Digital TV Service to go Live for Tenants

A ground-breaking digital service which allows tenants to report repairs and check their rent accounts through their TV is being launched by a leading local landlord.

The service will be available to all South Staffordshire Housing Association tenants who subscribe to a Sky service or Virgin Digital Media.

It can also be accessed through mobile phones which have access to the internet.

Among the services which will be available over the coming months at the touch of a button are:

• Reporting repairs
• Checking rent accounts
• Applying for a new home
• Sending an email.

South Staffordshire Housing Association will be among the first housing associations in the country to use the new technology, which is designed to make it easier for tenants to interact with their landlord.

Adrian Eggington, assistant managing director with South Staffordshire Housing Association, said: “By 2012, all terrestrial television services will be digital and Freeview services.

“What we are doing is harnessing that technology to make it easier for our tenants to contact us and access information. This is in addition to the telephone and internet services we already offer.

“This means that, in the future, you can be sat in your armchair and just use your remote control to let us know if something needs repairing, or if you want to check you rent account.

“In addition, you can access the digital service from your mobile when sat on the bus to send us a message or apply for a new home.

“The whole idea is to make our services and vital information as easily accessible as possible.”

All South Staffordshire Housing Association tenants will be sent information explaining how to access the new service, being provided by not-for-profit organisation DigiTV. There will be no additional charge to use it.
 
The screens have been designed to be easy to use and contain large text to make it easier to read.

Tenants wanting more information should contact 01785 312000.

The service went live at the end of November, though some services, like rent payments and applying for a new home, will not be available until April 2008.

(Released 2nd January 2008.)

£7m Investment Plans for Luxury Development

South Staffordshire Housing Association is consulting Essington residents on plans for a £7m investment in homes for older people.

The proposal to build a new community development of high-quality one and two bedroom flats for older people at Park House would result in vastly improved facilities, plus more communal resources such as an internet suite, residents’ club room, gym and communal dining area.

The existing sheltered scheme at Park House, made up of mainly bedsits, is owned by the housing association.  Residents are being asked for their views on the plans, which would include landscaped gardens, additional parking and arrangements for extra support, care and health services. There would also be arrangements for visiting services, like hairdressers, podiatrists and dentists.

Consultation has been undertaken on a one to one basis with local residents. Park House resident Alan Clark, 68, said: “It’s the only way forward to provide up-to-date accommodation”.

Park House was built in the 1970s when bedsit housing was commonplace. Today, both men and women are living longer and more couples, as well as single people, want affordable housing which caters for their needs. By 2012 it is predicted that one in five people in South Staffordshire will be over 60 years old.

Sue Rowley, Managing Director with South Staffordshire Housing Association explains: “We want to provide the best possible homes for our residents, and this is an opportunity to do that.  The land adjacent to Park House is available for development.  By working in partnership we can offer a higher standard of living to existing and future residents.

“If the plan goes ahead, residents will be offered alternative housing while the new development is built. We know that moving home is disruptive and stressful and will aim to rehouse people nearer to their family, friends or facilities they enjoy.  We will also give as much support as we can, including access to dedicated staff, help with packing, expenses and getting settled.

“When the new development is ready Park House residents can be first into the new flats or, if they prefer, they could choose to stay where they are.”

Councillor Patricia Griffin, of Essington Parish Council, said: “Essington needs good quality affordable facilities for older people.  If this scheme is able to provide them then I am supportive of it.  I will be working with and on behalf of residents to ensure that they get the best possible support.”

If the project goes ahead, it is expected that the work would take about 18 months to complete. No final decisions will be made until a full consultation, with residents and their families, has taken place.

(Released 15th January 2008.)

Building Award for Landmark Development

The Riverside Court development of affordable apartments, in Girton Road, is owned by South Staffordshire Housing Association, was designed by local architects S P Faizey and developed by builder Jessup.

The homes have been voted the best residential new build over ten units category in the Built in Quality – Staffordshire awards which are run by LABC – the Local Authority Building Control organisation. The awards recognise builders and developers who have achieved outstanding quality in their construction work.

The £3.9 million development of 29 high-specification apartments for shared ownership was officially opened in June 2007and was nominated for the award by the building control department at Cannock Chase District Council.

Paul Beckley, building control manager at Cannock Chase District Council, said: "We were highly delighted that they were judged to be the winner in their category with such a high quality development."

Ursula Bennion, group director of business development at Central Borders Housing Group, which commissioned the development on behalf of its partner organisation South Staffordshire Housing Association, said: “Riverside Court has been designed and marketed with the aim of helping people with strong local ties to buy a share in a property they would not otherwise be able to afford.

 “Because of the high standard of design and build, the apartments are aspirational properties and the first of many such developments we hope to offer in the area. We worked closely with Jessup on the specification of fixtures and fittings to ensure the development had a top quality finish.

“The work of S P Faizey and Jessup has been of the highest quality and we are delighted LABC has recognised this with the award. It shows the importance that we and our partners put on offering desirable, affordable homes.

“The development has proved to be so popular with local purchasers that there are now only five apartments available for sale. For a limited period, we are offering a range of financial incentives for early completion which we believe will provide even more opportunity for buyers to take their first step onto the property ladder.”

The apartments are being marketed by Jayman’s estate agents who can be contacted on 01543 505566 and can provide further details and viewing information.

(Released 21st January 2008)

Riverside Court(external link)