Q1. Are you satisfied with the state of repair of your roof?
Number %
Yes 24 48%
No 16 32%
Other 10 20%

Q2. Are you satisfied with the state of repair of your guttering?
Number %
Yes 24 48%
No 16 32%
Other 10 20%

Q3. Are you satisfied with the state of repair of the outside of your property such as walls and rough casting?
Number %
Yes 27 54%
No 18 36%
Other 5 10%

Q4. Are you satisfied with the condition of close?
Number %
Yes 13 26%
No 33 66%
Other 4 8%

Q5. Are you satisfied with your door entry system?
Number %
Yes 22 44%
No 20 40%
Other 8 16%

Q6. Are you satisfied with the condition of your bin stores?
Number %
Yes 30 60%
No 16 32%
Other 4 8%

Q7. Are you satisfied with the condition of your drying area?
Number %
Yes 14 28%
No 27 54%
Other 9 18%

Q8. Are you satisfied with the condition of any fencing near your property?
Number %
Yes 31 62%
No 9 18%
Other 10 20%

Q9. Are you satisfied with the condition of any footpaths near your property?
Number %
Yes 27 54%
No 20 40%
Other 3 6%

Q10. Are you satisfied with the condition of any street lighting outside
your property?
Number %
Yes 33 66%
No 14 28%
Other 3 6%

Q11. Are you satisfied with the condition of your close lighting?
Number %
Yes 33 66%
No 11 22%
Other 6 12%

Q12. Are you satisfied with the way in which crime and anti-social behaviour are dealt with?
Number %
Yes 19 38%
No 19 38%
Other 12 24%

Q13. Do you feel safe in your home and the surrounding area?
Number %
Yes 26 52%
No 13 26%
Other 11 22%

The Steering Group worked to match the resources of the Council with the knowledge of Craigheads residents to help create the plans to regenerate Craigheads, and then to see it through.  The Steering Group was not a talking shop.  It is a group which will have a direct and visible impact on Craigheads for many years to come.

The Steering Group recognises that the issues facing Craigheads do not exist in isolation.  All of the issues our community faces all tie into each other, including

• Issues with housing stock, including roofing, roughcasting, fire damaged properties, and electricity
• Environmental issues, including lighting, landscaping, and common public spaces
• Community health and wellbeing, including safety, physical health, access to public transportation and services, and even the availability of garden areas
• Employability and training

The Group sought to identify the best people and the best solutions to address each of these issues.

The Steering Group held meetings in July, September, and October 2008.  No further meetings are planned at this time.

Whether you are new to Craigheads or have been here since the beginning, we hope to meet you at Arthurlie Social Club on Wednesday 15 April from 6:30 PM.

To report a broken or inadequate close light, phone 0141 577 3700.

Already, steps are being taken to combat anti-social behavior, including:

• Employing two tenancy enforcement officers to investigate complaints
• Running Community Warden patrols 24 hours a day
• Working closely with the police to combat crime
• Looking closely at street and close lights to improve them
• Requiring anyone applying for a tenancy in Craigheads (either as Council tenants or renting from landlords) to supply two references

Make sure that you report anti-social behavior to ERC by calling their free, confidential helpline on 0800 013 0076, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  If you need to report a crime, phone the police on 0141 532 5700 or in an emergency, dial 999.

In 2009-2010, East Renfrewshire Council plans to continue maintenance of homes in Craigheads.  This includes

• Roughcasting works
• Replacing worn-out timber
• Maintaining gutters
• Installing some new door security systems
• Painting closes
• Replacing broken close windows

The Council cannot do all of this work straight away because they have to budget for the work, but they will carry out the repairs as quickly as then can and in the order of most priority. The ownership status of each block of flats (council or mixed) does not bear on the priority.

Many homes in Craigheads are not owned by the Council.  This is why they are asking owner-occupiers to pay for their share of essential maintenance, such as on roofs and outer walls.  If you do own your own home, you may be able to claim a grant of 50% of the cost to help you.

Andrew Tweedie of Housing at ERC says: “If you’re an owner-occupier, you may be entitled to a grant for door entry systems and close painting.  It’s essential that owner-occupiers play thier part in allowing as much of the repair programme as possible to go ahead.  Please phone me on 0141 577 3728 and I will be happy to give help and advice on repairs.”

Tenants should report repair calls to 0141 577 3700 as usual, and out of hours or in emergency the number is 08080 031 601.

• Painting all existing metal fences
• Repairing broken and cracked paving in drying areas
• Attacking the weeds growing in the drying areas
• Removing dumped rubbish faster
• Installing new clothes poles to replace broken whirligigs where the Council has been asked
• Developing flower and shrub planting
• Jet washing and repointing the bin stores

If you have any ideas about improving open spaces, please contact David James on 0141 577 3718.

The Association welcomes new members who share its aim of improving the area and building a sense of community.

Contact TRA chairman Paul McDonagh or phone the Council’s Tenant Participation officer, Sandra Scott, on 0141 577 3715.

Better still, you’re very welcome to come along to the next Association meeting at 7:30 PM on Wednesday 27 May 2009 at 7:30 PM in the downstairs meeting room at Arthurlie Parish Church Hall.

1. Welcome and Introductions by Daniel McKendry, who read out the notes of the previous meeting and reminded the group of the scope of the meeting.  Daniel then handed the meeting over to Cllr Danny Devlin, who noted his encouragement at the attendance at tonight’s meeting.
2. Current & Projected Capital and Revenue Spend
   Andrew Tweedie confirmed the ongoing re-rendering and re-roofing programmes in Craigheads for FY 2008-2009.  The work is currently out to tender.  The success of these programmes is also dependent on the cooperaiton of owners in Craigheads.  There was discussion on the enforcement options available to the Council.  Andrew confirmed that the door and door entry renewal programme is also underway.
   Cllr Devlin confirmed that further re-render and re-roofing programmes have been brought forward to 2009/2010.  He also stated that he is looking for additional finances to be spent in Craigheads.  Andrew Tweedie, though unable to guarantee this, was aware that Cllr Devlin was working closely with the Head of Housing to obtain additional funding.
   Cllr Devlin requested that all residents of Craigheads be written to, requesting their agreement in principal for proposed works in the area.  Andrew Tweedie confirmed that all blocks without doors/door entry systems would be written to for participation in the door entry programme for 2009/2010, however, he could not guarantee (as per title conditions) that these blocks would benefit from new door entry systems as the title confirms that these are “improvements”, and as such all owners in the block need to agree to the upgrade.
   There was further discussion on door entry systems.
   Andrew also confirmed that a programme of gutter cleaning in Craigheads is progressing.
3. Housing Improvement Grants
   Liz Currie explained that the Scottish Government makes a very modest allocation of funding (known as Private Sector Housing Grant) to East Renfrewshire to help with providing grants to help owners with the cost of certain works to their homes, to fund adaptations to houses for disabled people, fund Care and Repair services and so on.  Under the terms of new housing legislation it is likely that financial assistance through grants for repairs may be largely phased out.  The Council must soon produce a “Scheme of Assistance” setting out how it plans to target its assistance to owners in the future.  There is however scope in the legislation, subject to funding being available and meeting criteria in the legislation, to support renewal work in certain areas of the authority.  Liz indicated that through the work of this group it should be possible to examine whether or not Craigheads might be just such an area for priority treatment.
4. Stock Condition Survey & Household Opinion Survey
   Liz Currie sought the views of the group on whether it would be worthwhile to carry out a full 100% survey of all of the houses, both Council and private, in Craigheads.  This would enable the steering group to consider future priorities for investment by both the Council and owners in the area.  This survey could be tied to a social survey, which could be used to inform discussions in relation to the suitability of the area for the priority area renewal treatment previously discussed.  The success of a joint survey in Craigheads would be dependent on the support of the local community.  There being general support for this proposal, Liz invited any interested individuals to work with ERC to participate in a small working group to take this forward.  Sandra will seek volunteers for this group when issuing the minutes.
5. Estate Management Plan
   Daniel McKendry provided copies (as examples) of the Estate Management Agreement (EMA) for Dunterlie.  The EMA provides statements of council departments’ commitments ot the area.  It also provides general information and contacts.  Daniel suggested that this could be used as a template for the development of an EMA for Craigheads.  Volunteers for the community were invited to “work-up” an EMA for Craigheads.
   Whilst Councillor Devlin welcomed an EMA for Craigheads, he requested that an action plan for Craigheads be drawn up.
6. Mixed Tenure Community – Factoring
   There was a general discussion on factoring for owners and private landlords.  There was a general misconception that the Council already acted as Factor for the Estate, as well as an expression of concern regarding the reputation of private factors.  It was agreed after discussion that this subject required further investigation.  Liz Currie suggested that views of factoring could be gathered if the proposed survey goes ahead.  A short paper will be submitted to the next meeting of the group summarising the issues and options for taking this forward.
7. Next Steps
   Cllr Devlin wishes to push forward on regeneration work for Craigheads.
   Cllr Devlin requested information on other current projects in the area.  Sandra Scott confirmed that David James is meeting with Housing Maintenance to agree work on railings and stonework in teh area.  Housing Maintenance staff are currently being trained for “multi-skills” and David is investigating the possibility of Craigheads being used as an on-site training pilot.  Daniel McKendry also confirmed that he would again contact Cleansing Services to establish service levels for the estate.
8. AOCB
   Cllr Devlin confirmed the imminent appointment of two Tenancy Appointment Officers and gave a brief outline of their duties.
   (Attendance list from this meeting available on request.)

Date of next meeting: 22 October 2008 at 7:00 PM in Arthurlie Church Halls

Minutes approved at 10 September 2008 meeting

Role & Remit of Working Group

The purpose of the group is to advise the process of regeneration.  It was agreed that decisions relating to the regeneration of Craigheads would involve the Steering Group (tenants, owners, & private landlords.)  The objective of regeneration is:

• Improve quality of the housing stock
• Improve quality of the environment
• Improve health, well-being, and employability

Those present welcomed the attendance of officers from Carts Greenspace, Housing, Environmental Health, Housing Maintenance, and CHCP.  However, it was noted that Parks & Cleansing should be invited to attend future meetings.  NB Adrian Baines of Park had been invited but was unable to attend.  Elected members, and in particular the Convenor of Housing, will be invited to attend future meetings.

Housing Stock

Danny McKendry confirmed that the Head of Housing & Maintenance Services (Iain MacLean) is keen for works within the Council’s Capital programme to be accelerated within the Craigheads area, commencing 2009.  This would be reflected in a more targeted approach to works in Craigheads.  (Plan was displayed showing current capital programme commitment for FY 2008/2009).

Andrew Tweedie gave a brief description of the works to be carried out this financial year.  He also gave an overview of some of the problems to overcome in this mixed tenure community.

Fire damaged stock is currently under repair – currently no plans for demolition.

Danny McKendry acknowledged the need identified for a revised stock condition survey and options appraisal to target spend from 2009 onwards.

Environmental Improvements

Small community garden project by Carts Greenspace has proved successful to date.  Ewan Kane of Carts Greenspace confirmed that the garden acts as a focal point, however, the objective is engaging with those in the community whilst building confidence skills, and pride in their community.

Danny McKendry agreed to identify future external funding streams for further appropriately complimentary environmental works and will liaise with Carts Greenspace and Paul McDonagh.

Community Health and Wellbeing

Established links between regneration and the health of communities.  Fiona MacDonald (Community Health & Care Partnership) gave a brief overview of health services & and information provision in barrhead.

CHCP are working with communities across a range of issues relating to poor levels of health in our local communities (alcohol and substance abuse, lack of exercise, reasons for inactivity eg antisocial behavior, housing, crime, fear of crime, etc).  Fiona also provided the meeting with the summary of the recently completed Auchenback Health and Open Space Project Report and highlighted the parallels with Craigheads.

Allocations

Graham Hall confimed that there was little demand at present for housing within Craigheads.  Tom McInally expressed concern that Craigheads has become a dumping ground for antisocial tenants and called for a letting initiative for the area.  Its is hoped that regeneration in the estate will improve demand for homes in the area.

Issues of concern or the community

• Fabric of properties
• Door entry systems
• Antisocial behavior of some tenants (private and council)
• Poor and faulty street lighting
• General repairs

Steering group agreed to look at future “themed” meetings to tackle the topics raised.  Meetings to run bi-monthly.  The next meeting (September) will focus on the housing stock, however work associated with the environnetal improvements and Community Health will continue in the background.