112672 GHC newspaper 31 (May 11) - Gateshead Housing Company

news 

The Gateshead Housing Company 

Providing excellent homes and housing services MAY 2011

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0191 433 5382 

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0191 433 5380 

enquiries@gatesheadhousing.co.uk www.gatesheadhousing.co.uk 

Information is also available in large print, Braille and audio on request. 

Call 0191 433 5353 for more information. 

You can also fax to 0191 433 5354, e-mail involve@gatesheadhousing.co.uk use a Minicom to 0191 433 5349 

or text ‘ENQ’ and your message to 0762 480 4167.

A word from 

your Board Chair 

Welcome to The Gateshead Housing Company 

news, which includes a top award for the 

company and a massive boost for home 

improvements. 

There is also free training on offer 

and a chance to find out more about 

our work in your neighbourhood. 

The Gateshead Housing Company, Chief Executive: Bill Fullen. 

Registered Office: The Gateshead Housing Company, Keelman House, Fifth Avenue Business Park, Fifth Avenue, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, NE11 0XA. 

Registered in England and Wales No. 4944719. 

Produced by greymoon LLP - 0191 281 8603. Photographs by Andrew Hayward, 

Andrew Hepinstall, Ian Clarkin, Ian Scorer, Ivan Burn, Jenn Bartley, Jill Ancrum, 

Helen Smith, Lorraine Alvey, Matt Reilly and Rebecca Hughes. 

Printed by Cumbrian Newsprint - 01228 612600 www.cngroup.co.uk 

The housing company has been judged as being ‘excellent’ when it 

comes to how it deals with customers. 

The government’s Customer Service Excellence Accreditation was 

awarded after a recent independent assessment. See page 7. 

It was excellent news for over 1,800 households too, when 

Gateshead Council gave us the go ahead to make improvements 

to those homes in the next year. 

Work will also include improvements to a number of sheltered 

accommodation units across the borough. See page 5. 

If you want to learn a new skill or maybe just get together with other tenants then 

why not go on one of our free Moving Forward courses? 

The courses, now in their seventh year, cover all sorts of opportunities to improve 

your knowledge to make housing services better in the future. 

See the special supplement at the back of this newspaper. 

Our Community Fund has been hard at it – supporting lots of 

organisations across the borough. 

You can see more about the grants the fund has made throughout this 

newspaper, and see page 20 for details on how to apply. 

Barbara Dennis OBE DL, BOARD CHAIR - 

THE GATESHEAD HOUSING COMPANY 


Community fund 

‘BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER’ 

Of course there is also lots of news about work to improve homes and 

estates across the borough. 

You can see just what we have been doing across the whole of 

Gateshead with our special local news pages. 

And don’t forget there is still time to complete our annual tenant and 

leaseholder survey, which was posted with April’s rent statement. 

Your views will help us to improve our services even more. 

Important changes to 

your weekly rent 

The housing company recently wrote to all 

customers to inform them about weekly 

rents for the year ahead. 

From April the average weekly rent increase was 

7.28 per cent (£4.42) per week. 

This makes the average rent for a home in 

Gateshead £64.90, based on rent over 50 weeks 

a year. 

Tenants receiving Housing Benefit were advised 

of their new benefit entitlements and the revised 

amount they need to pay each week. 

Direct Debit payers also received a letter with 

their revised payment details. 

If you have any difficulties paying your rent it is 

important that you contact us as soon possible. 

For free and confidential advice contact your 

Rent and Income Team. 

Details of how to contact your Rent and 

Income Team see the back of your rent 

statement, or contact your housing office 

who will put you in touch with your team. 

Got a story for us? 

To contact 


news Team call 

0191 433 5382, 0191 433 5386 or 

0191 433 5492. 

You can also e-mail 

communications@gatesheadhousing.co.uk 

Want the latest news? 

Follow us on 

www.twitter.com/gatesheadhc 

Find us at www.facebook.com/ 

gatesheadhousingcompany 

This newspaper has been produced from 

the wood pulp of carefully farmed 

European coniferous forests. For every tree 

cut down, at least one more is planted 

to ensure that they are constantly regenerated. 

3

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You can - and it’s all in one place 

www.gatesheadhousing.co.uk 

www.twitter.com/gatesheadhc 

www.facebook.com/gatesheadhousingcompany

£18.5m housing boost for Gateshead 

Gateshead Council has agreed to fund 

improvements to over 1,800 homes this year, 

as part of a £18.5m boost for the borough. 

The funding agreed was one of the borough’s 

top priorities for 2011/2012. 

It had been feared that government cuts to 

Decent Homes funding would bring our 

improvement plans to an end. 

However, following Gateshead Council’s decision 

to find extra money for this work, homes in the 

following estates will now get improvements, 

including new windows, over the coming year: 

• Rose Milling • St Marys Green 

• Ridley Terrace • Old Fold 

• Boghouse • Windy Nook. 

Improvement works to Bleach Green, Clasper 

Village, West Park, Sun Hill, Derwentside and 

Victoria House will also be considered, subject to 

Gateshead Council’s ongoing housing and older 

persons’ strategies. 

Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for 

Housing at Gateshead Council, said: “A high 

standard of homes for local people to live in for 

generations to come was a priority when we 

came to set the budget for the year ahead.” 

Bill Fullen, Chief Executive of The Gateshead 

Housing Company, said: “We are delighted at 

the prospect of making even more improvements 

to homes across the borough.” 

Plans for more replacement windows in homes 

across the borough that have already been 

Still time to give your housing views 

There is still time to take part in a major 

survey of over 21,000 tenants and 

leaseholders across the borough. 

The housing company is asking customers what 

they think of its services and performance during 

the past year and what people expect to see in 

the future. 

By taking part in the survey you can give your 

views on how we tackle anti-social behaviour, 

improve homes, let homes, get people involved 

and your overall impression of the company. 

Bill Fullen, Chief Executive, is keen to get as many 

people as possible taking part. 

He said: “We really do want to get the views of 

every single tenant and leaseholder. 

“So, I would say to anyone who wants to help us 

make our services and homes even better, to fill 

in their survey as soon as possible if they haven’t 

already done so.” 

As well as helping the company to improve its 

services, tenants and leaseholders that take part 

can win £100 of MetroCentre vouchers. 

Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Housing launches the £18.5 home improvement 

programme with Bill Fullen, Chief Executive of The Gateshead Housing Company. 

refurbished will depend on further funding. 

Gateshead Council and the housing company are 

working hard to get funding for this work in the 

future. 

However, other work to ensure the health and 

safety of tenants and improvements to sheltered 

accommodation at McErlane Square, Pleasant 

The survey can also be completed online at 

www.gatesheadhousing.co.uk/annualsurvey2011 The survey will only take a couple of minutes to complete. 

Place and Birtley Villas will be carried out. 

Residents set to receive home improvements 

will be contacted by the housing company 

once a final schedule of work for the year 

ahead is agreed. 

5

Tenants’ panel – give us your views 

A project to develop a Tenants’ Panel is entering a new phase to capture the 

views of The Gateshead Housing Company’s customers. 

Following Gateshead Council’s Cabinet approval to proceed with the consultation, 

the project is now seeking the views of individual tenants and residents, as well as 

representative groups on how the panel will run and the scope of what it will cover. 

The consultation will be co-ordinated by Wood Holmes along with Gentoo, 

who have been managing the project on Gateshead Council’s behalf. 

The consultation describes the key functions of the panel and is seeking 

views on how this can be developed further. 

What are the key functions? 

• Independent scrutiny and performance 

review of The Gateshead Housing 

Company and Gateshead Council against 

the regulatory standards 

• Providing customer recommendations for 

improvement, based on sound evidence 

gathered during service reviews 

• Highlighting examples of good practice 

and quality service delivery 

•Contributingtolocalandnational 

consultations on policy and strategy issues 

affecting Gateshead. 

How can you get your views 

to us on the Tenants’ Panel? 

We will be holding a consultation event in 

the Lamesley Room at Gateshead Civic 

Centre. 

The event will be held on Thursday, 

19 May - from 12 noon to 1pm. 

Everyone is welcome at these sessions. 

To register an interest contact 

Louise Taylor on 0191 433 5380, e-mail 

involve@gatesheadhousing.co.uk or 

text ‘Involve ITO’ to 0762 480 4167. 

The consultation period is open for a total of 12 weeks and 

will end on Wednesday, 1 June following which proposals will 

go to the Gateshead Council’s Cabinet for approval. 

We look forward to hearing your views. 

Questions where we would like 

your feedback include: 

• Does the proposed role of the new panel 

cover the right topics? 

•Doestheproposedmembershipcapture 

the right level of tenant and resident 

involvement? 

•Doyousupporttheideaofthenewpanel? 

•Arethereanyothercommentsorsuggestions 

you would like to make in relation to the 

proposed framework? 

•Wouldyouliketobeinformedoffuture 

activities to help shape this new panel? 

How else can I get involved? 

• By completing a questionnaire, which sets 

out the main points of the Tenants’ Panel and 

returning it to Wood Holmes. If you would 

like a copy of the questionnaire please contact 

Wood Holmes on 0191 211 2999 

• By contacting your nearest tenant and 

resident association who will also receive 

the consultation material 

•Bydownloadingtheconsultationmaterial 

from www.gatesheaditoproject.org 

•BycontactingLouiseTayloratTheGateshead 

Housing Company on 0191 433 5380 or 

e-mailing involve@gatesheadhousing.co.uk

Excellent service leads to top award 

The Gateshead Housing Company has been 

given a national award in recognition of the 

high quality services it offers thousands of 

customers every day. 

The Customer Service Excellence Standard, which 

replaced the ‘Charter Mark’, is the government’s 

national standard for customer service excellence. 

It is designed to help everyone in an organisation 

to focus on and improve the experience of their 

customers - whether external users of the 

company’s services or internal work colleagues. 

The company received the accreditation because 

it clearly met five standards about how it delivers 

services to customers. 

The five areas were: 

• Customer insight - knowing our customers 

and what they want 

The housing company uses the information it 

holds about customers’ ages, disabilities and 

other needs to make sure if offers them the 

services they want. 

• The culture of the organisation - making 

good customer service a part of every job 

we do 

Our employees receive regular training to 

ensure they can offer good service to 

customers. Specialised customer service 

training is also being planned for all employees. 

• Information and access - giving customers 

useful information and ways to contact us 

when they want to 

The company produces a range of useful and 

easy to understand leaflets and newsletters, as 

well as on our website and through Twitter and 

Facebook. 

• Delivery - keeping the promises we make 

to our customers 

Last year the housing company produced a set 

of standards for all of its services. Those 

standards are regularly measured and tested 

with customers involvement. 

• Timeliness and quality of service - giving 

customers the good services they want, 

when they want it 

We offer customers appointments for services, 

such as HomeRepairs or gas servicing and also 

involve customers in deciding what sort of 

services they want to receive in the future. 

As well as this recent award, the company was 

previously seen by the Audit Commission as an 

‘excellent’ organisation and also holds the highlyregarded 

Investors in People accreditation. 

Nigel Hunt of EMQC Ltd, independent assessor 

for the excellence standard at the company, said: 

“It was clear from the evidence presented that 

the needs of tenants and leaseholders are central 

to everything that is done at the company. 

“All of its employees showed a passion for what 

they do and a genuine desire to make sure that 

the company delivers the best possible services to 

all of its customers.” 


Housing Company, said: “We are delighted to 

Left to right, Jocelyn Snowball, Sam Devlin, Chief Executive Bill Fullen, Ian Simpson, Louise Tulip and 

Pedro Biggs of The Gateshead Housing Company celebrate the Customer Service Excellence award. 

have achieved the standard, which recognises the 

dedication all employees feel towards our 

customers and to Gateshead as a whole. 

“We also pride ourselves on actively 

encouraging as many customers as possible 

to be involved in the services we deliver and 

value their opinions for improvements in the 

future.” 

7

Making a difference in 

South Gateshead 

8 

Photo above: The Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Michael Hood (left) joins The Gateshead Housing Company's Director of 

Housing Management, Neil Bouch, to fit the final roof tiles to the £6m ‘Angel Court’ development. 

Below: The new flats at Angel Court. 

New angle on the Angel 

Residents of a sheltered housing scheme in 

Low Fell could soon find themselves moving 

into one of the most desirable and wellappointed 

housing developments in the 

North. 

Angel Court, Gateshead Council’s new £6m 

extra-care housing scheme that overlooks The 

Angel of the North, is nearing completion - but 

the first 20 or so of its flats could already have 

been snapped up. 

22 residents of Lyndholme sheltered housing 

scheme in Low Fell have been given the chance 

to move out of their bedsit accommodation and 

into the nearby Angel Court. And most of them 

have said they are delighted at the prospect. 

Angel Court will offer 45 two-bed extra care flats 

with communal facilities for elderly and 

vulnerable people, and a further six two-bed 

adapted bungalows within the grounds. 

Lyndholme, by comparison, is made up of 

bedsits, a form of accommodation that 

Gateshead Council decided in November 2009 

was not appropriate for older people and has 

since been gradually phasing out. 

Gateshead Council Cabinet Member for Housing, 

Councillor Angela Douglas, said: “By offering 

tenants the chance to move from Lyndholme to 

the nearby Angel Court, we will be able to decommission 

yet another group of unpopular 

bedsits without having to move people away 

from one another. 

“And we’ll be offering them a standard of 

accommodation and care far superior to that 

they have been used to. 


Housing Company, said: "Working with 

Gateshead Council, we hope to be able to offer 

the residents of Lyndholme the opportunity to 

move in to these modern, energy efficient and 

well-equipped homes." 

Gateshead Council has invested £3m into the 

Angel Court scheme, matched by a £3m grant 

from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). 

The development on Waverley Road in 

Harlow Green is being built for Gateshead 

Council by Frank Haslam Milan.

Springwell residents ‘dig’ 

new allotment 

Employees of The Gateshead Housing 

Company recently joined local residents to 

launch a new allotment at Springwell estate. 

A patch of land at the south Gateshead housing 

estate will be turned into a plot for local people 

to grow their own vegetables, thanks to an 

award from The Gateshead Housing Company 

and its partners. 

The Community Fund – set up by The Gateshead 

Housing Company, with Frank Haslam Milan 

(FHM) North East, Gateshead Council, and 

Morrison plc – awarded £7,365 towards the 

project. 

Local charity Groundwork North East worked 

with Springwell Tenants’ and Residents’ 

Association to secure extra funding from Marks 

and Spencer and the Big Lottery Fund’s 

Community Spaces. 

The patch of land – leased to the Springwell 

Tenants’ and Residents’ Association by 

Gateshead Council – will give local residents the 

chance to work together to grow their own food, 

and provide opportunities for exercise and 

healthy eating. 

Left to right, local youngsters Courtney Purvis, 

Robert Cooke, Michael Fairlamb and Tiffany 

Gallon are looking forward to seeing the 

results of the new allotment. 

Angie Swift, Treasurer for Springwell Tenants’ 

and Residents’ Association, said: “The 

community allotment is a great way for residents 

to get involved and take pride in their estate.” 

Anyone wanting more information about 

the allotment can contact Groundwork 

North East’s Senior Project Officer, 

Sarah Knox, on 0191 567 2550. 

Son’s behaviour lands 

mum in court 

Thursby Gardens in Low Fell. 

A tenant has been taken to court by the 

housing company as a result of her son’s 

anti-social and criminal behaviour. 

Linda Simpson, 53, of Thursby Gardens, Low Fell, 

was taken to court by the housing company for 

breaching her tenancy agreement because her 

son, Paul Ashton, committed serious offences in 

the local area. 

Police arrested Ashton, 18, on a number of 

separate occasions for offences including assault 

on a police constable, battery, and possession of 

class B and class C drugs. 

The housing company’s Suspended Possession 

Order means any further tenancy agreement 

breaches up to January 2012 could result in 

Simpson and her family being evicted. 

The Gateshead Housing Company’s Chief 

Executive, Bill Fullen, said: “Tenants are 

responsible for the behaviour of every person 

living in or visiting their property.” 

Residents wanting to report anti-social behaviour 

should contact their nearest housing office or call 

0191 433 5327 from Monday to Friday until 7pm 

and on Saturdays until noon. 

Anti-social behaviour can also be reported 

online at www.gatesheadhousing.co.uk/asb 

or by e-mail to nrt@gatesheadhousing.co.uk 

Local information 

Housing offices 

Your housing office can offer you a range of 

services, including advice on rent or to make 

payments, neighbourhood nuisance issues 

and benefits advice. 

In the south of Gateshead the housing 

company has offices at: 

Gateshead Council @ Birtley 

16 Durham Road, Birtley, Co. Durham, DH3 1LE. 

• Monday - 9am to 5pm 

• Tuesday - 9am to 5pm 

• Wednesday - 9am to 3.45pm 

• Thursday - 9am to 5pm 

• Friday - 9am to 4.30pm 

Tel: 0191 433 6102 

E-mail: birtleyoffice@gatesheadhousing.co.uk 

Wrekenton (including Low Fell and Springwell) 

143-145 High Street, Wrekenton, Gateshead, 

NE9 7JR. 

• Monday - 8.45am to 5pm 

• Tuesday - 8.45am to 5pm 

• Wednesday - 8.45am to 3.45pm 

• Thursday - 8.45am to 5pm 

• Friday - 8.45am to 4.30pm 

Tel: 0191 433 5822 E-mail: 

wrekentonoffice@gatesheadhousing.co.uk 

Decent Homes Team 

This team covers the south of the borough, 

including Birtley, Wrekenton, Springwell and Low 

Fell. 

Tel: 0191 433 5490 E-mail 

decenthomes@gatesheadhousing.co.uk 

Tenant and resident associations 

Tenant and resident associations are made up of 

volunteers from the local community. 

Associations encourage residents to get involved 

with local issues, with meetings open to everyone. 

Tenant and resident associations in your area are at: 

Beacon Lough East Residents’ Association 

Bill Caithness 9 Larkspur, Beacon Lough, 

Gateshead, NE9 6SA Tel: 0191 420 7289 

Birtley East Tenant and Residents’ Association 

Carla Reed 40 Selkirk Crescent, Birtley, 

Gateshead, DH3 1NR Tel: 0191 410 0554 

Friends of Elisabethville 

Christine Charlton 26 Lansbury Drive, 

Elisabethville, Birtley, DH3 1HJ Tel: 0191 410 7909 

Lansbury Bungalows Tenants’ Association 

Annice Barnfather 4 Lansbury Gardens, Birtley, 

Gateshead, DH3 1JE Tel: 0191 410 9094 

Harlow Green Tenant and Residents’ 

Association 

Peter Robson 72 Kilburn Green, Harlow Green, 

Gateshead, NE9 7HG Tel: 0191 487 0604 

Portmeads Residents’ Association 

Tom Collins 65 Portmeads Rise, Birtley, 

Gateshead, DH3 2ND Tel: 0191 410 8251 

Seven Stars Residents’ Association 

Sean Doherty 36 Rugby Gardens, Wrekenton, 

Gateshead, NE9 7JU Tel: 07979 427 171 E-mail: 

sevenstars-ra@live.co.uk 

Springwell Tenant and Residents’ Association 

Angie Swift 10 Blackhill Crescent, Springwell, 

NE9 7DN Tel: 0784 537 4666 

For more information on setting up a tenant 

and resident association for your area please 

contact Brian Kielty on 0191 433 2039. 

9

10 

Praise for our service 

A recent survey has 

shown that almost 

nine in ten of our 

customers are happy 

with the services we 

provide. 

The survey, which was sent to a sample of 

5,000 customers across the borough, saw 

over 88 per cent of the 678 respondents 

satisfied with our customer service. 

Results of the survey, which was carried out in October were: 

When you have an enquiry 

how do you prefer to contact us? 

87.6% 

90.24% 

8.3% 

4.1% 

If you contacted us in person or by 

phone were you satisfied you were 

able to talk to the right person? 

7.35% 

Over 90 per cent were also able to talk to the 

right person when they called us. 

Using a phone to contact us was still popular, but 

a growing number of customers are now using 

our website, Facebook, Twitter and text. 

Bill Fullen, Chief Executive, said: “It is good to see 

our survey backing up our recent Customer 

Service Excellence award, but we won’t be 

standing still. 

“We want to improve our services even more 

over the coming year and beyond.” 

See page 7 for more details on the Customer 

Service Excellence award. 

By phone 

At a housing office 

E-mail/letter/online/text/other 

Yes 

No 

Neither/nor 

Were you satisfied with the 

customer service you received when 

you last contacted us? 

88.4% 

To find out more about our plans for customer service in the future visit www.gatesheadhousing.co.uk/customerservice 

9.1% 

What have you contacted us about 

in the past 12 months? 

22.4% 

25.6% 

2.5% 

16.6% 

2.4% 5.5% 

Mary Atkinson of Felling (right) was the lucky 

winner of £100 of shopping vouchers after 

being drawn at random from all of the 

completed surveys, with the housing company’s 

Samantha Devlin. 

10.1% 

7.2% 

4% 

4.3% 

4.3% 

Yes 

No 

Neither/nor 

Repair query 

Report a repair 

Home improvements/Decent Homes 

Rent 

Moving home/HomeChoice 

Complaints 

Compliments 

Anti-social behaviour 

Other

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Central Gateshead 

12 

Paula Pinkerton, left, is pictured with Danielle Robinson of NHS South of Tyne and Wear at Warwick Court in Gateshead 

town centre. 

High-rise health checks on 

your doorstep 

High-rise residents in Gateshead town 

centre have been taking advantage of the 

first of a series free health checks on their 

doorsteps. 

NHS South of Tyne and Wear and The Gateshead 

Housing Company have joined forces to offer 

500 residents aged 40 to 74 the check just yards 

from their front door. 

The 20 minute check for residents aged 40 to 74, 

assesses their risks of heart disease, type 2 

diabetes, kidney disease, strokes and cholesterol. 

After each check, health experts gave residents 

advice on how they can reduce any risks they 

have to hopefully stay healthier in the future. 

One of the first people to take advantage of the 

free check was 64 year old housing company 

employee Paula Pinkerton, a concierge at one of 

the town centre’s multi-storey blocks. 

Danielle Robinson, NHS Nurse Adviser was on 

hand to carry out the checks and offer useful 

advice to those taking up the offer. 

She said: “These free tests are essentially early 

warning detectors – that forecast potential issues 

up to ten years ahead. 

“By taking one of the tests people with any 

potential health problems are given lifestyle advice, 

such as how to improve their cholesterol levels or 

reduce weight and lower their blood pressure.” 


Housing Company is also happy to be working in 

partnership with the NHS. 

He said: “We hope that by offering our tenants 

and leaseholders the chance to have this free 

check on their doorsteps that we can play a small 

part in improving the health of people across 

Gateshead.” 

If successful, it is hoped to organise more of 

the drop-in health check sessions at other 

locations across Gateshead.

National praise for 

Bensham improvements 

Gateshead Council has received a major 

commendation for its improvement works in 

Bensham and Saltwell. 

The authority was presented with the Royal Town 

Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Local Regeneration and 

Renewal Award Commendation 2010 for its 

block improvement programme in Bensham and 

Saltwell. 

The award was made in recognition of its, 

“commitment to community engagement and 

high quality design” which has, “improved the 

sustainability of the community for future 

generations.” 

The programme was jointly funded by Gateshead 

Council and Bridging NewcastleGateshead, the 

government’s Housing Market Renewal 

Pathfinder. 

The block improvement programme included 

fitting new windows and doors, re-newing 

gardens, stone painting and new rainwater 

goods. 

Some homes also had their garden walls re-built 

and railings removed at the start of the Second 

World War were re-instated. 


Housing, said: “Our work has not only improved 

A new chapter in the history of Gateshead is 

set to begin this year – as work on a new 

£150m town centre gets underway. 

The paperwork, permissions and planning 

application have all be given the green light by 

Gateshead Council for a new Trinity Square 

An artist’s impression of how Gateshead town 

centre could look like in the future. 

Some of the improvements carried out under 

the Block Improvement Scheme. 

the appearance of individual homes, it has 

improved the appearance of whole streets and 

helped to put a bit of pride back into the area. 

That’s good news for everyone. 

“It’s disappointing that the government has 

now scrapped the housing market renewal 

programme, but Gateshead Council is 

committed to continuing its work in this area.” 

£150m town centre plans 

given the green light 

development. 

The development scheme was submitted by 

Spenhill, the regeneration subsidiary of Tesco – 

and is designed by 3DReid. 

Highlights includes a new town square, a student 

village with over 950 beds, town centre 

underground parking, a Tesco store, as well as a 

range of ‘green’ features. 

Over 1,000 new jobs will be created, including 

those in construction. 

Council Leader, Mick Henry, said: “We’ve 

considered carefully how we should go about 

delivering a town centre that will offer more than 

just retail - a town centre that will offer real 

employment opportunities and meet the 

expectations of people who live and work here.” 

Sustainable features such as bird boxes, 

environmentally friendly brown and green roofs, 

a combined heat and power plant, carbon 

reduction technology and rainwater harvesting 

are also part of the mix. 

For more information on Trinity Square visit 

www.gateshead.gov.uk/centre or 

www.yourtrinitysquare.co.uk 







In central Gateshead the housing company 

has offices at: 

Central office (including Sheriff Hill) 

Gateshead Civic Centre, Regent Street, 

Gateshead, NE8 1HH 






Tel: 0191 433 2730 

E-mail: centraloffice@gatesheadhousing.co.uk 


This team covers central Gateshead, including the 

town centre and Sheriff Hill. 

Tel: 0191 433 5490 E-mail 








Argyle Residents’ Association 

Margaret Walker 75 Milton Square, 

Argyle Estate, Gateshead, NE8 3HJ 

Tel: 0191 421 9770 

Bensham Court Tenants’ Association 

Brenda Webb 98 Bensham Court, 

Gateshead, NE8 1XY 

Tel: 0775 996 2359 

Claremont and Cotfield Tenants’ 

Association 

Jean Garrett 27 Claremont Walk, 

Bensham, Gateshead, NE8 1TZ 

Tel: 0191 490 1386 

Marian Court 

Marilyn Young 94 Marian Court, 

Gateshead, NE8 2JU 

Tel: 0191 421 1771 



contact Evelyn Brown on 0191 433 2415. 

13

14 

Company’s latest award is equal to none 

Left to right, Louise Taylor, Involvement and Diversity Manager and Helen Watson, Involvement 

Officer for The Gateshead Housing Company are pictured with the TPAS award. 

Fire safety a ‘high’ priority 

Over the next 18 months, multi-storey blocks 

across the borough are set to receive fire 

safety investment works. 

The work will maximise the safety of residents in 

the event of a fire ever breaking out in one of our 

blocks. 

We have been working with the Tyne and Wear 

Fire and Rescue Service to identify the work 

necessary to bring all blocks up to the required 

standard. 

Surveyors are currently visiting all multi-storey 

blocks and may ask tenants for access to their 

properties. 

We will eventually ask for access to all properties 

and communal areas, to ensure that fire safety 

standards meet current regulations. 

All properties in multi-storey blocks are likely to 

receive some level of fire safety upgrade. 

When the works needed for each block have 

been confirmed, we will write to all residents 

giving details of the work and when it will 

happen. 

In the meantime, please contact the 

Procurement Team on 0191 433 5418 or 

e-mail procurement@gatesheadhousing.co.uk 

if you have any queries. 

The Gateshead Housing Company has won a 

prestigious award for its work to ensure 

everyone is given an equal chance to access 

its services. 

The company was the winner of the inaugural 

Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) 

Equality and Diversity award for the way it 

embraces equality, both as an employer and in its 

services to customers. 

The company was praised by judges for its 

development of a ‘Single Equality Scheme’ with 

the help of tenants, leaseholders, employees and 

stakeholders. 

The scheme covers day-to-day services, such as 

getting a home, having repairs done or tackling 

anti-social behaviour and also how it approaches 

recruiting and retaining its employees. 

Louise Taylor, Involvement and Diversity Manager, 

said: “Since the company was set up we have 

worked to ensure that our customers have access 

to our services, regardless of their age, sexual 

orientation, race, disability, gender, religion or 

belief.” 

The housing company’s equality scheme is 

available for free by calling the Involvement Team 

on 0191 433 5357, e-mailing 

involve@gatesheadhousing.co.uk or online at 

www.gatesheadhousing.co.uk/singleequality 

scheme 

The Gateshead Housing Company will now 

go into a national final to compete against 

other winners from central and southern UK. 

Alan Sandey, left, and Chris Tate of The Gateshead Housing Company look at a communal fire door as 

part of the fire safety surveys of all multi-storey blocks.

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East Gateshead 

16 

Above, Hazel Forster, Area Housing Manager at The Gateshead Housing Company, Councillor Angela Douglas and Brian 

Peel, from the HCA 'top out' new homes at Cresthaven. 

Below; The old Cresthaven Unit, demolished to allow new homes to be built. 

Can you top this? 

Well Gateshead can! 

Work on seven new bungalows on the 

Millbrook estate in Gateshead reached a 

monumental conclusion at a recent topping 

out ceremony. 

The new £800,000 scheme on a former sheltered 

accommodation site, will provide two-bed 

accommodation for residents and will be 

managed by The Gateshead Housing Company. 

The bungalows are being built to level 4 of the 

government’s ‘Code for Sustainable Homes’ 

standard, which means they will be more energy 

efficient, and will include roof panels that 

generate cost effective electricity. 

Gateshead Council has carried out the work, 

which is also supported by the Homes and 

Communities Agency (HCA). 

Representatives from all three organisations 

recently visited the site to officially mark its 

completion. 


Housing, said: “The standards we are using to 

build these bungalows will ensure that they are 

among the most energy efficient in the borough, 

which will really help to keep running costs low." 

The Gateshead Housing Company’s Chief 

Executive, Bill Fullen, said: "This scheme is one of 

many across the borough as we continue to 

provide better housing opportunities in 

Gateshead.” 

The scheme has been allocated £386,000 in 

funding from the HCA. 

“Warm, energy-efficient and less expensive to 

run bungalows like these can make a big 

difference in people’s retirement years,” said 

Brian Peel, the HCA’s head of area. 

“Our role is all about helping local authorities 

and housing providers to make things happen in 

their own communities, and this is another great 

example of that local approach in action.” 

For more information on the development, 

contact Felling housing office on 

0191 433 8080.

Unveiling for Felling flats 

Lynn Jackson of the housing company's HomeChoice Team talks to potential tenants at the recent 

open day at Sir Godfrey Thomson Court. 

Nine newly converted two-bed flats have 

been showcased in Felling by The Gateshead 

Housing Company. 

Former bedsits in Sir Godfrey Thomson Court 

have undergone a £300,000 refurbishment to 

transform them into high-demand two-bed 

properties. 

Customers were recently given the opportunity 

to have a look around the flats at an event 

organised by the company’s HomeChoice Team. 

Kate McDougal, Senior Tenant Liaison Officer 

from the housing company, said: "The 

conversion work was completed at the same 

time as other Decent Homes improvements, 

which offered better value for money than 

updating all 18 bedsits individually. 

"Two-bed flats are also better for future demand, 

as bedsits are typically difficult to let." 

Permission was granted for the scheme by Gateshead 

Council's Cabinet with Local Environmental 

Services carrying out the improvements. 

The block has already seen over £100,000 of 

improvements in the last year thanks to the 

housing company. 

Improvements have included a new door entry 

system, improved lighting and the landscaping of 

a previously unattractive courtyard area outside 

of the flats. 

For more information about homes in the 

area contact the HomeChoice Team on 

0191 433 5345. 

£2.4m boost for east 

Gateshead estate 

More than £2m is being invested on a 

Gateshead estate, thanks to The Gateshead 

Housing Company. 

Homes on the Boghouse Estate will benefit from 

£2.4m of improvements, which could include 

new kitchens, doors and windows. 

The work is being carried out to over 400 

properties by Gateshead Council’s Local 

Environmental Services and will be completed 

this summer. 

It comes as the council agreed to fund 

improvements to over 1,800 homes as part of an 

overall £18.5m investment programme. 

It had been feared that government cuts to 

Decent Homes work would halt improvement 

plans for Gateshead. 

However, following Gateshead Council’s decision 

to find extra money for the work, more homes 

will now be updated. 

Gateshead Council’s Resident Liaison Officer, 

Christine Schofield (left) with The Gateshead 

Housing Company’s Tenant Liaison Assistant, 

Jean Laskey. 


Housing Company, said: "We are delighted at 

the prospect of making improvements to homes 

on the Boghouse Estate." 







In the east of Gateshead the housing 

company has offices at: 

Felling (including Old Fold) 

Booth Street, Felling, Gateshead, NE10 9EW 






Tel: 0191 433 8080 

E-mail: fellingoffice@gatesheadhousing.co.uk 

Leam Lane 

129 Cotemede, Leam Lane, Gateshead, 

NE10 8QH 






Tel: 0191 433 5888 

E-mail: leamlaneoffice@gatesheadhousing.co.uk 


This team covers the east of Gateshead including 

Felling, Leam Lane and Old Fold. 

Tel: 0191 433 5490 E-mail: 








Wood Green Residents’ Association 

Jean Alison 22 Woodgate Gardens, Bill Quay, 

Gateshead, NE10 0ST 

Lynne Walker 4 Woodgate Gardens, Bill Quay, 

Gateshead, NE10 0ST Tel: 0191 469 2453 



contact Susan Rocks on 0191 433 2654. 

17

Small fish in 

a big pond? 

Help for tenants 

looking to downsize 

their home 

Some assistance may be available to tenants 

who would consider downsizing if: 

• Family members have moved out 

• Running the property is expensive 

• They think a smaller home would be easier 

to manage. 

Gateshead Council has approved a new scheme to help tenants in larger properties to downsize their home. 

Help, advice and financial assistance 

will be available to support the move. 

It is hoped that by helping tenants to 

find new homes to suit their changing 

needs, it will release larger family 

homes for those who need them. 

That sounds like a good 

idea. What do I get in 

return? 

An officer will help you to find a 

home and support you throughout the 

process of moving, as well as arranging 

financial assistance of up to £1,000. 

£1,000? How can this 

be spent? 

Up to £500 can be used towards moving 

costs, and the rest for decoration or 

home improvements to your new 

property. 

Home improvements can be things like 

carpets, decoration materials or labour - 

VAT registered companies must be used. 

Help and support will also be available 

throughout the moving process. 

Are there any 

restrictions on property 

types? 

If you would like to release your home 

it must generally be in greater demand 

than the property you move to. 

Please note, two-bed bungalows are in 

high demand and it is unlikely that you 

would be able to transfer to one of 

these properties. 

How will I know which 

homes are available? 

Some properties will be advertised in 

HomeChoice with preference to existing 

tenants who release their home if it is in 

greater demand than the one they are 

bidding for. 

These adverts will clearly state, 

‘Preference given to Gateshead Council 

tenants downsizing from high demand 

homes’. 

If you do not see a home advertised 

that you want but you are looking for a 

smaller property please call HomeChoice 

on 0191 433 5345. 

Please note, you will need to be an 

existing Gateshead Council tenant, have 

a clear rent account and your home 

must be in good condition. 

How can I find out 

more? 

For further information do not hesitate 

to contact your housing office or call 

HomeChoice on 0191 433 5345.

Forward thinking courses 

for tenants on offer 

Tenants and leaseholders are being given 

the opportunity to develop new skills 

through a series of free courses from The 

Gateshead Housing Company. 

The ‘Moving Forward’ training programme – 

which runs from May 2011 to March 2012 – is 

attached to the back of this newspaper as a 

special supplement. 

The courses, now in their seventh year, have 

proved increasingly popular with customers of all 

ages. 

Moving Forward courses are designed to give 

attendees new skills and confidence while 

involving them in the housing company’s work. 

A wide range of training is being offered, from 

courses to help residents improve their home 

and neighbourhood, to practical sessions 

explaining how to manage money on a limited 

budget. 

The Gateshead Housing Company’s Involvement 

Officer, Helen Watson, said: “These sessions are 

open to anyone living in Gateshead. 

“They can help people to build on their personal 

skills, meet new friends and help 

influence the housing company’s plans 

for the future. 

“As well as offering a fixed calendar of 

courses, we also have a number of 

‘on-demand’ sessions that can be 

organised to fit around attendees’ 

needs.” 

The first course of the new 

programme will be held on Friday, 

20 May, and will teach attendees 

how to decorate their homes. 

Support is available to assist 

people with specific needs, 

including transport, interpreting 

and childcare costs. 

See the supplement for booking 

details or visit 

www.gatesheadhousing.co.uk/ 

movingforward to download more information. 

The company’s Involvement Team can also 

be contacted on 0191 433 5357 or by e-mail 

to involve@gatesheadhousing.co.uk 

Court action against gas safety tenants 

The Gateshead Housing Company has 

taken court action against tenants who 

refused access to their homes to carry out 

essential free safety checks. 

The company has been running a campaign for 

several years to ensure tenants are aware of 

the deadly threat of carbon monoxide from 

faulty gas appliances and heating. 

After gaining access warrants for over 30 

homes to carry out the free service last year, 

the company has taken the hard-hitting 

approach with a further five tenants. 

The tenants in Coatsworth Court, central 

Gateshead; Wesley Grove, Crawcrook; Burlison 

Gardens, Felling; Riding Barns Way, Sunniside; 

and Croftwell Close, Blaydon had refused 

repeated requests to allow the potentially lifesaving 

work. 

The warrants allowed the company access to 

carry out the free checks to not only ensure 

the safety of the tenants, but also of their 

families and neighbours. 

It is now warning all residents, that apart from 

potential danger that they and their families 

face, that further court action or even eviction 

could happen if they don’t allow the company 

to carry out the free service. 

Bill Fullen, Chief Executive of the housing 

company, said: “As well as being free, the 

Remember to always check the identity of anyone visiting your home to carry out work for the 

housing company. 

service is a potential life saver. So we are 

asking tenants to help us as much as possible, 

so we can complete this year’s safety 

programme.” 

Tenants can arrange a servicing appointment 

by contacting the company’s Gas Servicing 

Team on 0191 433 5338 or by e-mailing 

gasservice@gatesheadhousing.co.uk 

19


Inner West Gateshead 

20 

Allison Hood of the Marquisway Day Centre, Heather Miller of FHM (seated left), Sarah Turner of the Marquisway Day 

Centre (back left) and Ray McKenry (second from right) of The Gateshead Housing Company present the cheque to 

members of Centre Stage. 

Grant hits the right note 

A grant of £4,000 from The Gateshead 

Housing Company's Community Fund is set 

to help a day centre for adults with learning 

disabilities to build confidence and self 

esteem through music. 

‘Centre Stage’, based at Marquisway Centre, 

Team Valley, hold interactive concerts at schools, 

rehabilitation centres, care homes and other day 

centres throughout Gateshead. 

The grant will provide the group with new 

instruments, sound equipment, a uniform and 

video camera to record their performances. 

Allison Hood, Learning Disabilities Support 

Worker at Marquisway Centre, said: “The 

housing company’s Community Fund has given 

us a wonderful boost and will give the people 

who attend our centre an opportunity to socialise 

and help enhance their quality of life.” 

Housing company Chief Executive Bill Fullen, 

said: “Our Community Fund regularly makes 

donations to hard working organisations such as 

the Marquisway Day Centre that really do make a 

difference to the lives of local people. 

“So I would say if your organisation could benefit by 

being supported by our fund, then get in touch.” 

The award-winning fund which is also supported 

by Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East, 

Gateshead Council and Morrison plc makes 

grants to projects that will: 

•Improve the lives of young people and young 

adults 

•Improve the lives of older residents 

•Be environmentally friendly and help to make 

Gateshead a 'greener', more sustainable place 

to live 

•Benefit a whole estate or neighbourhood by 

involving residents of all ages joining together 

to make a difference. 

To find out more call 0191 222 0945, log on 

to www.communityfoundation.org.uk or 

e-mail general@communityfoundation.org.uk 

To find out more about the work of Centre 

Stage call the Marquisway Centre on 

0191 433 6066.

Teams residents pave the 

way 

Residents of Redheugh and 

Eslington Court can now enjoy 

easy access between the two 

tower blocks after requests for a 

paved pathway became a reality. 

A worn down area of grass between 

the two blocks has been replaced with 

a tarmac path that connects the two 

tower blocks 

The new path will help to maintain 

the appearance of the estate and 

encourage easy access between the 

blocks in bad weather. 

The work to the path was carried out 

as a Neighbourhood Pride initiative, 

which is a partnership between The 

Gateshead Housing Company and 

Gateshead Council. 

Neighbourhood Pride aims to increase 

pride in neighbourhoods by improving 

the local environment and engaging 

residents in projects to develop their 

area and reduce anti-social behaviour. 

Redheugh and Eslington Court 

have undergone a large amount of 

improvements in the last two years with 

over £4.5 million being spent on bringing 

Over 300 residents on an inner west 

Gateshead housing estate are being invited 

to show off their green fingers in a summer 

gardening competition. 

Gillian Osbourne of Eslington Court sees the new pathway 

being completed with Ray McKenry of the housing company. 

the blocks to a Decent Homes standard and 

an external makeover with a newly painted 

blue exterior. 

Residents can make 

Swalwell ‘blooming’ lovely 

The Gateshead Housing Company and 

Gateshead Council have organised ‘Swalwell in 

Bloom 2011’ to make the estate an even better 

place to live. 

Pupils from Swalwell Primary School will join the 

housing company and Gateshead Council to 

judge the competition on a tour of the estate this 

July. 

Prizes will be awarded for the estate’s best 

hanging basket, potted displays and overall 

winning garden. 

To launch the competition, the first 140 

households that signed up received a free 

hanging basket kit to start of their hopefully 

winning garden display. 

Ian Burton, Housing Manager for the Swalwell 

area, said: “As well as making improvements to 

homes we also want to improve estates as a 

whole.” 

Swalwell residents wanting to sign up for 

the competition can call Emma Haley at 

The Gateshead Housing Company on 

0191 433 8968 or e-mail 

emmahaley@gatesheadhousing.co.uk 







In the inner west of Gateshead the housing 

company has an office for customers in and 

around Dunston, Teams and Whickham. 

Dunston Activity Centre 

Ellison Road, Dunston, Gateshead, NE11 9SS 





• Friday - 9am to 4.30pm. 

Tel: 0191 433 8888 

E-mail: dunstonoffice@gatesheadhousing.co.uk 

Finding your housing office 


This team covers the inner west of Gateshead, 

including Teams, Dunston and Whickham. 

Tel: 0191 433 5490 

E-mail 






with local issues, with meetings open to everyone 

Swalwell Residents’ Association 

Wyn Brophy 102 Shibdon Road, Blaydon, 

Gateshead, NE21 5LX 

Tel: 0191 421 6916 

For more information on setting up a 

tenant and resident association for your 

area please contact Deborah Tait on 

0191 433 2816. 

21

22 

Birtley residents are ‘in the zone’ 

Elderly residents living in sheltered 

accommodation on a Birtley estate need not 

fear a knock at the door now that a ‘No Cold 

Calling Zone’ initiative is being piloted in 

their area. 

The Gateshead Housing Company, Gateshead 

Council and Northumbria Police are trialling the 

new zone, in an attempt to reduce doorstep crime. 

The scheme aims to reduce burglary, bogus 

callers and rogue traders, and improve local 

residents’ confidence in how to handle such 

situations. 

The pilot zone is being introduced around 

Kateregina sheltered accommodation, where 43 

bungalows house residents over 60. 

79 year old resident, Andrew Armstrong, is very 

pleased to see the introduction of the scheme. 

Mr Armstrong was targeted by a rogue trader 

who came into his home and stayed for several 

hours trying to sell him a mattress. 

He said: “I’m really reassured by the introduction 

of this new scheme, it will definitely be helpful 

for more vulnerable people so I’m all for it.” 

Introducing a No Cold Calling Zone involves 

erecting lamppost signs and distributing 

supporting material to residents, making it clear 

that cold callers are not welcome in the area. 

Gateshead is looking to achieve a long-held 

ambition by bidding for city status. 

The competition to create a new city was 

announced by the government recently as part 

of next year’s celebrations of the Queen’s 

Leader of Gateshead Council Mick Henry at Gateshead Quays. 

Bill Fullen, Chief Executive of the housing 

company, said: "We are committed to ensuring 

our customers feel safe and secure in their homes 

and on their estates." 

Diamond Jubilee. 

While being named a city doesn’t bring any extra 

legal rights, it does carry with it significant 

prestige and there are lots of examples of how 

To report non-emergency situations of cold 

calling contact Gateshead Council’s Trading 

Standards Team on 0191 433 7007. 

Kateregina resident Andrew Armstrong, himself a victim of cold calling, is backing the new 

campaign. 

Gateshead announces Jubilee city plans 

previous winners have attracted investment as a 

result. 

Gateshead’s bid to become the next north east 

city is being drawn up at no extra cost to Council 

Tax payers. 

Leader of Gateshead Council, Mick Henry, said: 

“Gateshead is a place we can be proud of – we 

have fantastic assets and a remarkable history. 

“We believe we are a city in all but name. Now 

we’re asking local people and businesses to 

support this bid and take part in the great things 

it could bring in return.” 

The bid for city status has already inspired 

children from local primary schools to develop 

city status slogans and graphics to present to the 

rest of their class. 

Kelvin Grove Primary School pupil Charlie Gow, 

aged 10, is very excited about the prospect of 

living in a city. 

She said: “You will have more people and more 

people means more money and more money 

means that Gateshead will be more popular and 

more popular is very good.” 

Gateshead will submit its bid this month 

alongside other contenders including 

Middlesbrough, Reading, Southend and 

Perth, and the next successful city will be 

announced in early2012.

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We hold the internationally-recognised 

‘ISO 14001’ accreditation for managing the 

effect our work has on the environment. 

But looking after the world we live in is 

something that everyone can be involved in. 

Small changes to your lifestyle you can 

make a big difference to the environment. 

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Waste that is put into your dustbin 

ends up buried in landfill sites. But 

it needn’t be that way. 

Most packaging can 

be recycled. 

And don’t 

forget to take 

your own 

bags when 

you go 

shopping. 

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Most food has a country of origin 

shown on its packaging. The further 

the food has had to travel, the more 

harm is caused to the environment 

Buying food that has been 

produced locally or in the UK 

will cut your carbon miles 

significantly. 

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At the end of each day, 

or when you know you’re 

not using appliances, go round 

and switch everything off standby. 

Turning household appliances off at 

the wall will not only reduce carbon 

emissions, but also save 

you money. 

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West Gateshead 

24 

Left to right, Jocelyn Snowball of The Gateshead Housing Company presents Liz Searle of The Friends of Chopwell Wood 

and Joanne Morley of Groundwork North East with the donation. 

Chopwell residents to 

explore area’s heritage 

Funding from The Gateshead Housing 

Company is set to help residents from west 

Gateshead to learn the history of a popular 

woodland in their area. 

The £1,000 award from the housing company’s 

Community Fund will enable Groundwork North 

East to host a number of activities with local 

school children and families in honour of 

Chopwell Wood Heritage Month in May. 

Pupils from a number of primary schools in the 

area will take part in interactive sessions based 

on Chopwell Wood, and the role the woods 

played in local and national heritage. 

Joanne Morley, Senior Project Officer for 

Groundwork North East, said: “We are very 

pleased with the help from the housing 

company’s Community Fund. 

“The Chopwell Wood Heritage Month project is a 

great way to engage local people and help educate 

young people on the benefits of the environment 

and encourage families to create their own 

woodlands at home in their own garden.” 

The Community Fund offers cash and in-kind 

awards from £500 to £10,000 to groups that aim 

to improve the lives of people in the borough. 


Housing Company, said: “We aim to provide 

excellent and efficient services working in 

partnership with residents and the wider local 

community to create homes and neighbourhoods 

that meet the aspirations of the people of 

Gateshead. 

“Our award-winning Community Fund allows 

hard working groups and organisations such as 

Groundwork North East to make a real difference 

to the lives of local people.” 

The Gateshead Housing Company, along with 

Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East, Gateshead 

Council’s Local Environmental Services and 

Morrison plc provide support, both in money and 

work ‘in-kind’, towards the fund. 

To find out more about applying for a grant 

see page 20.

New look for community 

centre 

Ryton Community 

Centre has received a 

£3,300 makeover thanks 

to a donation from The 

Gateshead Housing 

Company’s Community 

Fund. 

The centre, a Grade II 

listed building at the heart 

of Ryton Village, is used by 

over 200 people for 

activities and socialising. 

The community centre is 

host to activities such as a 

nursery group, ballroom 

dancing, crafts and functions but the interior was 

in need of a boost as it had begun to look tired 

and worn. 

The Community Fund stepped in and donated 

the materials and labour for the painting, which 

has given the centre a fresh new look for the first 

time in 15 years. 

Commendation for new 

Winlaton bungalows 

Major social housing developments in 

Gateshead – including the first new council 

homes to be built in the borough since the 

1980s - have been commended in a major 

building award. 

New housing developments at Winlaton, 

Kibblesworth and Heworth had been shortlisted 

for an award at the 2011 LABC Building 

Excellence Awards. 

The bungalows at Winlaton, recently 

shortlisted for a top award. 

Left to right, Ryton Community Centre’s Development Officer, Chris 

Dalton and Secretary Elizabeth McHatton are pictured with Christine 

McHatton, The Gateshead Housing Company’s Nichola Cowen and 

Morrison plc’s Julie Smit. 

Chris Dalton, Ryton Community Centre 

Development Officer, said: "The award means 

residents will enjoy using the space more now 

that it is looking fresh and new. 

“And it will help to encourage new people to use 

the community centre as well.” 

To find out more about the community 

centre call 0191 413 2053. 

Gateshead Council’s development of bungalows 

at Hallgarth Road, Winlaton was commended in 

both the ‘Best Small Development’ and ‘Best 

Social or Affordable Housing Development’ 

categories. 

The bungalows replaced smaller bungalows that 

were not in line with the government’s Lifetime 

Homes Standard. 

They also include energy efficiency and design 

features that add to the comfort, convenience 

and changing needs of people at different stages 

of life. 

The £900,000 scheme constructed by Gateshead 

Council is managed by The Gateshead Housing 

Company and is one of several that will lead to 

more affordable rented housing in the borough. 

The LABC Building Excellence Awards are 

allocated annually to recognise and reward the 

most forward looking people and organisations, 

and the most innovative construction projects 

completed over the last year. 

Heworth in east Gateshead and the phase 

one of a development at Kibblesworth in 

the south of the borough were also 

shortlisted for awards. 







In the west of Gateshead the housing 

company has an office at: 

Gateshead Council @ Blaydon 

(including Highfield and Ryton) 

5 Wesley Court, Blaydon, Gateshead, NE21 5BT 





• Friday - 9am to 4.30pm 

Tel: 0191 433 6202 

E-mail: 

blaydonoffice@gatesheadhousing.co.uk 


This team covers the west of Gateshead 

including Blaydon, Ryton and Highfield. 

Tel: 0191 433 5490 E-mail: 






with local issues, with meetings open to 

everyone. 


Crookhill and Tyne Gardens 

Residents’ Association 

Eileen Buckle 11 Hollybush Gardens, Stargate 

Lane, Ryton , Gateshead, NE40 3DJ 

Crawcrook – DSD Community 

Tenants’ and Residents’ Association 

Nora Taylor 35 Dale View Gardens, Crawcrook, 

Gateshead, NE40 4ED 

Hallgarth Residents’ Association 

Joanne Willis 17 Jobling Avenue, Winlaton, 

Gateshead, NE21 4RR Tel: 0191 421 3418 



contact David Stephenson on 0191 433 3024. 

25

Guides 

there to help 

residents 

As part of The Gateshead Housing Company’s work 

to improve the quality of information for its tenants 

and leaseholders, a number of information guides 

have been produced. 

The guides are available from housing offices across the borough, or by filling in the form below and posting it to us. 

Please send me the following guides (tick as many as you like): 

A guide to the services 

you can expect from 

The Gateshead Housing 

Company 

A guide to the services 

leaseholders can expect 

from The Gateshead 

Housing Company 

General information 

A guide to The Gateshead 

Housing Company 

Opening times 

The Board 

Environmental policy 

Getting involved 

A guide to Estate Tours for 

customers and employees 

NAME 

Compliments and complaints 

Estate Tours 

Guide to getting involved 

ADDRESS 

TEL NO E-MAIL 

Please remove or copy this page and return to: 

Your home 

A complete guide to being a 

leaseholder 

Adaptations and equipment 

in your home 

All you need to know about the 

lettings policy 

Asbestos in the home 

Applying for a home / HomeChoice 

Big Green guide 

Caretaker and concierge services 

Condensation and how to 

prevent it 

Customer Service Charter 

Ending your tenancy 

Furniture leasing scheme 

Gas servicing 

Grounds maintenance 

service agreement 

Guide to sheltered 

accommodation 

HomeRepairs 

Tick here if you would like them 

in: 

Large print 

Braille 

Audio 

HomeXchange 

Housing information 

for customers with learning 

difficulties 

Making improvements 

to your home 

Our lettable standard 

Rent and benefits 

Small Task Team 

Tackling neighbourhood nuisance 

Types of tenancies 

What to do 

in an emergency 

Young persons guide to 

their first home 

Gateshead Council information 

Asylum support team 

Buying your council home 

Debt advice 

Domestic abuse housing support 

Homelessness advice 

Housing options 

Medical priority 

Refugee advice 

Single gateway scheme 

Tenancy support service 

The Customer Service Team, The Gateshead Housing Company, Freepost Plus RRZG-CLYL-XKRU, The Gateshead Housing Company, Keelman House, 

Fifth Avenue Business Park, Fifth Avenue, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, NE11 0XA. 

You can also e-mail requests to: enquiries@gatesheadhousing.co.uk or download from the company’s website at www.gatesheadhousing.co.uk

Estate Tours and grades in your area 

As part of the housing company’s regular ‘Estate Tours’,neighbourhoodsaregiven 

a ‘grade’ every three months by local residents and employees. 

Grades of ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Bronze’ are awarded based on the condition, 

environment, grounds maintenance, cleaning and wider issues that affect estates. 

What do the grades mean? 

Gold 

Silver 

Bronze 

� Estate is clean and tidy and in good condition. 

� The majority of descriptions scored ‘Gold’ during the tour. 

� There is little evidence of wider issues affecting the condition 

of the estate. 

� Estate is generally clean and tidy with room for improvements. 

� There are some wider issues affecting the condition of the estate. 

� Estate is generally unclean and untidy. 

� The majority of descriptions scored ‘Bronze’ during the tour. 

� There is evidence of wider issues affecting the estate with a 

clear need for improvement. 

For your estate’s most recent grade and when your next Estate Tour is, contact 

your housing office or visit www.gatesheadhousing.co.uk/estatetours

112672 GHC newspaper 31 (May 11) - Gateshead Housing Company

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