Improving local area/property value

spunkeyrich

Great idea, the area will slowely get to be known and more desirable to live in, hence better prices.

just a quick note though, Try not to complain too much with the council or neighbours because when you do sell your home there will be a question in the documents whether you have had or have currently any disputes. This may put some people off. but your efforts are very reasonable.

cheers

rich

tomstickland

I've been amazed at how "lazy" most people are with regards to the world outside their window. I've recently cleared all the rubbish away from behind our block of garages and trimmed the hedge back. People have lived there for years and obviously just think "oh well, not my problem".

hyposmurf

A reply from a local councillor who covers the council estate in our town:

"....but I fear that it is not going to be funded by the County - at least not entirely. Having just seen the entire Capital budget slashed (Govt recently withdrew ALL of our supported borrowing for Capital... Transport, Schools, Social Services... everything)pushing new projects into it is not easy at all."

Our borough gets penalised as the goverment looks upon our borough as being wealthy,there are many large properties, but there are deprived areas that really require some funding to improve things, but were ignored.
We are the lowest funded district council in the countryreceiving 30% support from Whitehall when the national average is 60%.

Debt_Free_Chick

hyposmurf wrote:

A reply from a local councillor who covers the council estate in our town:

but I fear that it is not going to be funded by the County - at least not entirely. Having just seen the entire Capital budget slashed (Govt recently withdrew ALL of our supported borrowing for Capital... Transport, Schools, Social Services... everything)pushing new projects into it is not easy at all

The Local Action Plan (Vision plan) is about harnessing community support to plug the gap left by lack of funding.

At the end of the day, there is no such thing as Government funding - it's simply the way that taxes are spent. If we want more Govt funding, we have to pay even more tax.

The alternative is to see if volunteer groups can do some things e.g. litter/graffiti clearance.

It's not ideal, but with an increasing population, increased costs for "services" and Governments wasting money on consultants and more staff ...... I fear there is little alternative.

Missy79

Do you have any residents association type things in your area, this could be a way to do these things with help. There are often small grants available for things like environmental improvements etc. I think some councils are being urged to be more responsive anyway i.e. rather than sweeping all the streets regardless of whether they need it or not, sweeping them in response to calls that they want doing etc. It's all about being responsive to customer needs.

hyposmurf

We have actually set up a residents association for our new development,however its all a bit poorly managed ,not sure who's in it the head is not accountable and not very willing to get involved.I am however coming up with a proposed list of items we might apply for.We could do with a community garden shed,fertiliser,replacement plants for those that died,replacement of vandalised water butts,graffitti remover,maybe even a community garden bench.The ocal action plan for my town seemed quite vague and didnt really focus on anyone thing,could have been for any town.
We have trouble with a small group of youths in our area, apparently we are having mosquito devices installed to nearby shops.Anyone had any experience with them?

Oh and on a side note I dont send my complaints with a traceable name to my property, do it all via email.

sportbeth

I live in a lovely development with a good residents association. I think this was a relatively large factor that encouraged us to buy our house.

Not only do we find out from this association about planning applications that might affect us, but we also have neighbourhood watch and a great relationship with our local PCSO.

We also have two district councillors who regularly attend our meetings.

Some of the things that our residents association do are regular litter picking walks which the residents volunteer on, and last year they collected donations from the residents to plant some nice trees and bushes in one part of the development. Each of us put in a fiver as we knew the council money wouldn't be forthcoming. Once you've done that with 200 houses you're laughing!

I think having the force of a residents association is almightily useful as it gives you the resources of whatever your residents know about, e.g. local policy, initiatives etc.

MEGANJODELLE

Hi Hyposmurf,

I haven't really got much to add, but I wanted to applaude you for your proactive efforts. I live on a large private development that is only just being completed. However, we have had trouble from day one with vandalism and groups of youths causing trouble. It looks so nice during the day, but I wouldn't feel safe outside after dark. Thankfully, I have just sold but I have always been like you, keen to at least create an impression of a desireable estate.

I am always picking up litter, particularly anything that hints at anti social behaviour such as drink cans and ciggerette butts. I'm always amazed at the amount of litter blowing about the estate. I did expect more people to take a pride in their area, but very few seem to. The most annoying thing is when people with houses you have to drive past to get to mine, allow their small front gardens to overgrow. I have even wondered about weeding these gardens at 3am, under cover of the night, but I wouldn't as I accept they're private property. Another annoyance is people who don't manage their waste properly. They just have loads of bin bags next to an overflowing wheelie bin. And don't get me started on the number of cats on the estate who cr*p in my front shingle.

The mosquitos sound a great idea. We did consider them, but only one of my neighbours was up for it. Also, there is the concern that while it would solve a big problem, it would put off any potential buyers in the future.

Although you sound totally on the ball with this, the other thing to do is visit your estate as a prospective buyer. Just think what would put you off. In my recent home hunting I've often gone to look at seemingly attractive homes to see the neighbours place is a mess, or has a garden filled with boy racer cars. This issue really does make a difference and I salute your efforts!