PLACES FOR PEOPLE

NOMINATES KIRKWOOD FOR THE HOUSING CORPORATION’S GOLD AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

2007 Jan - We are delighted to announce that Places for People has nominated the Kirkwood estate for the Housing Corporation’s Gold Award for Excellence.

The nomination is recognition of the efforts of Places for People’s estate management team for their dedication and commitment to improve the tenant’s quality of life and contribute to the wider prosperity of the local community.

Places for People have worked extremely hard to integrate the estate into the wider community and have developed excellent partnerships with North Tyneside Council, Northumbria Police, Ward Councillors and the Burradon & Camperdown Forum. In particular, Places for People’s relationship with North Tyneside Council’s Safer Estates Team has dramatically reduced anti-social behaviour on all the estates within the village.

Places for People are cultivating excellent relationships with Burradon Primary School, together with Burradon AFC and Burradon Juniors and have invested substantial funds to improve facilities for local children.

The Housing Corporation’s Gold Award for Excellence is a prestigious national award and the nomination is an honour for both Places for People’s local management team and it’s partners.

We have an excellent relationship with Places for People and Mr Paul Gallagher, estate manager deserves special praise for the his efforts and his willingness to engage with local people and to listen and address their concerns. Mr Gallagher has been pivotal to the transformation of the Kirkwood estate with the development of a sensitive lettings policy and tenancy enforcement which has encouraged local people to live on the estate which is creating an excellent community spirit.

Sally Waltham’s report also highlights the regeneration of the village of Burradon & Camperdown and the benefits for local residents. We suggest that people read the Sally’s report which will hopefully remind residents of the precarious condition of the area in 1997, compared with the continually improving situation of today.

The final short listing for award is expected on 19 February 2007.