WINTER 2014

Council homesavailable to rent

Win £100! Sign up for Housing Newsby email. P5

New buildhousing projectin Bellsmyrenow completeP2

Tenants happier thanever with Housing ServicesP5

The Council has affordable homes availablenow in Dumbarton or Clydebank for interestedtenants. 

In Dumbarton we have 1, 2 and 4 bedroom flatsavailable for rent in Westcliff. Rents range between£265 and £295 per calendar month.  If you wouldlike more information, call 01389 608970.

In Clydebank we have 1 and 2 bedroom flats in Dalmuir. Rents are between £270 and £280. If you would like more information, call 01389738254.

Between July and September 2014 the Council allocated 258 homes to tenants. Of these allocations, 152 were in Clydebank, 41 were inDumbarton and 65 in Alexandria.

The allocations were split between 228 flats, 25houses and five bungalows.

There are around 4,176 applicants on our waitinglist, which is down 291 from the previous quarter.If you are on our waiting list, remember to tell us about any changes in your circumstances, for example a change to your address or phone numberor new members in your family.

You can talk to us about your housing applicationat any time, and we can offer you advice aboutyour area and house type choices - so keep intouch.

Clydebank main enquiry number:

01389 738254or text 07899 076204

Dumbarton/Alexandria main enquiry number:

01389 608959or text 07909 890729

258homes allocated between July andSeptember 2014

ouncil homes in Dumbarton and Rentonare looking better than ever after improve-ment work recommended by the West Dunbartonshire Tenantsa n d R e s i d e n t sOrganisation (WDTRO).

The estates in Brucehill and Tontineare the latest areas to benefit from theannual £800,000 funds allocated to theWDTRO as a result of a reduction in theamount charged for housing repairs.

Council workers have been paintingexternal walls, internal stairwells, cleaninggutters and carrying out electrical upgradeson over 350 homes in the areas.

Morag Craigie, Secretary of Bruce-hill Tenants and Residents Association,said: “The painting programme hasmade a remarkable difference to thearea. Once the work is complete, the

whole of Brucehill will benefit”.The improvement money was first made available

in 2012 after the WDTRO approached the Council toask if the extra money generated by the Direct LabourOrganisation could be used to benefit tenants. The

Council agreed that the money could be used for improvements, and that tenant representatives

would have a say in exactly how it would be spent.The Council’s Housing Convener, Councillor David McBride

said: “We were delighted to support the WDTRO’s proposal forthree years and I think that tenantsacross West Dunbartonshire havereally seen the benefit of this money.

“This year tenant representativestold us that they wanted money tobe spent in areas that hadn’t yetseen any improvements. I’m pleasedthat the result of this is that Councilhomes in Brucehill and Tontine arenow looking fantastic.”

As part of the rent consultationwith tenants, the WDTRO and othertenants and residents associationsare currently involved in discussionswith the Council to confirm whetheror not these funds will continue tobe made available in the future.

CWe are delighted

to support theWDTRO’s proposal -

tenants acrossWest Dunbartonshirehave really seen the

benefit of this money.”

‘‘

HOMEIMPROVEMENTSCONTINUE

Council homes have been painted

and cleaned as part of the project

350homesupgraded

Want to get involved inthe rent consultation?

Find out how on P2

The second phase of the Council’s newbuild housing project in Bellsmyre, Dum-barton, is now complete.

The ten new homes are on a prominent site onthe corner of Howatshaws Road and Whiteford Avenue, opposite Aitkenbar Primary School.

These modern and attractive new two-storeyproperties replace unpopular three-storey tenementblocks which had become difficult to let.

The 21 remaining homes in the project will becompleted by Christmas. This will bring the total ofnew homes delivered in Bellsmyre to 36.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Housing Vice-convenersaid: “I’m really pleased to see the next phase ofthese new Bellsmyre homes come to completion.They look fantastic and I hope the new tenants willbe very happy in their homes for many years tocome.”

Ten new Bellsmyrehomes complete

he Council is proposing a lower than expectedrent rise of 6.9% for its tenants this April,to help pay for home and neighbourhoodimprovements and other housing services.

The suggested increase, which will go to Councilin February 2015 for approval, is lower than the

previously agreed annual increase figure of 7.63% which wasset in 2012.

The Council has been able to propose a lower than expectedincrease this year due to positive results from our stock conditionsurvey, showing that 86% of our properties now meet the ScottishHousing Quality Standard. We have also significantly improvedthe management of our housing stock ensuring that investmentis now targeted at sustainable properties.

The proposed rent increase is still required to ensure thatthe Council continues to maintain its properties to the ScottishHousing Quality Standard and also to fulfil landlord obligations.

In addition, the Council will also invest more than £3millionof tenant rent money on building new Council homes thatshould help ease the pressure on the current allocation lists.This will see the completion of 37 new council homes in Bruce-hill, Dumbarton and the beginning of a development which willsee 40 new build council homes in Clydebank.

In 2015-16, the average weekly rent for tenants of West Dunbartonshire Council will be £70.52.

It is a condition of your tenancy agreement that you shouldpay your rent each week in advance. If we do not receive paymentyour rent account will be in arrears. You can get help from theCouncil to make sure that this does not happen. If your accountis in arrears we will contact you to highlight any balance due

and arrange for you to settle your account in full. Tenants who build up arrears not only put their tenancy in

jeopardy but also make it increasingly difficult for the Councilto deliver the services it should. We will take action against tenantswho do not pay their rent.

The Council is happy to hear your views on the proposedincrease, please contact us on 01389 737343 or email: housingnews@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

The Council will review the way rent consultation is carriedout with tenants in the new year. If you want to take part in discussions about how the Council should consult its tenantsabout rents in the future please contact us on 01389 737281or email joanne.martin@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Meetings will be arranged at venues, dates and times to suittenants taking part.

T

The Council is now taking part in a scheme to reducehomelessness by buying the homes of people who areat risk of repossession, and renting the properties back tothem.

The Scottish Government’s Mortgage to Rent scheme aimsto help people facing financial difficulty to stay in their homes.The owner sells the house to the Council and then becomes aCouncil tenant. West Dunbartonshire Council has just bought itsfirst property under the scheme.

John Kerr, the Council’s Housing Strategy Manager explained:“Before you apply for the scheme, you must get advice aboutyour financial situation from either the Citizens Advice Bureauor another advice agency. The Scottish Government will assess

your application and if you are eligible, they will then contactus to take it forward. Once the buying process is completed,you will become a Council tenant.”

To apply for the scheme you must meet a number of criteria, including:

= you (or someone else in your household) has lived at the property for at least a year

= you are at least 3 months in arrears of loans secured on your property

=a trustee appointed to your estate is going to force the sale of your house

= you have failed to reach agreement with your mortgage lender on how to manage your arrears

=neither you or your partner has capital of more than £2,000 if you're under 60, and £4,000 if you're over 60. All houses in the new build programme

are allocated through the Council’s Allocation

Policy. If you would like more information,

please contact our Allocations Team on

01389 772063 or 01389 608970.

P2

West DunbartonshireCouncil’s HomeSwapperscheme - which allowstenants to swap homeswith another Council or housing association tenant - has nowled to more than 50 exchanges.

Since the start of 2014, 19 tenants haveswapped their home using the online service,bringing the total swaps to 54 since the servicebegan in 2012.

Currently almost 500 West DunbartonshireCouncil tenants are registered with HomeSwapper.The properties registered are spread across theCouncil area with sizes ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms.There are also 28 specially adapted propertiesavailable.

For more information onHomeSwapper please email:

jennifer.macmahon@west-dunbarton.gov.ukor call 01389 737721

More success forHomeswapper scheme

We want to make sure thatour tenants understand thevalue of their involvement”‘‘

For more information, contact the Scottish Government's Home Owners' Support on 0845 279 9999 or email:homeownersfund@scotland.gsi.gov.uk. You can also contact your local advice agencies:

Welfare Rights and Money Advice 0800 980 9070 (free from a landline) or 01389 776929 or theCitizens Advice Bureau 01389 744690 (Dumbarton), 01389 752727 (Alexandria) or 0141 435 7590 (Clydebank)

The Council aims to helppeople stay in their homes

and avoid repossession

RENT RISELOWER THANEXPECTED

Council in scheme to help reduce homelessness

Repairs & maintenance 28%8%13%5%0%41%4%

Other expenditure inc. voidsEmployee costs inc. travelAdmin costsSupplies & servicesLoan chargesProperty costs

How it is proposed to spend your money in 2015/16

The ten new Bellsmyrehomes are now occupied

at Penniecroft Avenue

The rent rise will fund further improvements to Council homes

across West Dunbartonshire

P3

Merry Christmasand Happy New Year

Dear tenants,Welcome to the Winter edition of HousingNews, which I hope you will enjoy reading.I’d like to start off by wishing you all anearly Merry Christmas and Happy NewYear on behalf of the Council.

As you will see on page 2, I’m pleased theCouncil is proposing a lower than expected rentrise this April - a suggested increase of 6.9%rather than the previously agreed annual rise of7.63%. This is possible because results from ourstock condition survey show that the Council ison track to bring all its properties up to the Scottish Housing Quality Standard by April. Wehave also made savings by improving the man-agement of our housing stock. While any kind ofrent rise is never going to be welcomed, I hopeyou will understand that it is necessary to ensurethat we maintain your homes to a good standardand also fulfil our obligations as your landlord.

I am delighted that the Council’s partnershipwith Cube Housing Association is now finalisedand is starting to produce results. In Clydebank,33 new homes are already complete, and workhas begun on another 54. Under ambitious plans,the partnership stands to deliver an additional300 new affordable homes in West Dunbartonshireover the next three years, which is fantasticnews.

On that note, the Council’s recently approvedplans to demolish vacant and surplus propertiesin Clydebank, Alexandria and Dumbarton willalso help greatly with our continuing regenerationwork. Wherever possible, land freed up by demol-ishing these properties will be used for new social housing of the right size and type for theneeds of our existing tenants and waiting list applicants.

Your feedback is so important to us, and that’s why I was happy to see that the results of this year’s tenant satisfaction survey showed an increase across all key measures of satisfaction.Particularly pleasing was the fact that 81% of tenants who responded were satisfied with theoverall service being provided, and 87% werehappy with the neighbourhood they live in. Asthere’s always room for improvement, we’re aimingfor a further increase in happy tenants next year.

I’d like to finish by appealing to you all to staysafe when out celebrating this Christmas, to drinkresponsibly and to look after each other.

Best wishes,Councillor David McBride,Convener of Housing

COUNCILLOR McBRIDECONVENER OF HOUSING

Your feedback is soimportant to us, and that’s

why I was happy to seethe results of this year’s

satisfaction survey showedan increase across all keymeasures of satisfaction”

‘‘new partnership between the Council andCube Housing Association is already deliveringon its promise to provide new affordablehousing across West Dunbartonshire.

A development of 33 new social rented homesat the Scholars site in Clydebank has now been

completed, and work has begun onbuilding 54 new homes at BeardmorePlace, Clydebank which are due forcompletion in summer 2015.

These developments are just thebeginnings of an ambitious partner-ship between the Council, Cube, andits parent organisation the WheatleyGroup, which was recently finalised.

It plans to deliver an additional 300 new affordable homesin West Dunbartonshire over the next three years. Possible sitesinclude the former Bonhill Primary School and land at Singer

Street and Second Avenue in Clydebank.Helen Turley, Head of Housing and

Community Safety said: “It’s fantasticto see the partnership deliver such a positive contribution to new affordable housing at such an early stage. With advanced plans to deliver hundreds more new affordable homesto meet identified housing need, this is great news for the West

Dunbartonshire community.”The Council will continue to have 100% nomination rights for

all social rented homes delivered through the partnership.

A

The Council is alerting tenants to the Scottish Govern-ment announcement that Right to Buy in Scotland willcome to an end on 1 August 2016.

From this date, tenants will no longer be able to purchasetheir Council homes.

The legislation which will end the Right to Buy is the Housing(Scotland) Act 2014, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament in June and received Royal Assent in August, following a consultation period of two years.

Tenants of sheltered and new build housing, and tenantswho took up a tenancy for the first time on or after 1 March2011, are already excluded from the Right to Buy scheme byprevious legislation.

Councillor David McBride, Convener for Housingsaid: “Tenants thinking about buying their Council home before the deadline in August2016 are advised to consider theirchoice carefully. Once you exerciseyour right to buy, you become responsible for all maintenancecosts including routine repairs,major structural repairs and im-provements. My advice would beto get as much information andadvice as you possibly can fromreputable sources before makinga decision.”

The Council is set to launcha new website aimed athelping local residents tofind suitable private sectorrented housing.

It is hoped that the new website,which will launch in January, willencourage more landlords to workwith the Council’s housing serviceto help promote a good supply ofquality accommodation.

Potential tenants will be able to contact landlords directly byphone, email or internally throughthe site, which should help to reduce the time that propertieslie empty.

The Council is working on the project with the software development company Localpadwhich already supplies almosthalf of Scotland’s Councils withsimilar services.

All tenants seeking assistancefrom the Council will be signpostedto the site. Landlords advertisingtheir properties will be encouraged

to become partof the Rent Deposit Guar-antee Schemethat supportspeople that are in housing need.

The Council will also advertisesome of its own properties that areavailable for rent on the website.

Helen Turley, Head of Housingand Community Safety said:“We’re really keen to assist thosewith housing need in the area.We hope this new website will be a fantastic way for tenants tofind suitable properties and forlandlords to let their propertiesquickly and easily.It’s been awhile in the planning stage andwe can’t wait for it to launch.”

For more informationplease contact

Jennifer MacMahon on01389 737721 or email:

wdhomefinder@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

HOUSING PARTNERSHIPDELIVERINGR E S U LT S

Find a new home withCouncil website

Right to Buy end date confirmed

It’s fantastic to seethe partnership deliver such

a positive contribution tonew affordable housing”‘‘

How the new homes at Beardmore Place will look

Councillor David McBridewelcomes tenantsto their new homes

David McBride

DEMOLITION PLANS APPROVED

P4

A range of improvements, including new fencingand replacement sheds, are planned for the Council’sgypsy traveller site at Dennystoun Forge.

The site, which was established in 1981 and has 20pitches, has developed into a stable residential home fora permanent community of travellers, some of whom havelived on the site for over 30 years. Residents pay rent - comparable to the average rent for a two-apartment property- and Council Tax to the Council.

During December, Council officers will meet with residentsto identify a range of improvements, which will be phasedin over the next five years. Liaison Officers will be nominatedto become the key contacts for residents on the site, to help with any issues that arise. It is hoped that closer working relationships with residents will also help the Council identify arange of agreed service standards and make improvements toexisting tenancy agreements.

Housing Convener, Councillor David McBride said: “Makingsure that the Council meets the accommodation needs of all ourcommunities is very important. Similar to our tenanted properties,the Council has a duty to the residents on our gypsy traveller site.

In the same way that tenants in Council homes expect goodvalue for money and excellent services for the rent that they pay,our travelling community expect that too. I am pleased to saythat they will now get the same deal.”

The Council is set to spend £130,000 per yearon upgrading closes after an agreement wasreached with tenants’ associations that tenantsshould continue to clean their own closes.

The money previously set aside for close cleaningwill now be used to fund the upgrades across WestDunbartonshire.

Council officers have inspected and graded allcloses, and work will begin shortly to clean, paintand repair closes that are most in need.

The Council’s Housing Convener, Councillor DavidMcBride explained: “Both the Council and the tenantsand residents associations were left disappointedwhen a pilot programme to deliver close cleaningwasn’t up to scratch. After many meetings and muchdiscussion, it was agreed that the responsibility ofcleaning closes should remain with tenants andresidents.

“However, tenant representatives want to see theCouncil take a zero tolerance approach to tenantswho don’t take their turn to clean their close.”

Vice Convener for Housing, Lawrence O’Neill added:“Whilst support is always on offer for those whomight need a helping hand, tenants who don’t botherto take their turn will be met with a much harder lineas the Council investigates new measures to ensurethat they stick to their tenancy agreement conditions.

“Tenants who don’t know when it’s their turn toclean their close or need some guidance can contacttheir housing officer.”

Close improvementdeal reached

he Council has approved plans to demolishvacant and surplus properties in Clydebank,Alexandria and Dumbarton, to make way fornew social housing.

Councillors approved the plans to bring down the187 homes at the recent Housing and Communities

Committee. Properties will be demolished in

Second Avenue, Singer Street andCrown Avenue in Clydebank, CreveulCourt in Alexandria, and GlensideRoad and Muir Road in Dumbarton.The demolitions will take place during2015/16.

The committee also approved plans to declare a further 105homes as surplus, following an evaluation of the Council’s entire

housing stock. The surplus properties are in Westcliff, Dumbarton;Alexandria Town Centre and O’Hare, Bonhill. Drop-in sessions willbe arranged early in the new year to discuss the properties becomingsurplus, and consult on future plans for each of the areas. Anytenants directly affected will also have a visit from Council Officers.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Vice Convener of Housing said:“The demolition of these unsightlyvacant and surplus properties will helpgreatly with the continuing regener-ation work that is taking place acrossWest Dunbartonshire. Wherever it ispossible and suitable, the demolitionswill free up land for new build socialhousing that is of the right size and

type for the needs of our existing tenants and waiting list applicants,which is great news.”

T

Improvements for Gypsy Travellers site

If you live at Dennystoun Forge and would like moreinformation, please call 01389 737281 or email:

housingstrategy@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

The demolition of theseunsightly vacant and surplus

properties will help greatly with thecontinuing regeneration work”‘‘

Closes will be cleaned,painted and repaired

The site at Dennystoun Forge is home toa permanent community of travellers

Work is progressingwell on 37 new buildCouncil homes at HillStreet, Brucehill.

The project, whichwill provide 16 one-bedroom, six two-bedroom, six three-bedroom and six four-bedroom homes,should be complete by early summer 2015.

The main contractor, CCG (Scotland) Ltd, is nowestablished on site, with an office and facilities.

The Brucehill Tenants and Residents Group havebeen involved in the project from the beginning,and the wider community will soon have the opportunity to be involved in the community garden,which is part of the design.

All houses in the new build programme are allocated through the Council’s Allocation Policy.

If you would like more information, pleasecontact our Allocations Team on 01389 738282,

01389 772063 or 01389 608970.

Hill Street homes

Contractors are onsite atHill Street in Brucehill

Homes at Creveul Courtin Alexandria

Second Avenue,Clydebank

P5

TENANTSHAPPIERTHANEVERWITHHOUSINGSERVICE

Tenants of theCouncil’s shelteredhousing complexesare now benefittingfrom their ownTenant Handbook,thanks to the Sheltered HousingForum.

Members of theForum worked withofficers from CommunityHealth and Care Services and Housing Services topull together all relevant information into one handy,easy to read document. All current tenants nowhave their own copy, and all new tenants will receiveone when they sign up for a sheltered tenancy.

Forum member Angus Ferguson, who lives atthe Mill Road Sheltered Housing complex in Clydebank, said: “The Forum really welcomed theopportunity to be involved in creating the newhandbook. I hope that residents like it and find ithelpful. We are pleased with the results and thinkit is more user-friendly than previous versions.”

Jane Mack, Tenant Participation Officer said:“The Forum members are able to discuss issuesthat affect them all and make improvements. Oneof the current issues is inconsiderate parking infront of sheltered housing, particularly when thereare schools nearby, and often ambulances andtaxis dropping off residents are blocked. TheForum is writing to schools for their co-operationand would ask that all drivers pay particular attention to where they park near sheltered housingand to be more considerate.”

Sheltered HousingHandbook nowcomplete

ore tenants are happy with the Council’shousing service than ever before, accordingto the latest housing satisfaction survey.

The telephone survey of 582 tenants carriedout in September and October found that 81% were satisfied with the overall service being

provided – 9% higher than in2013. In addition, all key measuresof satisfaction had increased sincelast year, including 87% of tenantshappy with the neighbourhoodthey live in (up 2% on 2013), 80%satisfied with the general conditionof their home (up 6%), 76% whofelt that the Council is good at keeping them informed aboutservices and decisions (up 3%) and 73% who thought that therent they pay represents good value for money (up 6%).

Councillor David McBride, Convener of Housing, said:“This survey shows another set of encouraging resultsand our housing team is delighted that every single

measure of satisfaction has seen an improvementon last year’s survey. However, our aim is to keepimproving to deliver the best possible service to

our residents, so we willbe looking at these resultsin detail to see where we can get better.”Joanne Martin, Tenant Participation Officer said: “We would liketo thank the residents who took part in the survey for their valuablecontribution. We can only improve if people tell us what we are

doing well and what we are doingnot so well. Tenants can rest assured that where problemshave been identified, the housingteam will be looking at ways toaddress these issues.”

M81% 87% 80%

81% of tenants satisfied with the

service overall

81% 87% 80%

87% of tenants happy with their neighbourhood

We would like to thank theresidents who took part in the

survey for their valuablecontribution”

‘‘

Residents who drop litter or fly tip inWest Dunbartonshire will now be hitwith bigger fines.

People caught dropping litter in the street,including cigarette ends and chewing gum,or throwing rubbish from cars will now befined £80. Fines for fly-tipping have alsobeen increased to £200.

Councillor PatrickMcGlinchey, Convenerof Infrastructure andRegeneration, said:"Only a small minority ofpeople drop litter buttheir actions blight our communities. Oftenthis rubbish could be recycled and save the environment as well as saving money.Hopefully these penalties will make themthink twice and look for a bin rather thanthrowing their litter onto the street."

Councillor David McBride, Convener of Housing

and Communities, added: "Our litter officersregularly patrol the area, and as part of the‘Do The Right Thing’ campaign will be takingaction against anyone they see flouting thelaw. I hope these fines will encourage peopleto be responsible and help create a cleanermore attractive community which we will all

benefit from."As well as the existing

Litter Control Officers,additional Greenspacestaff have been trainedto enable them to issuefixed penalty notices onthe spot to people they

catch in the act.Launched in the summer, the Council’s

‘Do The Right Thing’ campaign is targetingthe minority of people who spoil the area bydropping litter, fly-tipping and failing to cleanup after their dogs.

up 9%on 2013

up 2%on 2013

87% of tenants said they werehappy with their neighbourhoods

Only a smallminority of people droplitter but their actions

blight our communities”

Residents caught littering face bigger fines

Litter fines have increased to£80. Do the Right Thing andput your litter in the bin.

Get Housing Newsby email and win£100!Would you liketo be in with achance of winning£100 of shoppingvouchers?

All tenants who signup to receive HousingNews by email by 31stJanuary 2015 will beautomatically enteredinto our prize draw.

Joanne Martin, TenantParticipation Officer, said: “Our most recent TenantSatisfaction Survey suggests that more and more tenants are getting online, and are happy to receive information electronically. This year’s HousingNews survey also revealed a number of tenantswho feel that the Council could keep costs downby providing Housing News by email to those whoask for it.”

If you would like to receive future issues ofHousing News by email, please email your

name and address to:housingnews@west-dunbartonshire.gov.uk

AUTUMN 2014AAllllooccaattiioonnss uuppddaattee

roof s

chimney stacks and

good repair

external wall structure and finish

should be in good repair and there

should be cavity wall insulation

w alls should have external

noise insulation

individual balconies must

be in good repair

rainwater goods

(gutters etc) must

be in good repair

1

2

5

What does the

Scottish Housing

Quality Standard

actually mean

for you?P6

Find out how tenant

feedback influences housing policy

P2

Going like hot cakes - pilot

allocations project is a successP5

hhee ffiirrsstt tteennaannttss hhaavvee mmoovveedd iinnttoo tthhee mmooddeerrnn,,

ssppaacciioouuss aanndd eenneerrggyy eeffffiicciieenntt nneeww CCoouunncciill

hhoommeess iinn WWhhiitteeffoorrdd CCrreesscceenntt,, BBeellllssmmyyrree..

At the end of September, five families were

handed the keys to the first completed homes in the

36-property new-build housing project, which covers

three separate locations in Bellsmyre. They are now settled into

the three 3-bedroomed terraced houses and two 4-bedroomed

semi-detached homes.

Lucky new tenant Alicia Rae and her

8-year-old son moved to their new

home from a maisonette in Bellsmyre’s

Muir Road that is due for demolition.

After two years of waiting for the first

glimpse of her new home, she was

delighted. She said: “I couldn’t imagine

how big they’d be inside, they are so

spacious and very modern, and ofcourse

it is great to have our own garden.”

The homes have generous space

standards, are accessible to people with mobility issues and are

built to high energy efficiency standards to reduce energy bills

for their tenants. The homes also meet the Secured by Design

standard, which helps improve home security by “designing out

crime”.The 31 remaining houses in the project, located at Aitkenbar

Drive/Howatshaws Road/Auchenreoch Avenue and Whiteford

Avenue/Penniecroft Avenue, will be completed before the end

of the year. Housing Convener, Councillor David McBride said: “I’m

delighted to welcome the first tenants to their new homes in

Bellsmyre, which look absolutely fantastic

– what a difference these bright and

attractive new buildings will make to

the area’s appearance and to the lives

of their tenants. The work at Bellsmyre

will be completed just as the next phase

of the Council’s ambitious House Build-

ing Programme is starting at Hill Street,

Brucehill. This is in addition to the new

Council homes in Clydebank and Haldane

that were completed last year.”

All homes in the new build programme

will be allocated through the Council’s Allocation Policy. If you

would like more information, please contact our Allocations

Team on 0011338899 777722006633 or 0011338899 660088997700.

TTWWhhaatt aa ddiiffffeerreennccee

tthheessee bbrriigghhtt aanndd

aattttrraaccttiivvee nneeww bbuuiillddiinnggss

wwiillll mmaakkee ttoo tthhee aarreeaa’’ss

aappppeeaarraannccee aanndd ttoo tthhee

lliivveess ooff tthheeiirr tteennaannttss..””

‘‘

TThhee CCoouunncciill aallllooccaatteedd 227744 pprrooppeerrttiieess ttoo

tteennaannttss bbeettwweeeenn AApprriill aanndd JJuunnee tthhiiss yyeeaarr

–– tthhrreeee mmoorree tthhaann iinn tthhee pprreevviioouuss qquuaarrtteerr..

The allocations were split between 238 flats,

32 houses and 4 bungalows. 143 of the homes

were in Clydebank, 69 in Dumbarton and 62 in

Alexandria.There are still around 4,467 people on the Council’s

waiting list. Waiting times vary depending on the

applicant’s choice of areas and house types.

Every year, depending on when you first applied,

you will be asked to re-register. It is important to

return your re-registration form if you still want

to be considered for re-housing. We have tried

to make this as easy as possible by including a

pre-paid envelope with your form. You can also

re-register by phoning the Customer Contact Centre

on 01389 738282.

Lorraine Kay, Allocations Team Leader added:

“If you are on our waiting list, please remember

to tell us about any changes in your circumstances,

for example a change to your address or phone

number, or new members in your family. You can

talk to us about your housing application at any

time and we can offer you advice about your area

and house type choices, so please keep in touch.”

CCllyyddeebbaannkk mmaaiinn eennqquuiirryy nnuummbbeerr::

0011338899 773388225544or text 0077889999 007766220044

DDuummbbaarrttoonn//AAlleexxaannddrriiaa mmaaiinn eennqquuiirryy nnuummbbeerr::

0011338899 660088995599or text 0077990099 889900772299

FFIIRRSSTT TTEENNAANNTTSSGGEETT KKEEYYSS TTOOBBEELLLLSSMMYYRREE HHOOMMEESS

274homes allocated

between April

and June 2014

The first five new Council homes in Whiteford

Crescent, Bellsmyre, are now complete

Housing staff get ready to show

tenants round their new homes

The Sheltered Housing Forumhelped create their own handbook

‘‘

P6

Tenants are being advised to stay safe and be responsiblewhen celebrating this Festive season, using a range ofsimple measures.

Community Safety Services - made up of the Council, Police,Fire Service, and Alcohol and Drugs Partnership - want to reducecrime and disorder during a time of year when people cansometimes drink to excess.

Karen Prior, Community Safety Development Officer, said: “Ofcourse, we want people to have a good time this Christmas andNew Year, but it is also important to act responsibly and alsoto look out for others in your party to make sure they are safe.We would advise local residents to plan ahead for their nightsout, keep their drinks within sight, call and book taxis from a licensed company and avoid travelling alone. If someone in thegroup needs to go home early you should make sure they do

that safely.“Remember to switch off

Christmas lights at bedtime,don’t leave burning candlesunattended, and avoid cookingwhen under the influence ofalcohol.”

Further informationcan be found on

the Council website and athttp://www.rospa.com/

wintersafety/

Empty homescome back to life

Stay safe this festive season

West Dunbartonshire Council is helpingowners of the area’s 290 empty homesto bring their properties back into use.

Empty homes are a wasted resource that couldbe used to help meet the area’s need for affordablehousing. They can also cause problems for residentsliving in their vicinity, and can have a negative impacton the wider community.

Loans are now available to owners of emptyhomes who wish to bring their properties up to asuitable standard either for letting or sale.

CASE STUDYCARLEITH AVENUE, CLYDEBANK

Carleith Terrace in Clydebank had beeninherited by the owner and had beenempty for a number of years, as theowner felt that the work required to modernise it was too much for him.

The Council’s Empty Homes Officer providedselling advice to the owner and signed him up tothe Matchmaker Scheme. A successful match wasfound and the property was sold in September.

The seller, who asked not to be named, said:“The service put me in touch with potential buyers,allowing me to sell my property - which requiredmajor investment - quickly and for a fair price.”

The Empty Homes Officer also met with the newowner to offer advice, and they have alreadybegun renovations with a view to either selling orrenting on completion.

See thesummary

reportin this

edition ofHousing

News

Any tenant who has not had a new kitchen/bath-room/consumer unit (fuse box) fitted within the last6 years please contact 01389 772081 or email:

podcontracts@west-dunbarton.gov.ukand arrangements will be made to carry

out a survey/installation.

Sold after being keptempty for years

For more informationon the scheme, please contact

Kathryn Kelly,Empty Homes Officer

on 01389 737576or email her at: kathryn.kelly@

west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Does this applyto you?

he Council has published a report to let itstenants and other customers know how it isperforming on the housing issues that matterthe most to them.Produced in partnership with tenants, the report aimsto provide clear, accurate information about how the

Council is performing against theoutcomes set out in the ScottishSocial Housing Charter (SSHC),which was introduced by theScottish Government in 2012. Itsets out 16 outcomes and standardsthat social landlords are expectedto deliver to their tenants andother service users. The report reflects where theCouncil has performed well, such as

92% of tenants satisfiedwith the standard

of their home

but also areas where the Councilmust improve – the averagetime it takes us to re-let ourproperties is 64 days. It alsotells tenants how we compareagainst our peers. A summary

of the report is included in this months’edition of the Housing News, tenantswho would like to see the full report cancontact us using the details below orcan view or download it directly from theCouncil’s website at: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/cpr

Councillor David McBride, Convener ofHousing, said: “We hope this report will encourage tenants to ask questions, to

hold the Council to account and help drive furtherimprovements. As well as highlighting areaswhere we have performed well, it also outlines

the actions we are taking to improve perform-ance. The report also includes a section

where readers can provide feedback,and I would encourage tenants andother customers to let us know theirviews.”A copy of the full report can be

found on the Council’s website.

Complete thefeedback card -you could win a

in ourFREE Christmas

prize draw!

£50Argos voucher

We hope this report willencourage tenants to ask

questions, to hold the Councilto account and help drive

further improvements”

‘‘T

REPORT TELLSTENANTS HOWCOUNCIL IS PERFORMING

If you have any questions,please contact

Stefan Kristmanns on01389 737545 or e-mail:

stefan.kristmanns@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

P7

JONATHAN McCOLLLAB

SNPSSP

INDCOUNCIL OFFICESGARSHAKE ROADDUMBARTON G82 3PUT: 01389 737511M: 07939 002886

MARTIN ROONEY LABSNP

SSPIND

HAZEL SORRELL LABSNP

SSPINDCOUNCIL OFFICES

GARSHAKE ROADDUMBARTON G82 3PUM: 07538 842600

JIM BOLLAN

LABSNP

SSPIND

4 ENDRICK WAYALEXANDRIA G83 0URT: 01389 756397M: 07803 668766

JOHN MILLAR LABSNP

SSPINDCOUNCIL OFFICES

GARSHAKE ROADDUMBARTON G82 3PUM: 07961 713003

GAIL ROBERTSONLAB

SNPSSP

INDCOUNCIL OFFICESGARSHAKE ROADDUMBARTON G82 3PUM: 07538 846212

MICHELLE McGINTY LABSNP

SSPINDCOUNCIL OFFICES

GARSHAKE ROADDUMBARTON G82 3PUM: 07538 842622

GEORGE BLACK

LABSNP

SSPIND

COUNCIL OFFICESGARSHAKE ROADDUMBARTON G82 3PUT: 01389 761449M: 07909 890840

DAVID McBRIDE LABSNP

SSPINDCOUNCIL OFFICES

GARSHAKE ROADDUMBARTON G82 3PUT: 01389 737377M: 07961 711664

IAN MURRAYLAB

SNPSSP

INDCOUNCIL OFFICESGARSHAKE ROADDUMBARTON G82 3PUM: 07538 842624

THOMAS RAINEY LABSNP

SSPINDCOUNCIL OFFICES

GARSHAKE ROADDUMBARTON G82 3PUM: 07538 846410

JIM FINNLAB

SNPSSP

INDCOUNCIL OFFICESROSEBERY PLACECLYDEBANK G81 1TGM: 07961 713007O: 01389 738520

DOUGLAS McALLISTER LABSNP

SSPINDCOUNCIL OFFICES

ROSEBERY PLACECLYDEBANK G81 1TGT: 01389 890623

LAWRENCE O’NEILL LABSNP

SSPINDCOUNCIL OFFICES

ROSEBERY PLACECLYDEBANK G81 1TGM: 07909 890842O: 01389 738704

DENIS AGNEW

LABSNP

SSPIND

COUNCIL OFFICESROSEBERY PLACECLYDEBANK G81 1TGT: 0141 952 8954

JIM BROWNLAB

SNPSSP

INDCOUNCIL OFFICESROSEBERY PLACECLYDEBANK G81 1TGT: 01389 876449M: 07961 713010

PATRICK McGLINCHEY LABSNP

SSPINDCOUNCIL OFFICES

ROSEBERY PLACECLYDEBANK G81 1TGT: 01389 873186M: 07961 713361

JOHN MOONEY LABSNP

SSPINDCOUNCIL OFFICES

ROSEBERY PLACECLYDEBANK G81 1TGM: 07538 842583

GAIL CASEY LABSNP

SSPINDCOUNCIL OFFICES

ROSEBERY PLACECLYDEBANK G81 1TGT: 0141 951 4595M: 07909 891242

WILLIAM HENDRIELAB

SNPSSP

INDCOUNCIL OFFICESROSEBERY PLACECLYDEBANK G81 1TGT: 01389 738650M: 07943 813111

MARIE McNAIR

LABSNP

SSPIND

COUNCIL OFFICESROSEBERY PLACECLYDEBANK G81 1TGT: 01389 738743M: 07909 891237

KATH RYALL LABSNP

SSPINDCOUNCIL OFFICES

ROSEBERY PLACECLYDEBANK G81 1TGT: 01389 738782M: 07538 842579

COUNCIL OFFICESGARSHAKE ROADDUMBARTON G82 3PUT: 01389 602562M: 07909 890846

CLYD

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TERF

RONT

LOMO

NDLEVEN

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NKILP

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CLYD

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1

2

3

4

5

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know your

councillors

ELECTEDMEMBERS2012 - 2017

P8

Other formatsThis document can be viewed as a pdf on our website:http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/housing/housing-news/It can also be provided in large print, Braille or on audio cassette and can be translated into different community languages. Please contact: Corporate Communications, Council Offices, Garshake Road, Dumbarton, G82 3PU. Tel: 01389 737000

CONTACT CENTRE 01389 738282

HOUSING - GENERAL ENQUIRIESDumbarton 01389 738282Clydebank 01389 738282

HOMELESS EMERGENCY(24 hour freephone) 0800 197 1004

HOUSING - REPORTING A REPAIRC’bank, Dumbarton/Alexandria 0800 073 8708Out of hours 0800 197 1004Repairs Centres are open between 8.30am and 4.15pm, Monday to Friday

EMERGENCY REPAIRS(out-of-hours freephone) 0800 197 1004Gas heating repairs (City Technical) 0800 073 0341Sold Property Team 0141 562 2442Tenant Participation 01389 737281ASIST (all antisocial behaviour services can be contacted through this number)

01389 772048

SOCIAL WORK - GENERAL ENQUIRIESDumbarton 01389 737020Clydebank 0141 562 8800Alexandria 01389 608080

FINANCIAL SERVICESCouncil Tax 01389 738282 or

01389 737444

HOUSING, REGENERATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICESSpecial (bulky) uplifts - Contact Centre 01389 738282Grass cutting 01389 608412Litter hotline 01389 772059Environmental Health 01389 738290Pest Control 01389 738282Waste Aware 0845 111 0050Citizens’ Advice Consumer Services 0845 404 0506Trading Standards 01389 738519Caretaking service 01389 608903/904

COUNCILLORS - GENERAL ENQUIRIES:Clydebank 01389 738782Dumbarton/Alexandria 01389 737540

GENERALCitizens’ Advice Bureau:Dumbarton 01389 744690Alexandria 01389 752727Clydebank 0141 435 7590

Community Transport Service 0141 333 3252HOME from HOME 01389 733733Energy Advice (Energy Saving Trust) 0800 512 012Samaritans 0845 790 9090Welfare Rights 01389 737050Lesbian and Gay Switchboard 0141 847 0447

RELATE (Relationship Scotland) 0141 248 5249Victim Support Scotland 0141 952 2095Dog warden 01389 738652Greenlight 01389 721012

Women’s AidDumbarton/Alexandria 01389 751036Clydebank 0141 952 8118

PoliceClydebank 0141 532 3300Dumbarton 01389 822000Alexandria 01389 823000Crimestoppers (freephone) 0800 555 111

Useful phone numbers

In person...Use your swipe card and pay by:= cash or cheque= cheque or Postal Order by post to any area housing office= credit or debit card

Through your bank...Pay by standing order or direct debit. This means your rent/CouncilTax is paid automatically from your bank account. Pick up a form fromthe rent counter at any of the local housing offices.At the Post Office...You can also pay by direct debit at any Post Office or Paypoint outlet.Use your swipe card and pay by:= cash or cheque

By telephone/internet...Use your credit or debit card to make a payment for your rent, CouncilTax or debtor account by:= calling our Contact Centre on 01389 738282= calling our automatic telephone payment service on

01389 732376 at any time= calling one of our officers during working hours= logging onto our website: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk

and clicking on the ‘Pay Your Way’ button to go to thepayment pages

don’t miss the next edition of Housing Newsdue out in spring!

ith the cold weather on the way, theCouncil is advising tenants on how toprevent burst pipes this winter.When weather is mild, check all your radiators

are working properly and leave your heating onat a low setting. If you live in a flat, leave the

heating on low in rooms where the mains pipe supplies neigh-bouring flats. For any faults, contact City Technical on 0844 5796493.

If you're going away for a while, turn off your water supply anddrain the system - Maintenance and Repairs can give you furtheradvice on how to do this.

Now is a good time to locate your stop valve in your home asthis controls the water supply entering your property. Normallythese can be located under the kitchen sink or in some cases inor near your bathroom. Make sure you have someone who canregularly check for any problems – give a spare key to a trustedneighbour or family member in case of an emergency.

Martin Feeney, Repairs and Maintenance Manager, said: “Ifthe temperature falls below freezing, your pipes are now liableto freeze. Dripping water increases the risk of freezing, so haveany leaks at taps or valves repaired as soon as you discover themby calling Maintenance and Repairs. Cold draughts also increaseyour heating bills and can cause frozen pipe work.

“If a pipe freezes or bursts, locate the stop valve which controls your water supply and turn it off immediately.Make sure your heating is on, telephone Main-tenance and Repairsand we will arrangefor a plumber to attendas an emergency.”

Have any leaks at tapsor valves repaired as soon

as you discover them”‘‘

WINTER WORDSEARCH TEASER

L W T E T P M N B N Z H V FI A K V O E V O L L C X G OX H I L X Y R S Y C E Y T GD D A C T J U E P I K A N GX R X S A C W I N T R Y K YZ E A M P L C F I C N I W QS O J Y Z F G N S R K K Z QT Y W O N S Z M J A U T E XG N I L L I H C T K R G O WW A H R U N F S H M G G A GG J W P H E C D O W Q W S QZ D A A P N O X R H O M Q UZ K K E H D E O I X L J L GO Q U Y R T F T K Q L Z C O

try our tea time teaser!ARCTICBLEAKCHILLINGFOGGYGLACIALPOLARSNOWYTHAWTOASTYWINTRY

Can you find 10 words associated with winter fromthe list below? Answers can be found horizontally,vertically, diagonally or even backwards!

W

WAYS TO PAY YOUR RENT...

ContactMaintenance and

Repairs on0800 073 8708

or 0141 562 2499.

Out of Hours0800 197 1004