbourhoods and build communities and we hope that growing their own vegetables will not only be an excellent way for children to get their ‘five a day’ but have the added advantage of them learning to garden and work together.”

ENDS

Pictured are some of the ‘Green Choices’ (Ridgeway’s Eco and Gardening Club) children planting up the new raised beds with winter vegetables, herbs and flowers. Also a group picture including Headteacher Pauline Roberts, Jan Watson, Senior Science Teacher, Nigel Payne, Sodexo Operations Director, Steve Jackson, Contract Manager and WPH local residents.

For further information contact Alison Jones, Communications & Reputation Management Officer on 0151 666 7063

Wirral Partnership Homes Recognises Community Leaders

Laura Wedekind — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:26:02 GMT

WPH held its third Tenant Conference on 9 December at the Village Hotel in Bromborough.

This year’s event was organised by tenants, with support from WPH’s resident involvement team. It was WPH’s opportunity to say thank you to residents who give up their spare time to volunteer in the community.

The day kicked off with displays and presentations from community groups, including a moving presentation from Westway Square Residents’ Association about their community garden project in Moreton, paying tribute to Len Foxall who was involved in the project when he sadly passed away earlier this year.

After the formal presentations, Director of Housing Services Jayne Winders presented the Tenant Awards for contribution to the local community. The seven winners included Woodchurch TRUST, Bentinck Street Community House in Birkenhead and Courtney Park Residents Association in Rock Ferry.
Guests enjoyed a Christmas lunch followed by bingo and a performance from Brymbo Welsh Male Choir.

WPH tenant Muriel Wilkinson said “This was the best ever tenants’ conference. Well done to all the award winners! The speeches were really informative and the choir was a lovely festive touch. Thanks very much to WPH for a brilliant day.”

Chief Executive Brian Simpson said “I’d like to thank all of our involved residents for the time they have given to WPH and their neighbours in 2011.

“As a social landlord, WPH is more than just bricks and mortar. The tenants at this event help us to build stronger communities and we’re looking forward to working with their groups in 2012.”

Christmas Opening Hours

colinwolfe — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:42:00 GMT

WPH Offices will be closed from 5pm on Friday 23 December until 9am on Tuesday 3 January 2012.

For emergencies only, please call 0808 100 9596.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our residents!

Nxt Gen Soccer Launch

Laura Wedekind — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:32:42 GMT

Liverpool goalkeeper coach John Achterberg, Morecambe coach Kurt Doyle and Manchester City FC supported a launch event on 8 December for a grassroots football project sponsored by WPH.

Rob Gately from Nxt Gen Soccer plans to change the face of football training in Wirral by offering free sessions for coaches.

The first event was attended by 80 coaches, all keen to find out how Rob's techniques keep his junior teams top of the league.

Kurt Doyle was a guest coach and he worked with children from Rob's junior team, the Wallasey FC Spartans to give a demonstration of coaching methods and ideas.

John Achterberg was available through the evening and took part in a question and answer session while Manchester City FC provided the opportunity for 10 coaches to visit their grounds and learn from the professionals. The Man City tickets were raffled off and the winners are looking forward to their trip.

Rob said "It's great to see the professional clubs supporting grassroots football. The idea behind Nxt Gen is to give coaches an affordable way of improving their skills and make sure we're inspiring the next generation of football players."

Rob Gately is about as passionate as it is possible to be about football coaching and training. Having just graduated from John Moores with a degree in Sports Science, he has set up Nxt Gen Soccer specifically catering for local football coaches who want to brush up their skills. It's expensive to travel down to London for a full FA course, and not every part time coach has the time to be able to do this. Next Gen Soccer offers an alternative.

If you are interested in attending Nxt Gen sessions, you should contact rob@nxtgensoccer.co.uk and arrange to go along to an informal lesson.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps visits WPH

Duncan Thorne — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:43:01 GMT

Housing and Local Government Minister Grant Shapps visited WPH to see its proposal for a joint development scheme with a local primary care trust.

Wirral Partnership Homes (WPH) and NHS Wirral plan to build 58 homes and a new state-of-the-art health centre in one of the first partnership ventures of its kind.

Grant Shapps was taken on a tour of the proposed £10m Bridge Court scheme by WPH Chief Executive, Brian Simpson and Wirral West MP, Esther McVey when he visited the site in West Kirby.

Chief Executive at WPH, Brian Simpson, said: “The Bridge Court scheme is a really good example of partnership working. By pooling resources and services together it will benefit the wider community on a far greater scale than otherwise would be the case if they were proposed independently.

“WPH is a not for profit charity and is pleased to be able to build not just affordable housing but a state-of-the-art new health centre for West Kirby’s residents. The local GPs currently rent an outdated building and they will be able to rent a fantastic new facility that will improve local services.

“Building more affordable homes across Wirral is crucial if we are to address the huge demand the area has; over 1,500 applications were received for the last 14 properties to become available to rent in West Kirby so it is vital homes are built to cater for this need.

“The Bridge Court site is the perfect location because until the summer it housed 53 decaying properties that cost tenants a lot of money to heat, were damaging to the environment and expensive to maintain from our perspective as the landlord.

“So the plans we have submitted are a huge improvement and should permission be granted, not only will it see five more homes provided than previously existed, they will be affordable, energy efficient saving tenants an estimated £219-a-year on fuel bills, attractive and create apprenticeships and jobs to boost the local economy.”

The Bridge Court plans also include WPH proposing to offer tenants a five-year tenancy agreement with the option to buy through shared ownership at the end of the term. Rents will be discounted by 20 per cent from the private market rent level to help residents save deposits to acquire their homes.

The health centre would be 2,300m² in size and include 18 consulting rooms, two minor surgeries, six general treatment rooms, a play area, clinical stores, an IT centre, an independent library and four podiatry rooms.

Specialist baby, eye, hearing, leg ulcer and health visitor clinics could be included, while the larger site would enable more people to receive treatments such as phlebotomy and physiotherapy.

Counselling, maternity, psychology, citizen’s advice and weight management services are also proposed, and the plans will be fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.

WPH is also leading a community photographic art competition with residents invited to submit images
with their work going on display on the hoardings that currently seal the site to improve its aesthetic appeal, showcase people’s talent and create an outdoor gallery for the community to enjoy.

Ends

Photographs: L to R: Chief Executive at Wirral Partnership Homes, Brian Simpson, Housing and Local Government Minister Grant Shapps and Wirral West MP, at the Bridge Court development site in West Kirby.

For media enquiries contact Duncan Thorne at Thorne PR on 07967 613432 or duncan@thornepr.co.uk

Notes to editors
• Bridge Court is a £10 million scheme proposed by Wirral Partnership Homes and NHS Wirral in Orrysdale Road;
• An outline planning application has been submitted for a state-of-the-art, 2,300m² health centre and 58 new homes for local people;
• The plans include relocating the three existing GP practices and community services that serve 17,000 patients in The Concourse into a purpose-built centre opposite;
• More consultation rooms and surgery facilities and a wider range of treatment, support services and facilities would be available;
• 58 new homes complementing West Kirby are also planned featuring energy efficient designs that would save tenants £219-a-year in fuel bills (based on a 12 month comparison of bills over 2010 and 2011 in new and old homes in Woodchurch, Wirral);
• The regeneration programme would create local jobs and boost West Kirby’s economy;
• A 14-week consultation period started on 14th November and closes on 19th February;
• With approximately 12,400 properties, WPH is the largest Registered Provider of affordable homes in Wirral;
• NHS Wirral was established in October 2006 and has a resident population of more than 330,000 people;
• West Kirby Health Centre opened in 1976.

Magistrates and Probation Presentation at Barncroft

Laura Wedekind — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:03:59 GMT

What does a Magistrate do?
Residents had the opportunity to find out at a presentation by the Merseyside Probation Trust and Magistrates at WPH’s new community room in Barncroft.

Karen Williams, Probation Officer and Chris Parry, Magistrate and Lecturer in Sociology and Criminology, regularly run community sessions to inform about the sentencing process.

It’s an emotive subject, and both Karen and Chris were clear that they didn’t aim to change anyone’s views. Their session was to give information and explain sentencing, and they weren’t put off by some tough comments and questions from the group.

Be the jury – have your say
Everyone attending was given the opportunity to ‘be the jury.’ Chris gave a case study crime and asked the group what sentencing they initially thought would be appropriate. At first, most people thought the best sentence would be imprisonment.

What does a probation officer do?
Next, Karen explained that Probation Officers are highly trained to interpret the behaviour of defendants and make recommendations to the courts.

Karen outlined background, cause and emotions of the case study individual, and went into detail about the sentencing options available.

Sentencing options – the impact of prison life and the alternatives
After discussing the various sentencing options open to magistrates today – Chris finally asked again who would send the case study example to prison.

Having reviewed the full case study details, no one raised their hand – community service became the best sentencing option.

It was an informative presentation with practical examples. One resident said “It’s really good for them to come here to talk to us about this. I’ve learned a lot.”

WPH continues to promote Barncroft as a hub for all the community and arranges a weekly schedule of events, activities and presentations.

We’re pleased to be supporting Merseyside Police and Probation Trust as they spread their messages to the wider community.

Thanks to Chris and Karen for their time.

WPH raises £2000 for Children in Need

Laura Wedekind — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:04:57 GMT

WPH staff and residents managed to raise more than £2000 for Children in Need after a week of fundraising activities.

Sponsored leg waxing, fancy dress and zumba lessons were amongst the fundraising events - along with plenty of raffle tickets being sold and some packed coffee mornings at the high rise blocks and Barncroft in Pensby.

Brian Simpson, Chief Executive said "I'd like to say a really big thank you to all of our staff and residents who took part in the fundraising, it's great to see such generosity.

"Lots of people find the Children in Need cause inspiring and we're lucky to have so many kind and charitable people in Wirral.

"WPH staff and residents have raised over £5000 for various charities in 2011, and we hope to continue in 2012!"

WPH would like to thank local and national contractors who helped with our fundraising, including beautician Ashlea Jones, Zumba teacher Becky Hunt from Fun Fab fitness and Bullock Construction.

Becky Hunt from Wirral based Fun Fab Fitness donated her fees for a one hour zumba lesson for WPH staff to Children in Need. Her session was really good fun and good everyone in the mood. Click the link below to take a look at her website, we'd recommend her classes!

Bullock is a construction company working on our high rise project. They worked with WPH staff and residents to organise Children in Need coffee mornings in every block they are working in, and all their staff got involved in the activities. Thanks very much!

Find out more about what our donation will help with on the BBC Children in Need website:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/

Loss of Gas Supply in Moreton

Alison Jones — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT

National Grid engineers restored gas supplies to a further 143 homes and businesses in the Moreton and Leasowe areas of the Wirral last night and the reconnection operation will continue throughout today.

133 properties are now waiting for gas supplies to be restored

Ian Palfreyman, National Grid’s Head of North West Network, said: “We will be continuing to restore gas supplies. We apologise for the time it is taking and we would like to thank people for their continuing patience and goodwill. We are doing everything we can to get people back on gas as soon as possible.

“We have restored supplies to the majority of homes in the area and we have more than 80 engineers focusing on reconnecting the remaining properties. The biggest challenges we are addressing at the moment are removing water from service pipes – the pipes that connect individual properties to the main in the street – and in some cases from internal pipework as this takes additional time, and also removing remaining water from some of the low lying points in the mains.”

National Grid engineers have pumped more than a quarter of a million litres of water out of the gas network.

The Wirral and Leasowe area has been divided into zones (for details see table below). Gas supplies have been restored now to most properties in Zones 1, 3, 4 and 6. If you live in any of these zones but have not yet been visited by a National Grid engineer, please call 0845 605 6677. We will arrange for an engineer to call at your home, reconnect your gas supply and check the gas is flowing safely to your meter and appliances

In Zone 5 engineers are continuing to remove water from a significant number of properties where water has entered the service pipe – the pipe that connects the gas main in the road to individual properties – and in some cases the internal pipework. This means it is taking longer to reconnect supplies. In Zone 2, we are now focusing on removing water from the service pipes and reconnecting supplies.

If you live in either of these two zones sit tight and wait for National Grid to contact you. Everything is being done to restore your supplies as soon as possible.

Zones

Zone 1
Aintree Close
Castle Grange Close
Castleford Rise
Cheltenham Crescent
Cronton Avenue
Ditton Lane
Dunstall Close
Epson Road
Farnworth Avenue
Findley Drive
Garswood Close
Goodwood Drive
Newbury Way
Oakmere Close
Reeds Lane (evens only 2 -100)
The Sandhills

Zone 2
Birkett Avenue
Birkett Square
Blackheath Drive
Castle Field Estate
Castleway North (evens only 2 – 70)
Castleway South (evens only 58 – 94)
Farmside
Green Heath Way
Leasowe Road (nos 473 – 583)
Murreyfield Drive
New Brighton FC
Ravenhill Crescent
Reeds Avenue
East Reeds Avenue West
Reeds Lane (odds only 1 – 117)
Twickenham Drive (odds 1 – 43; evens 2 - 48)
Wakefield Drive
Whiteheath Way

Zone 3
Castle Way North (odds only 35 – 75)
Castle Way South (odds only 45 – 81)
Castle Close
Birkett Close
Twickenham Drive (odds 45- 51; evens 50 -76)

Zone 4
Blundells Drive
Danger Lane (Odds only 25 – 93).
Eastway
Fairmead Road
Fendale Avenue
Hoylake Road
Ivy Lane
Knuttsford Green
Knuttsford Road
Oundale Road
Pasture Avenue (1 – 90)
Pastures Crescent
Poppy Close
Rossall Road
School Close

Zone 5
Avondale Avenue
Bull Rush Drive
Cornflour Way
Danger Lane (evens only 30 – 48)
Daneswell Drive
Grovedale Drive
Hyacinth Grove
Kingsmead Road
Lindale Close
Lombard Road
Marram Close
Pasture Avenue (92 – 179)
Reeds Lane
Reedsville Grove
Rossall Court
Saxon Road
Springdale Close
Sunfield Road
Willow Moss Close
Yew Tree Road
Yew Way

Zone 6
Spencer Avenue
Stavordale Close
Stuart Avenue
Wynbrook Hey

Gas supplies were lost on Friday after a water main fractured at the junction of Danger Lane and Hoylake Road causing water to enter the gas network. United Utilities stopped the water leak on Friday morning.

Once all the water has been removed from the network and gas is back in the mains, a second visit will be made to turn on the supply to each property.

If you are not in when we come to switch your gas back on we will leave a card asking you to contact us to arrange a time when we can return and reconnect you
If you have gas continue to use it as normal – it is safe to do so
We believe we have now contacted all affected properties; however, if you have no gas and have not received a visit from a National Grid engineer please contact us on 0845 605 6677.

Please ask to see the identity cards of engineers calling at your home.

Once we have restored supplies, National Grid will be compensating households that have been without gas for more than 24 hours. Under our guaranteed standards of service, households will be eligible for £30 for every full 24 hours we were unable to call to connect them and businesses £50 per 24 hours.

National Grid intends to make compensation payments as quickly as possible by cheque, once the incident is over and all customers are back on gas. Once people’s gas supplies have been restored, paying compensation can take up to 28 days.

Following problems with the local electricity network as a result of an increase in the use of electrical heating and cooking facilities, residents are urged to conserve electricity. Please only use essential electrical appliances and switch off any non-essential appliances.

If you are local resident and have any enquiries about the loss of gas supply please call 0845 605 6677.

If you smell gas or experience a loss of gas please ring the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

Information about the incident is available from the incident centre at Leasowe Community Centre, behind Leasowe Leisure Centre, Twickenham Drive, Leasowe, Wirral, CH46 1PF or via the National Grid website on http://www.nationalgrid.com/incidents Or twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nationalgriduk

If you are elderly, disabled or have a chronically sick family member in your home and you need a fan heater or hotplate but have not received one please contact 0845 605 6677.

WPH unveils exciting plans to modernise Services

Alison Jones — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:26:13 GMT

Wirral Partnership Homes (WPH), a registered charity and registered provider of social housing, was set up in 2005 following the transfer of 13,000 homes to them from Wirral Council. Tenants voted on the move and WPH pledged a set of 89 promises, putting the community at the centre of its investment and projects.

WPH has now met those promises made to tenants which included investment of over £100 million in their properties including replacement bathrooms, kitchens and other modernisation. The organisation aims to provide good value for money, whilst providing the best possible and most convenient service to their customers. One of the main proposals to modernise its operations and to help achieve these aims is the move to centralise services and co-locate staff who are currently spread out a number of different locations in Wirral into one central office base.

Consequently, WPH has signed the legal agreement to purchase Westminster House from Wirral Council with a view to the building being ready for occupation by office based staff in early 2013. Redevelopment costs will be met from the current Business Plan along with savings from existing office rentals and efficiency savings such as reduced staff travel between different sites and better energy usage. The premises will be future-proofed, in line with the organisation’s approach to the green agenda and may also attract grant funding to assist businesses reduce their carbon footprint.

Brian Simpson, Chief Executive, WPH added: “We are very excited that the contract has been agreed and signed and we now have applied for planning permission to provide a building that will not only benefit WPH staff but provide a customer focused point of contact with easy access to staff and information. We will continue to provide additional services and resources to our tenant and community groups in a modern and pleasant environment including meeting facilities.

“Nearly 7 years after taking possession of 13,000 homes from Wirral Council, we have met all promises made to our customers. We will now look to the future, linking with partners and building new homes in the area. Watch out for a new look WPH coming to your neighbourhood soon.”

ENDS

Pictured: Artists Impression of Westminster House
For further information contact Alison Jones, Communications & Reputation Management Officer on 0151 666 7063

Working Together on ‘Operation Banger’

Alison Jones — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:34:41 GMT

WPH, Merseyside Fire Brigade and the Community Payback Team work together on ‘Operation Banger’

In the run up to Bonfire night, WPH, Lairdside Communities Together and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Services (MFRS) have been operating rubbish amnesty days in bonfire and flytipping hot spot areas to give residents the opportunity to dispose of bulky household items rather than encouraging illegal bonfires.

A small team of offenders have also been helping out with the operation. Formerly known as Community Service, Community Payback is unpaid work aimed at offenders giving back to the communities for the wrong that they have done.

A WPH resident from Birkenhead said: “I think this is a great idea. Every year the playing field by my house is used for illegal bonfires and it’s a huge worry for me and my neighbours as it’s too close to our homes. This gives people the chance to get rid of their rubbish properly beforehand and will stop anti-social behaviour. This year there won’t be anything to take and use to make dangerous bonfires.”

Mike Burretti from MFRS said “this has been a great initiative. All those involved have worked really hard to encourage residents to dispose of combustible items responsibly, free of charge instead of giving them to youths to put on illegal bonfires. The Community Payback Team have made a big difference and removed a lot of waste and local residents have been really supportive too. We couldn’t have done this without the support of WPH and partners, everybody is doing a great job to try and reduce anti-social behaviour across Wirral neighbourhoods. This is all about working together to keep the community safe and we also want to encourage people to attend the organised firework events that are safe for all the family to enjoy.”

Brian Simpson, Chief Executive from WPH added: “We would like our residents and members of the public to help us discourage bonfires on public land and enjoy one of the organised free firework displays across Wirral. We will continue to work together with our partners to proactively prevent and reduce the problems that can be associated with this time of the year.”

The following approved public firework displays are taking place on Saturday 5th November at 6.30pm:

            Lingham Park, Moreton
            Upton Park, Moreton
            Woodchurch Leisure Centre
            Birkenhead Park
            Central Park, Wallasey
            Mersey Park, Tranmere
            Mayer Park, Bebington
            Ridgeway High School, Noctorum (5pm)

ENDS

Pictured: (1) WPH Staff, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and Community Payback Team collecting rubbish (2) MFRS, WPH staff and Volunteers collect fallen logs
For further information contact Alison Jones, Communications & Reputation Management Officer on 0151 666 7063

WPH to Build 400 Brand New Homes in Wirral

Alison Jones — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:48:02 GMT

After submitting one of 146 successful bids for the government Affordable Homes Programme, Wirral Partnership Homes (WPH) is set to build 400 new properties, providing a catalyst for regeneration and creating jobs in Wirral. It will also provide the opportunity for WPH to put their Green Agenda Strategy into action.

In May this year the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) invited bids for funding to build new homes through its Affordable Homes Programme, which will invest £4.5bn in affordable housing over the next four years and WPH are amongst the first in the country to sign their Contract. Through the programme, the government aims to build 80,000 new homes by 2015, 9, 311 of which will be in the North West.

WPH will be building most of the 400 homes on its own land, removing the risk associated with acquiring additional sites and increasing the viability of its development programme. The housing will all be available for rent at a 20% discount to the open market rent levels and will be built to strict environmental and space standards as well as being accredited as Secured by Design by the Police. New homes will be built across the Wirral, including in neighbourhoods that have not had any new and affordable homes for decades.

Brian Simpson, CEO of Wirral Partnership Homes, commented: “Without the Affordable Rent Programme, development would have been limited.

“The programme has enabled our plans to grow from four properties to 400, which is fantastic news for Wirral, creating new apprenticeships and local labour and assisting in regeneration of the area. In this time of economic difficulties, the new homes will not only be much needed but affordable. Along with the Wirral Waters Enterprise Zone and the steady tourism revenue, the outlook for Wirral is encouraging.”

WPH has remained committed to the improvement and development of its homes, last year commencing a three-year £29m project investing in the refurbishment of seven high-rise buildings. The improvements include modern renovations, with new kitchens and bathrooms being installed, refurbishment of communal areas, and an overhaul of heating and electrical systems, water supplies, fire alarm installations and lifts.

ENDS

Pictured: The first of four innovative new homes at Royden Road, Overchurch, Wirral, Merseyside. Each property was delivered in two parts – ground floor and first floor, and internally complete. Every tile, every last lick of paint now finished and perfected. All units already occupied.
For further information contact Alison Jones, Communications & Reputation Management Officer on 0151 666 7063

Vote for WPH in the Home Office Tilley Awards

MC2 — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:12:18 GMT

WPH has been awarded a 'Certificate of Merit' from the Home Office for our role in tackling anti-social behaviour in Wirral, and is now to be included in a public vote.

The certificate, which was awarded to just three of more than 50 projects entered into the annual Home Office Tilley Awards, recognised WPH’s commitment to reducing crime in Noctorum.

Voting opened on 25 October, and is open to members of the public. Let the Home Office know what you think of the shortlisted entries by visiting www.homeofficesurveys.homeoffice.gov.uk

Judges praised WPH's strategy, which included targeted home visits and working with residents to organise events and improve community cohesion, and were particularly impressed with its results. The overall project halved incidents of "inconsiderate behaviour" and saw environmental damage in Noctorum reduce by over 80%.

Brian Simpson, chief executive of WPH, said: “We are thrilled to have been presented with a Certificate of Merit for our work in Noctorum.

“WPH staff work tirelessly to create safe, working communities which our residents can be proud of, and it’s great to see their efforts being recognised at such a high level.”

The Tilley Awards, set up by the Home Office Policing and Reducing Crime Unit in 1999, recognises organisations who work in partnership with the police to reduce anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder.

WPH Invites Tenders for Refurbishment

John Cogbill — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:22:54 GMT

WPH Invites Tenders for Internal and External Modernisation and Refurbishment to Westminster House, Birkenhead, Wirral

Full details of this contract notice and how to apply can be found at:

http://ted.europa.eu
Contract number: 2011/S 203-330102

Contact karl@longmeadowestates.co.uk or call (0151) 630 0600 for information.

Going Green With Merseyside Skills and Training Centre

Alison Jones — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:21:46 GMT

WPH has teamed up with Merseyside’s Green Energy Training Centre (GETC) to provide a new, green, training qualification for its staff.

With approximately 12,400 properties, Wirral Partnership Homes (WPH) is the largest registered provider of affordable housing in Wirral. They are currently considering options on embarking on pilot schemes for a home Solar PV installation programme, with the aim of reducing tenants’ fuel poverty, cutting down on carbon emissions, and generating income through the government’s Feed in Tariff (FIT).

The cutting edge £280,000 GETC is a partnership between North West training provider Scientiam, Wirral based renewable energy products manufacturer Stiebel Eltron, and the Skills Funding Agency.

Six of Wirral Partnership Homes’ technicians are attending a BPEC Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installation course at the centre, where they will be encouraged to get ‘hands on’ with the equipment in order to learn the practical side of installation as well as the theory.

More staff members will be attending a general awareness course, which will introduce the renewable energy technologies available, low carbon legislation and the financial incentives available such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and the Feed In Tariff.

Geoff Muise, Operational Director for Building Services, Wirral Partnership Homes, said: “Wirral Partnership Homes is fully committed to developing its green agenda. This partnership has enabled some of technicians to attain new skills for the future which will assist us in achieving our objectives and meeting our Green Agenda Strategy.”

In June 2008 the UK Government launched its energy strategy proposals with the aim of creating a green economy. By 2016 all new homes built should be carbon neutral, and as such there is huge pressure on the construction industry to ramp up its green energy expertise.

Joe Martin, business development manager at the GETC, said: “The number of solar PV installations is fast increasing across the UK, and it is great to see organisations like Wirral Partnership Homes taking their green credentials seriously. The benefits of using renewable energy are there for all to see, particularly for bodies such as housing associations, local authorities and health trusts.

“As well as hitting their green targets, solar PV offers a good Return on Investment – especially in buildings where the electricity produced is being used throughout the day, rather than being sold back to the national grid.”

Mr Martin added: “Green energy provides a real commercial opportunity for correctly trained installers. After completing a three day BPEC Solar PV course, an electrician can apply to become MCS accredited. This is virtually a necessity as only MCS installations qualify for the Feed in Tariff. Also as low carbon energy comes targets come to the fore, more markets will need to turn to renewable energy installers and a new generation of skilled green energy tradesmen.”

The Government renewable energy strategy estimates that 16,000 new jobs will be created in the UK by 2020.
For more information on the Green Energy Training Centre and the courses available visit www.greenenergytrainingcentre.co.uk or call 0844 822 8088.