Pages Thirteen & Fourteen

PageThree

PageSeven

LEFTCOAST UPD

ATE

COMMUNITY NEWS

NEWSLETTERVIEWPOINT

SUMMER EDITION 2015

BLACKPOOL COASTAL HOUSING

VISITING THE NEWDEVELOPMENT

2 GET INVOLVED

LEFTCOAST UPDATE

Sunday 19th July 2015 will see Fleetwood taken over by the ever popular Festival of Transport. For the second year running LeftCoast are working in partnership with the organisers to bring the SpareParts arts programme to town.

Prepare to be amazed by free transport inspired arts and activities including the SpareParts Parade which will wind its way through the streets drawing

crowds towards Marine Hall for the big finale.

As part of the festival we’re on the hunt for aspiring singers to form a giant community choir. You’ll take to the stage with mixed ability performance company Extraordinary Bodies to perform an original song as part of their show.

For more information about SpareParts or to find out how to take part in the choir call 01253 477973 or email info@leftcoast.org.uk.

Welcome tothe Summer edition of Viewpoint!

This edition is packed full of information from BCH and your local communities.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/bchblackpool and follow us on Twitter @bchblackpool to make sure you receive regular BCH updates and information on what’s happening in your area!

If you haven’t already registered with ‘MyBCH’, why not set up your account today? This will allow you to tell us aboutany changes to your household, report a repair, send us messages and much more! Go to www.bch.co.uk/my-bchand take a look – there are directions on this page to help you set up your own individual account.

Don’t forget if you don’t have access to the internet or a computer at home, our BCH Hub at Coastal House offers free internet access to enable you to apply for jobs, complete online benefit forms and much more!

Best wishes,The Involvement and Communications TeamPost: Coastal House, 17-19 Abingdon Street, Blackpool FY1 1DG Tel: 01253 477911Email: customerinvolvement@bch.co.uk

New Home Panel This panel monitors our EmptyProperty and Lettings servicesFriday 7th August, 2pm at Coastal House

Safer Neighbourhoods Panel This panel oversees the delivery ofthe Anti-Social Behaviour andNeighbourhoods servicesTuesday 11th August, 2pm at Coastal House

Repairs Panel This panel monitors the work of ourday-to-day Repairs department,including Responsive Repairs and theRepairs Hotline ServicesFriday 14th August, 2pm at Coastal House

Property Panel This panel oversees the Asset and Planned Maintenance Service including plannedimprovement works, Gas Servicingand Stock InvestmentWednesday 19th August, 2pm atCoastal House

Sheltered Housing Panel This panel works with the Sheltered Housing Team to monitor the serviceThursday 20th August, 2pm atCoastal House

Get Involved Panel This panel oversees the delivery ofcustomer involvement activities aswell as communications such as theBCH website, publications and socialmediaFriday 21st August, 2pm at Coastal House

Money Matters Panel This panel is responsible formonitoring the Rents Service Wednesday 9th September, 2pm atCoastal House

Come along and get involved in an area of the organisation important to you! We’re looking fornew members to help us shape and develop our services. The next round of quarterly meetingswill take place as follows:

Interested in attending or finding out more?Contact the Customer Involvement and CommunicationsTeam on 01253 477911 or emailcustomerinvolvement@bch.co.uk.

SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PANELS

featuringSpareParts

Fleetwood Festival of Transport

KEEP IN THELEFTCOASTLOOPThere are loads of ways you cankeep up to date with what ishappening at LeftCoast. You can…

Like us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/LeftCoastUK

Follow us on Twitter:http://twitter.com/LeftCoastUK

Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter at: www.leftcoast.org.uk

STAY INVOLVED 3

BECOME A LEFTCOAST ENVOY and be part of the artsBeing a LeftCoast Envoy puts you at the heart of the action, from thespectacle of As the World Tipped, to the extravaganza of Showzam! You willbe an integral member of the LeftCoast team, working alongside othervolunteers and staff to make great art happen in Blackpool and Wyre. You will acquire and develop skills, expertise and knowledge; meet artists,performers and practitioners; and be able to take advantage of a bespoketraining package, tailored to you.

As a thank you for donating your time, you will have the opportunity to goand see exciting arts and culture events taking place elsewhere in thecountry, courtesy of LeftCoast. Want to join the team? Contact sophie.fuce@leftcoast.org.uk or call 01253 477973.

STORY SAFARI ATWORDPOOL FAMILY DAY

Blackpool’s annual literature festival returns for2015 with its highlight, the Wordpool Family Day,taking place at Stanley Park on Saturday 4 July.This year’s family day theme is Story Safari so beprepared to go on an animal adventure through thepark exploring different spaces and stories. Formore information about the Wordpool Family Dayvisit https://blackpoolwordpool.wordpress.com.

4 GET INVOLVED

Our ‘Priority Areas’ for the next five years:• To be an excellent provider of housing• To manage and maintain our stock to a decent standard• To be an efficient and effective business• To assist our tenants to enter work and training• To use our community development role to improveneighbourhoods

• To improve our neighbourhood environments• To make sure we use our BCH expenditure to support ourother priorities

• To work in partnership and engage others in our priorities• To create a new housing choice

The behaviours that we believe will help us drive change:• Listening• Being positive and energetic• Being creative and innovative•Working in collaboration• Being enterprising• Taking a pride in working for BCH• Being fair• Showing respect and compassion

Since December 2014 around forty of ourcustomers have started claiming UniversalCredit; we want to learn from their experiencesand share this with all of our customers:

Housing CostsIf you make a claim for Universal Credit and you currentlyreceive Housing Benefit:

If you are asked to attend an interview at the job centre to make a claim for Universal Credit please makesure you take a copy of your tenancy agreement and an up-to-date rent statement with you. If you do nottake this information with you then you will not receive any help towards paying your rent.

How long will it take to receive your first payment? Because Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears, based on what your income and circumstances wereduring that month, then it could be five to six weeks between your last ‘current’ benefit payment and yourfirst Universal Credit payment. If, when you claim Universal Credit, you know you will be short of money youcan contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for a “short term advance” or ask your “workcoach” at the Job Centre to arrange this for you.

If the DWP agrees that you risk severe financial hardship they can pay you half of your expected monthly Universal Credit as a loan inadvance, which you can then pay off over an agreed period (up tosix months). You will need to explain your circumstances fully.

Will you need to claim Universal Credit if youare working age butyour partner is Pension Credit age? If one member of a couple is over Pension Credit age, and the other one is under, both of you will have to claim Universal Credit – unless you are already receiving PensionCredit, in which case you will stay on Pension Credit.

For these ‘mixed age’ couples there can be a big differencebetween the amount of benefit they would receive throughPension Credit and Housing Benefit and how much Universal Credit they would be entitled to receive.

If you are not already claiming Pension Credit, contact us to get advice about whether you are eligible or what changes in your circumstances may mean you could claim.

WHAT IS PIP?PIP helps towards some of the extra costs arising froma long term ill-health condition or disability and isbased on how a person’s condition affects them, notthe condition they have. It is not means-tested orsubject to tax and it is payable to people who are bothin and out of work.

From 8th April 2013 the Department for Work andPensions (DWP) started to replace DLA with PIP foreligible people aged 16 to 64. No one aged 16 to 64can make a new claim for DLA – they have to make aclaim for PIP instead.

WHAT THE CHANGE MEANSPIP:

‡ involves a more objective assessment,including a face-to-face consultationwith an independent healthprofessional for most people

‡ includes regular reviews so thatindividuals continue to get the rightsupport

The DWP will no longer accept new claims for DLAfrom anyone aged 16 to 64, unless they are making arenewal claim from a fixed term DLA award thatexpired before 17th March 2014. These claimants willre-claim DLA and, if entitlement continues, will beinvited to claim PIP at a later stage.

There are no plans to replace DLA for children under16 or for DLA recipients who were aged 65 and overon 8 April 2013.

From 30th March 2015

The DWP are continuing the changes being made tosome existing DLA claimants living in the ‘FY’postcode area.

Disability Living Allowance claimants living in the FYpostcode area will be invited to claim PIP if:

‡ Their fixed term award is coming to an end, or

‡ They are approaching age 16, or

‡ DWP receives information about achange in their care or mobility needs, or

‡ They choose to claim PIP instead oftheir DLA.

Most DLA claimants with a long-term award whosecondition does not change and do not request a re-assessment will not be affected until October 2015or later.

From October 2015

All the remaining claimants in receipt of a DLA awardwill be invited to make a claim for PIP. The DWP willrandomly select DLA claimants in receipt of anindefinite award or a fixed term award, and notifythem about what they need to do to claim PIP. DWPwill invite claims as early as possible from recipientswho have turned 65 after 8th April 2013, when PIPwas first introduced.

By late 2017

All existing DLA claimants (aged 16 to 64 on 8th April2013) will have been invited to claim PIP.

MONEY MATTERS

PERSONAL INDEPENDENCEPAYMENT (PIP) ISREPLACING DLA

Are you affected by thechanges being

made toDisability Living

Allowance(DLA)?

MONEY MATTERS

STAY INVOLVED 5

UNIVERSALCREDIT

££ £ £

££

£ ££

‡ Your Housing Benefit claim will be cancelled

‡ You will need to make a claim for housing costs as part of your Universal Credit

‡ You will need to makearrangements to pay yourrent to Blackpool Council

COMPLETING THE UNIVERSAL CREDIT CLAIM FORMWhen making a claim for Universal Credit,you will be asked ‘Do you pay rent to livein your home?’; you should mark theanswer to this as ‘yes’. If you currentlyreceive Housing Benefit, you still pay yourrent through this method.

The Rents Team are here to help and can provide you with all the informationyou need to claim your housing costs. Contact us on:Tel: 01253 477942Email: rent@bch.co.uk Text: 07501 921015 with your name andaddress and we will call you back

LIKE THE SOUND OF £500? IF YOUWaNT TO WIN THEN LET US IN!BCH need to complete a Gas Safety Check on all our properties each year toensure gas installations and pipework are maintained. Our Gas Contractor, Readand Errington, carry out this important work on our behalf. As an incentive, anycustomer who allows access for this check within an agreed timescale is enteredinto a free prize draw to win £500! The remainder of this year’s Gas ServicingProgramme will finish in the South Shore area on the 17th July.

The 2015/16 Servicing Programme will commence in the Bispham area from 17th August until 9th October.

To find out when your Gas Safety Check is due, contact our BCH Repairs Hotline on 0800 073 0184.

GAS SERVICING

Feeling ill? Headaches? Nausea? Dizziness?Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas boilers, cookers and fires can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.

In a gas emergency act quickly taking the following steps:

STAY INVOLVED 7

PROPERTY SERV ICES NEWS PROPERTY SERV ICES NEWS

Following a suggestion at the New Home Improvement Panel, a visit was arranged with a group of our involvedcustomers in March to view the new development site in Layton. We went to see how everything is progressing and had a sneak peak in some of the properties currentlyunder development. Everyone was impressed with how thearea is being transformed.

Once fully complete, the development will be made up of 108 two, three and four bedroom houses and 90 apartments, 60 of which have been speciallydesigned to convert to 30 family homes at a later stage.180 of the homes will be managed by BCH and 18 ofthe properties will be for open market sale by Lovell.

A small number of homes are still awaiting allocation; if you are interested in moving to one of these fantasticproperties, you can contact the Lettings Team on Tel: 01253 477047 or email myhomechoice@bch.co.uk for more information. Applicants must have a local connection to the area and preference will be given to those in employment including voluntary work (please contact a member of staff for more details).

GAS SAFETYSUCCESS

We are pleased to announce that 10 of our involved customers have successfullycompleted a Level 1 Qualification in Gas Safety Awareness. The course, run byCORGI, is designed to raise awareness of basic safety aspects of gas installations,carbon monoxide and landlord and tenant responsibilities in relation to currentlegislation. In order to achieve the qualification, each attendee had to completea short assessment. John Raine, Mark Tugwood, John Scholey, Keith Edwards,Nora Gill, Keith Myers, David Shakespeare, Susan Searle, David Greenwoodand Peter Searle were all successful; well done!

6 GET INVOLVED

n Get fresh air immediately, opendoors and windows to ventilate

n Switch off the gas appliance,do not use again until it hasbeen checked by a Gas SafeRegistered Engineer

n Turn off the gas supply at the mains

n Call the National GasEmergency number 0800 111 999

n If you are feeling ill visit your GP or the hospitalimmediately and tell them your symptoms may be related to carbon monoxide poisoning

n Contact a Gas Safe Registered Engineer to check and fix the appliance

What to do in a Gas Emergency

Information taken from the Gas Safe website

‘Gas Emergency March 2015’

Are you paying too much for your fuel bills?BCH is looking for around 50 volunteers to take part in an exercise looking at energy usage. If you are spending more than 10% of your income on gas andelectricity then you are classed as being in fuel poverty. If you would like to take partin this initiative, receive energy advice and help in reducing your fuel bills then pleasecall 0800 073 0184 or email enquiries@bch.co.uk to register your interest.

In order to participate in this exercise you will need to provide records of energy usageand costs for the last 12 months.

8 GET INVOLVED STAY INVOLVED 9

This year a committee of involved customers helped plan the event and renamed it the ‘Blackpool Community Heroes Awards’ - designed to celebrate thefantastic contribution individuals and community groups have made in developing and improving their local communities over the past 12 months. Almost 100 community volunteers and invited guests attended the awardsceremony which included an afternoon tea, wonderfulvocal entertainment from Revoe-Lution CommunityChoir, a fantastic dance performance from pupils of Revoe Learning Academyand a great finale from BCH’s own apprentice Lauran Boddy.

BCH was overwhelmed with the amount of nominations received for the seven different award categories and after much deliberation, the winners were chosen:

Fiona Thomas won the Number One Neighbour Awardfor her dedication to her neighbours and localcommunity including providing support, shopping trips,volunteering at a local charity shop and being a member of the local Tenants Association. The judges also highly commended Stella and Paul Clarke for the support they provide to a neighbour in need.

Revoe-Lution Community Choir won the Community Spirit

Award for the positive impact they have made in the community. They have gone from strength to strength in

the past two years, gaining new members and proving to be extremely popular at a

wide range of local events. A ‘Highly Commended’certificate was also awarded to Amanda Jones and CarolThornber who have been supporting local residents atBostonway for a number of years, helping to bring the

community together.

Lance Bonsor and Robert Currey both won the Green Achiever Award for all the work

they have done at Edmonton Place planting flowers throughout the year and managing a

small vegetable patch. They also work hard in the garden area at the back of Lowmoor Community

Centre, providing a place where residents can enjoy thesun and tranquillity.

The Tenants Choice Contractor Award was won byFylde Borough Council for their work completing theEnvironmental Contract. Customers who nominated said that the team members “take pride in their work” and “do a great job”.

New for this year was the Fundraiser of the Year Awardwon by Brenda Giles, for the work she has done in the Ibbison Court community to raise money for charity

and local community groups.

The BCH Staff Award was awarded to Sandy O’Grady, Customer Involvement and Communications Officer, for the supportshe provides to local residents groups, helping them withtheir meetings and supporting their ongoing activities. Patricia Musto, Healthy Homes Advice Worker in Care & Repair, was highly commended for ‘going the extra mile’.

The final award of the afternoon recognised the outstanding contribution an individual or group has made to Blackpool Coastal Housing by helping to develop housing services. BCH renamed the award the Tony Fitzgerald Award in honour of a highly regarded retired colleague who passed away in 2011. Both Carrol Furnell and the TOWER Scrutiny Panel received this award for their commitment to improving and developing services within BCH.

John Donnellon, Chief Executive of BCH, said: “The awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the work our customers and residents do to help strengthen and develop both our local communities and the services we provide at BCH. It was great to see so many of our involved customers and

community groups attending the event and I would like to personally congratulate all who

were nominated, those that were highlycommended and of course the winners of eachaward – Well Done!”

BCH would also like to congratulate the committee for all their help in planning the event and give

a special thanks to the award sponsors: Read &

Errington, Heckford Advertising, Builders Supplies West Coast Ltd, Technical and Electrical Services and Forrest.

We look forward to working with them again over the next year.

Blackpool Coastal Housing (BCH) held its 7th Community Awards on the 25th March at Blackpool’s Viva Show Bar.

The TPF is designed to support projects that make adifference to the lives of our customers and theneighbourhoods in which they live. Our panel of involvedcustomer representatives met in February where fivelarge projects were approved:

Project Summary: The Clifton Healthy Futures project willrun over a 12 month period and will support a minimum of100 out of work residents to prepare for employment,providing tailored practical assistance, guidance andadvice. Amount funded: £10,000

Project Summary: To redevelop the areas of Watson RoadPark to make it more accessible; including widening andtarmacing paths around the memorial garden and the areaoutside the pavilion. Amount funded: £5,000

Project Summary: To provide training to Sheltered HousingOfficers on scams and how to spot victims of scams;information will then be provided to all sheltered residents.21 residents most at risk will receive a Tru-Call machinewhich filters nuisance calls and provides peace of mind. Amount funded: £2,892

Project Summary: A series of free weekly workshops willrun for all age groups with a final performance inDecember 2015 at Blackpool Sixth Form’s theatre. Theworkshops cater to everyone in the community and aim tohelp people learn new skills, build confidence and gainnew friends. Amount funded: £2,888

Project Summary: To address the issue of digital inclusionby working with partners to increase computer provisionacross Blackpool. Funding will enable an accessiblecomputer hub to be provided, including two computers, atGrange Park Housing Office. Amount funded: £3,000

Small Projectsn Blackpool Council received £500 for a Bike coding

event as part of Operation Impression, a borough wideproject to try and prevent the number of bike thefts.

n South Shore Football Club received £200 for footballtraining equipment.

n Kincraig Card Making Group received £125 for a largelockable cabinet to store their craft items.

n Kilmory Knit and Natter Group received £60 for alockable cabinet to store their supplies.

n St Marys Academy received £500 to provide anessential starter pack for residents in emergencyhousing who have nothing when they arrive, includingtowels, pots, pans & tin opener.

n Blackpool Life Charity received £500 to create babybags for new and expectant families which will includenappies, wipes, creams, bath and cleaning products &new-born clothing.

n Ibbison Court Garden Club received £325 to purchaseitems for the garden club, including a composter,bench, ornaments and table and chairs.

n New Revoe Residents Association received £350 topurchase items to set up their new memory caféincluding a toaster, kitchen equipment andtablecloths.

n Stronsay Crafters were provided with £150 so that thenew group can buy materials to run some startersessions with the aim of attracting new members.

n Bostonway Residents Association received £140 toreplace their old stereo system.

There is £52,000 allocated for this year’s Tenants ProjectFund; the deadline for large project applications is Friday28th August. Applications requiring funding of £500 orless can be submitted any time during the year. ContactPhil Duhig, Grants and Communications Officer, for moreinformation on 01253 477932 or emailphilip.duhig@bch.co.uk.

Organisation:

Economic Development –'Clifton Healthy Futures'

Organisation:

Watson Road Park Friends Group – 'Park Redevelopment'

Organisation:

TramShed Theatre Company –'Change Makers'

Organisation:

Trading Standards –'BCH Scamwatch'

10 GET INVOLVED

Correction Statement: In the spring edition of Viewpoint we reported that theMelbourne, Brisbane and Hobart Tenants Association received £500 in funding fromthe TPF for the purchase of Christmas decorations and raffle prizes. The amountactually requested and awarded was £250; we would like to apologise for this error.

TENANTS PROJECT FUND

Organisation:

Corporate Development and Research – 'Digital Inclusion'

Our 2013/14 Annual Report was recently shortlisted in the ‘Excellence in Annual Reports’ category at the regional TPAS (Tenant Participation Advisory Service) awards. TPAS is theleading national tenant involvement organisation working to promotetenant empowerment and the awards, held in April, recognised andcelebrated the work completed by different organisations andindividuals in the North West. The ‘Oh I do like to BCH Beside theSeaside’ Annual Report was one of five publications shortlisted and,although we didn’t win, it was great to be finalists!

We would like your help in producing this year’s Annual Report. We’re currently collecting old ‘Blackpool themed’ photographs – from Blackpool beach, Blackpool Tower and donkey rides, to howdifferent areas of Blackpool looked in years gone by, we’d be grateful if you could send any photos you have to the Customer InvolvementTeam at Coastal House or call us on 01253 477911 to find out more! If you’d like to get involved in the overall development of the report then please get in touch.

BESIDESeasideTHE

Oh!

STAY INVOLVED 11

COMMUNITY HEROES AWARDS

Whenever we hold an event such as a Conference or ourInvolvement Awards, we ask for feedback in order to helpimprove future events. At the awards held in March, weasked those who attended to complete a short survey;47 people did and the results are as follows:

Venue 94% said that the location, ease of access,layout and facilities of the Viva Showbar was excellentor good.

Afternoon Tea and Entertainment 92% rated theafternoon tea and refreshments as either excellent orgood. 96% of people thought that the entertainmentwas either excellent or good.

BCH Information Film A short information filmwas shown to illustrate the achievements of BCHand local communities; no one rated this as poor/very poor and 89% said this was excellent or good.

The Awards Ceremony The Awards Ceremony includedthe presentation of awards and speeches from managersand volunteers and was enjoyed by 100% of respondents.

Glass Awards individually engraved glass awards wereprovided to the winners; 98% rated these as eitherexcellent or good.

A question was also included to see what attendees likedmost and least about the event; the majority of those whocommented said that they most enjoyed the awardsceremony itself and seeing people receive their awards,meeting new people/socialising and the entertainmentprovided. Only two people commented that they least likedthe pillars in the room which restricted their view of theperformances. If you would like a copy of the full reportplease contact the Customer Involvement andCommunications Team.

Feedback

STAY INVOLVED 1312 GET INVOLVED

TRIBUTE TO ACOMMUNITYACTIVISTOn Monday 20th April, residents of Bostonway, along with family and friends of Janine Feeney, gathered to pay anemotional tribute to her following her passingin December. A memorial event was held inthe community garden at BostonwayCommunity Centre, led by His Worshipfulnessthe Mayor Councillor Val Haynes whodedicated a bench and planted a rose bush inJanine’s memory. Janine had been a memberof the Bostonway community for 33 years andresidents paid tribute to her kindness andgenerosity as a friend and neighbour.

Amanda Jones, who had helped Janine in thecommunity garden and to organise regularbingo sessions said: “Her legacy will be thecommunity gardens she tended throughout theestate and her dedication to her fellowneighbours who she was happy to help at anytime of the day or night. Janine will be sorelymissed by all on Bostonway; it has been aprivilege to have known her”.

Blackpool Victoria Hospital is still seekingnew volunteersThere are still opportunities available for people of all ages and skillsets who are willing to give their time to volunteer. Volunteerscomplete a range of jobs within the hospital, from welcomingpeople and showing them where different departments are, tohelping on the wards by keeping patients company, offeringrefreshments and ensuring both patients and visitors have a more pleasurable experience. To find out more, call Lynn Conifey,Tenancy Sustainment Officer, on Tel: 01253 477130 or Email: lynn.conifey@bch.co.uk. We are planning to take smallgroups of potential volunteers to the hospital to meet the teamand find out more; if you’re interested in this great opportunitythen please get in touch!

ANT I-SOC IAL BEHAV IOUR AND NE IGHBOURHOOD FOCUS COMMUN ITY NEWS

ENFORCEMENT INFORMATIONAs part of our ongoing commitment toproviding customers with high quality servicesthat represent excellent value for money, wecontinually monitor our performance. Inpartnership with the Safer NeighbourhoodsImprovement Panel, we have agreed toprovide quarterly information on enforcementand the action we have secured to tackleanti-social behaviour. Here are the statisticsfrom January to March 2015.

Notice seeking possession (secure tenants) 6

Notice of proceedings pending (introductory tenants) 1

Introductory tenancy probation period extended 1

Possession Orders granted 5

Possession Orders suspended 0

Evictions 1

Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions 2

Acceptable Behaviour Contracts issued 3

ASB warning letters issued 34

ASB Visits 56

Notice to Quits served 8

BCH SECURES INJUNCTION ORDER AGAINSTTroublesome Tenant

Blackpool Coastal Housing (BCH) have made full use of the newAnti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, by securingits first Injunction Order against a troublesome tenant, who hadcaused misery for his neighbours.

Peter Prescott of Kincraig Place received an Interim InjunctionOrder on 22nd April 2015, which prohibits him from:

1. Engaging or threatening to engage in conduct capable ofcausing a nuisance or annoyance to any person in theneighbourhood.

2. Using abusive or insulting or threatening behaviour againstany such person detailed in clause 1 above.

3. Using or threatening violence or harm against any suchperson detailed in clause 1 above.

4. Associating with or being in the company of [a certainfemale] within a designated area around Kincraig Place.

A fifth clause included that Prescott was forbidden fromapproaching, threatening, intimidating, harassing orcommunicating in anyway whatsoever with two of his neighbourson Kincraig Place.

A Final Injunction Order was granted during a hearing beforeDistrict Judge Oldroyd on 6th May, and extended for anadditional 6 months, which means it will be in force until 22ndApril 2016. During the hearing, Prescott also received a 17week custodial sentence, suspended for one year for breachingthe Interim Injunction Order twice on 30th April 2015.

Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 5 have a power of arrest attached. If you live in the Kincraig Place area and witness these clausesbeing breached, you should contact the Police in the firstinstance.

Anti-social behaviour is taken very seriously by BCH; we will use the tools and powers available to us to investigate and deal with all instances of anti-social behaviour.

Officers from BCH and Blackpool Council’s Legal Team workedhard to secure the Order to provide additional protection andsafety to the community. Residents involved in the case playeda key role by working closely with BCH and providing significantevidence which was vital to the positive outcome.

John Donnellon, Chief Executive of Blackpool CoastalHousing, said: “Anti-social behaviour can make people’s livesa misery and BCH works hard to eliminate it where it occurs.Wherever possible, we will first seek to resolve issuesinformally but will not hesitate to use the legal powersavailable to us if required. We are particularly grateful to thelocal residents who were willing to take a stand to improvetheir neighbourhood by giving evidence which secured theinjunction against this individual.”

NEED TO SPEAK TO A MEMBER OF THE TEAM? We hold regular housing surgeries within our communities sothat you can meet with members of the team and discussneighbourhood issues. There is no need to make anappointment, just come along on any of the following days:

n Every other Monday, 2pm-3pm at Kincraig Children’s Centre(next to Kincraig Primary School), Kincraig Road, Bispham

n Every Tuesday, 10am-12pm at Grange Park Housing Office,Chepstow Road FY3 7PH

n Every Wednesday, 2pm-3pm at The Lakes, Unit 1ALangdale Road, Mereside FY4 4TP

n Every Thursday, 2pm-4pm at Grange Park Housing Office,Chepstow Road FY3 7PH

Contact the Grange Park Housing Office for more details on01253 477130. Are you eligible for help?

Did you know that if you have served in the armedforces, including National Service, or are currentlyserving, or are a widow, widower, partner or dependantof someone who has, you may be eligible for assistance?

The Royal British Legion can help with money advice,including immediate needs grants, a handy-personservice, and career advice after leaving service, seasideand family holiday breaks and much more.

They can be contacted on 0808 802 8080 or via their website on www.britishlegion.org.uk

FREE Employability and IT SessionsThe City Learning Centre on Bathurst Avenue, Grange Parkis holding free IT, employability and support drop insessions every Wednesday from 1pm-3pm.

The sessions cover a variety of topics including advice and help on using computers, how to become a volunteer,job searching and CV help.

No booking is required, just go along on a Wednesday! For more information call the Adult, Community andFamily Learning Team on 01253 478131.

Crossword Answers: In the last edition ofViewpoint we included a crossword which had been sentin by our TOWER Scrutiny Team. Here are the answers:

Across: 4. Exam 5. See 8. IT 10. Appreciate 14. Communicate 16. Stop 17. Logo 18. Customer22. Fit 24. Satisfaction 25. Info 26. Value 27.Patience 31. Efficient 36. Champion 37. Improve 38. Team 39. Rut 40. Help

Down: 1. Alter 2. Smile 3. Shapeup 5. Service 6. Listen 7. Calm 9. Eyes 11. Encouragement 12. Skillful 13. Together 15. MOT 19. Rock 20. Shine 21. Investigate 23. Top 25. Impact 28. Adapt 29. People 30. Bar 32. Flag 33. Tower 34. Up 35. Focus

STAY INVOLVED 15

COMMUN ITY NEWS

These quick pitta pizzas are perfect if you want aquick, light meal. Why not get the kids involved andlet them choose the toppings?

How to make:1. Preheat the oven to 190c, fan 170c, gas mark 5.

Place the pitta breads on a baking sheet.2. Spread 1 tbsp of tomato puree onto each pitta, then top with the mushrooms, sliced

tomatoes and cheese. Sprinkle with the mixed herbs and season with black pepper. 3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Serve with salad.

Tip 1: Add a few olives, slices of red or green pepper and some chopped red onionTip 2: If you prefer, grill the pittas under a medium-hot grill for 6-8 minutes

instead of baking them.

Nutritional information per portion:218 calories, 15g protein, 31g carbohydrate of which 5g sugars, 4g fat of which 1g saturates, 5g dietary fibre, 329mg sodium, 0.9g salt

RECIPE: QUICK PITTA PIZZAS

Bostonway Residents AssociationOpen Meeting, Tuesday 9th June,10.30am at Bostonway Community CentreOpen Meeting, Tuesday 11th August,10.30am at Bostonway Community Centre

Melbourne, Brisbane and HobartTenants AssociationOpen Meeting, Thursday 9th July,6.30pm at Sevenoaks Community Centre

Munster Avenue Tenants AssociationOpen Meeting, Wednesday 1st July,1pm at Lowmoor Community Centre

Molyneux Drive Friends and NeighboursSocial Meeting every Wednesday,10am-12pm, at Molyneux Community CentreOpen Meeting, 1st Wednesday of each month, 10am at Molyneux Community CentreFun Bingo every Saturday, 7pm-9pm,at Molyneux Community Centre

BCH BoardIf you would like to observe at thismeeting please contact SamanthaFowler on 01253 477988.

Revoe-lution Community ChoirWednesdays 7pm-9pm at ChristChurch with All Saints, Palatine Road

Sevenoaks Community Centre Over 50’s ClubBingo, every Monday, Wednesday andFriday, 1.30pm-4pm, Hobart Place,Thornton-Cleveleys

Grange Park Open Door ProjectAfternoon Tea at Horsebridge RoadCommunity Centre, Saturday 13thJune, 3pm – 5pm, free admission,afternoon tea £2 raffle, tambola,family quiz and much much more…All monies raised from this collectionwill go direct to Brian HouseChildren’s Hospice Blackpool. Forfurther information please contactHaleema on 07590 269 689

A Bit of a Do goes American!Saturday 4th July, 11am-3pm at City Learning Centre, Grange ParkFree bike coding, free dog and catchipping. Hot food, health checks,awareness stalls, bouncy castle, raffle, cake stall, football activities,school performances and much more! Dress in red, white and blue or American style… you could win a prize!

Clifton Community GroupPublic Meeting, Monday 8th June,6pm at Tarnside Community Centre.Tel: 766056 or emailcliftoncommunitygroup@yahoo.comfor further information.

Knit and NatterEvery Thursday, 2pm at KilmoryCommunity Centre. Call Carrol on864798 for more information.

Card MakingEvery Friday between 1pm and 3pmat Kincraig Community Centre,Bispham. Call Jean on 592450

Stronsay ScribblersCreative writing and poetry every otherMonday, 12pm-2pm at StronsayCommunity Centre, Bispham. Call Jean on 592450 for moreinformation.

Stronsay Crafters Craft Group, every Tuesday from 16th June, 2pm-4pm at StronsayCommunity Centre, Bispham. Call Carrol Tel: 864798 or MargaretTel: 508162 for more information.

Police and Communities TogetherGreenland PACT meetings – held 1stThursday of the month at SpringfieldMethodist Community Centre,Bispham Road from 6.30pm-7.30pm.

Meetings take place in other localareas on a regular basis; for moreinformation look out for postersadvertising meetings in nearby shops,offices, Doctors Surgeries andCommunity Centres.

WHAT’S ON GUIDE

The Clifton Community Group recently held a dog chipping event at TarnsideCommunity Centre on 16th February after receiving funding from BCH’sTenants Project Fund. Staff from the RSPCA, Russ and Carole, attended to micro-chipthe dogs and cats and everyone who came received treats and poo bags for their furry friends!

Pictured are some of the delighted residents of Mardale Avenue with John Raine, Vice Chair of Clifton Community Group, following the erection of their new street lamp.Residents requested better lighting in the area as their homes are set back from the roadand the lack of adequate lighting meant they could not see into their porches and haddifficulty walking on the pathway which left them feeling vulnerable. John Raine took on thetask and contacted Blackpool Council, which has responsibility for street lighting, and theycompleted the works with Eon.

COMMUNITY LIGHTING UP THE MARDALE

The Over 50’s Club at Sevenoaks Community Centre celebrated Easter in style with an Easter bonnet competition, bingo and buffet. 35 people enjoyed the afternoon and the competition winners were:

1ST PLACE – Sue Harding 2ND PLACE – Milly Wade 3RD PLACE – Pat Lee 4TH PLACE – Muriel Rowson

The judging was done by Julie, Manageress of Wetherspoons Cleveleys, and a buffet followed, which was prepared by Mrs Denby and Mrs Trotter. Everyone is welcome at the Club; why not contact Mr Denby on 01253 864721 to find out more?

TREATS AND CHIPPING FOR FURRY FRIENDS

HOPPING GOOD FUN

14 GET INVOLVED

BCH CAT IN THE COMMUNITYThe BCH Community Action Team (CAT) has been hard at work helping residentswith overgrown gardens and clearing communal areas. Between 7th and 10th April, the BCH CAT had a very successful ‘Week of Community Action’, working to helpresidents in Mereside, Haweside and Highfield. Each project day was accompanied by 15-20 enthusiastic volunteers from the National Citizen’s Service supported by staff from Blackpool Football Club. The youngpeople took part in helping to make a difference and learn new skills, gain experience and had fun working with the regular CAT Volunteers, BCH Staff, and volunteers from Baines Children’s Centre, Blackpool Council and the Police.

On Branstree Road in Mereside, the team worked to transform an overgrown front and back garden to enable the resident tomaintain it in the future. In Haweside, the team litter-picked a number of alleyways and cleared an area by Powell Avenue whichwas filled with fly-tipped rubbish. They also cut back the overgrown grass which increased the width of the paths. On EndsleighGardens in the Highfield area, the team reduced a 14 foot high hedge down to five foot making it much more manageable. On Lindale Gardens, the team worked with the resident’s family to clear their back garden of unwanted items, reveal a patio areaand equip them with the skills to continue once the team had left.

Over the coming months, CAT will continue their work as well as taking new referrals and continue to grow the volunteer team sothat even more work can be done! If you’re interested in getting involved and volunteering on the team, you can contact JamesBaker, BCH Community Development Officer, on Tel: 07825 733717 or Email: james.baker@bch.co.uk. There are many roles onthe team to get involved with; there really is something for everyone!

BEFORE AFTERServes: 4 adults

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

You will need:• 4 wholemeal pitta breads• 4 tbsp tomato puree• 1 handful mushrooms

(cup or button) sliced• 4 tomatoes thinly sliced• 125g light mozzarella

cheese sliced• 2 tsp dried mixed herbs• 1 pinch ground

black pepper

Blackpool Coastal Housing believes in access for all. To ensure the services provided by Blackpool Coastal Housing are accessible, information can be made available in a variety of formats and languages.

For more information about these services please telephone 01253 477900 or email enquiries@bch.co.uk

Blackpool Coastal Housing believes in access for all. To ensure the services provided

by Blackpool Coastal Housing are accessible, information can be made available in a

variety of formats and languages.

For more information about these services please telephone 01253 477900 or email

enquiries@bch.co.uk

Blackpool Coastal Housing 公公司司相相信信每每個個人人都都有有存存取取的的權權利利。。為為確確保保您您能能使使用用Blackpool Coastal Housing 公公司司的的服服務務，，資資訊訊會會以以多多種種格格式式和和語語言言提提供供。。

有有關關這這些些服服務務的的詳詳情情資資訊訊，，請請致致電電 01253 477900，，或或傳傳送送電電子子郵郵件件至至 enquiries@bch.co.uk

Spółdzielnia Mieszkaniowa Blackpool CoastalHousing uznaje, iż świadczone przez nią usługipowinny być ogólnodostępne, zatem informacje naich temat udostępniane są w różnych formatach i wersjach językowych.

W celu uzyskania szczegółowych informacji na tematświadczonych usług, proszę zadzwonić pod numer 01253477900 lub wysłać e-mail na adres enquiries@bch.co.uk.

VIEWPOINTREADINGBLACKPOOL COASTAL HOUSING

En Blackpool Coastal Housing creemos que lainformación debe estar al alcance de todos. Paraasegurar que los servicios de Blackpool CoastalHousing son accesibles podemos ofrecerinformación en diversos formatos e idiomas.

Para saber más sobre estos servicios, póngase en contacto con nosotros en el teléfono 01253 477900 o por email enquiries@bch.co.uk

Blackpool Coastal HousingHead Office: Coastal House, 17-19 Abingdon Street, Blackpool FY1 1DG Tel: 01253 477900Email: enquiries@bch.co.uk

MyHomeChoice Fylde CoastCoastal House, 17-19 Abingdon Street,Blackpool FY1 1DGTel: 01253 476111 www.myhomechoicefyldecoast.co.uk

The Rents TeamTel: 01253 477942 Text 07501 921015Email: rent@bch.co.uk

anti-Social Behaviour and Neighbourhood ServicesTel: 01253 477130 Email: yourtenancy@bch.co.uk forNeighbourhood Services or asb@bch.co.ukfor the ASB Service

Out of hours aSB Reporting Tel: 0800 0730184

Repairs HotlineTel: 0800 073 0184 Email: repairs@bch.co.uk Text ‘Repairs’ to 07786 201409

Customer InvolvementTel: 01253 477911Email: customerinvolvement@bch.co.uk

HomeownershipTel: 01253 477984Email: homeownership@bch.co.uk

Supported HousingTel: 01253 477898Email: shelteredhousing@bch.co.uk

Customer First CentreMunicipal Buildings, Corporation Street,Blackpool FY1 1NFTel: 01253 477477Email: customer.first@blackpool.gov.uk

Trading Standards advice TeamTel: 01253 478375Email tradingstandards@blackpool.gov.uk

Housing BenefitTel: 01253 478847Email: benefits@blackpool.gov.uk

Social Services DirectTel: 01253 477592Email social.servicesdirect@blackpool.gov.uk

age UK89 Abingdon Street, Blackpool FY1 1TH Tel: 01253 622812

Citizens advice Bureau6-10 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool FY1 9AQTel: 01253 308400

Carers LineTel: 0808 808 7777

avonlineTel: 0845 11 11 855

Blackpool CarersTel: 01253 393748 www.blackpoolcarers.org

Blackpool PoliceTel: 101 (Non emergency)

NHSTel: 111 (Non emergency)

Free Fire Safety adviceTel: 0800 1691125 (Non emergency)

Lancashire CrimestoppersTel: 0800 555 111

National GridTel: 0800 111 999 (FOR GAS LEAKS)

United UtilitiesTel: 0800 330 033 (FOR MAINS WATER LEAKS)

Race Hate awareness and Prevention (RHaP) Tel: 0808 8087398

Broken Rainbow (LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline) Tel: 08452 604460 www.broken-rainbow.org.uk

USEFUL CONTACTS