The Single East Ayrshire Register for Community Housing – SEARCH – is a partnership between the Council, Atrium . . . → Read More: Housing search made easier]]> A new Common Housing Register is set to be introduced shortly by East Ayrshire Council and locally based Registered Social Landlords which will simplify the process of applying for social rented housing within East Ayrshire.

The Single East Ayrshire Register for Community Housing – SEARCH – is a partnership between the Council, Atrium Homes, Cunninghame Housing Association, Irvine Housing Association and Shire Housing Association. The new register will enable people to apply for housing with any of the partners by filling in just one application form. Once applicants are registered with SEARCH, they will become eligible for properties becoming available within each of the partners’ housing stock.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “SEARCH is a great step forward and will greatly improve the application process for local people. We are in the process of writing to all the people on our existing waiting lists to let them know about the register and asking them to provide us with some further information. SEARCH will be launched once this process has been completed by all partners. We anticipate that this will be completed by April and at this point we will write to everyone again to let them know they are on the new register.”

For further information contact your local housing office or the Council’s Housing Register Team on 01563 554821.

East Ayrshire Council has been working to a scheduled 5-year Housing . . . → Read More: East Ayrshire Council houses set for face lift]]> Today East Ayrshire Council set its revenue budget for 2012/13 ahead of the rest of Scotland and one of the key pledges made by Leader, Councillor Douglas Reid, was a commitment to continue to improve the quality of housing in East Ayrshire.

East Ayrshire Council has been working to a scheduled 5-year Housing Improvement Plan, to bring all homes in the area up to the standard set out in the Scottish Housing Quality Standard by 2015, with thousands of properties benefitting from new bathroom and kitchen installations, rewiring and central heating upgrades, and window and door replacements.

The pledge made by Councillor Reid today to launch an external enhancement programme will ensure investment in the exteriors of council houses.

Councillor Reid explained: “To complement the work which has been undertaken to improve the interiors of Council housing stock, I have asked officers to bring forward options for a programme of scheduled enhancements to our council houses and these will include replacing worn and weathered roughcasting and guttering as well as exterior paint work.

“In recent years we have focussed on improving the energy efficiency of our tenants’ homes, to help them keep maintenance and fuel costs down. But we know that communities react positively to improvements to their environment, and the plans I have asked officers to develop will have this in mind.”

The planned programme of exterior improvements will commence on 1 April 2012.

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The funding of £300,000 will allow the Council to build ten new affordable houses, specifically designed mainly for elderly and ambulant disabled people, at Grassyards Road in Kilmarnock. Two of the homes will be designed . . . → Read More: New council house building]]> East Ayrshire Council’s ambitious Council house building programme has been expanded thanks to funding received from the Scottish Government.

The funding of £300,000 will allow the Council to build ten new affordable houses, specifically designed mainly for elderly and ambulant disabled people, at Grassyards Road in Kilmarnock. Two of the homes will be designed and built especially for wheelchair users.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “Atrium Initiatives, in conjunction with McTaggart Construction, will be building the homes on behalf of the Council and it is hoped that the project will be on site in March 2012 with the build completing in January 2013.

“I have visited tenants at the new homes built during phases 1, 2, and 3 of the building programme and I have been genuinely touched by the positive effect these homes have had on their lives. The homes are carefully designed with our tenants needs in mind and fill an important gap in the housing market locally. The Council house building programme also keeps the local building industry buoyant during this difficult economic time.”

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Our residents will be taking possession of their two bedroom bungalows at Lammermuir Road in the very near future and Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council took time to view the newly completed homes. He said: “It . . . → Read More: Lammermuir Road ready for new tenants]]> Bellfield will be welcoming new neighbours shortly thanks to the completion of eight new build bungalows.

Our residents will be taking possession of their two bedroom bungalows at Lammermuir Road in the very near future and Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council took time to view the newly completed homes. He said: “It was great to go down to Bellfield to see the eight new Council houses which now occupy what was previously derelict ground. They have been designed around the needs of our tenants, with plenty of bright open space, and are also handy for local public transport. I am sure that our tenants will be proud of their new homes. We will hopefully be making further announcements about additional houses in the months ahead.”

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration, joined Councillor Reid on site with local elected members for Kilmarnock South, Councillors John Knapp, Hugh Ross and Jim Todd. Cllr McDill said: “The homes have been very cleverly designed and include wet room bathrooms and easily accessible kitchens, which will be greatly appreciated by our tenants. Our Housing Services team are working incredibly hard delivering our house building programme in partnership with Atrium Initiatives and it is very gratifying for us all to see tenants settling happily in their new homes.”

The properties have been developed by Atrium Initiatives on behalf of the Council through a Development Agreement using their approved Consultants, and have been built by McTaggart Construction as Atrium’s Framework Contractor.

The Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2011/ 2012 – 2015/ 2016, which was approved by Cabinet in November 2010, sets out the Council’s forward Affordable Housing Investment Plan programme for the next five years, and allows for the development of fifty new Council houses across East Ayrshire, including Cumnock, as well as Kilmarnock, Doon Valley and the Irvine Valley.

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East Ayrshire Tenants and Residents Federation had the blooming difficult task of judging the gardens. William Gibson of Drongan Tenants and Residents Association and Frank Dawson of East Gauchalland Tenants and Residents . . . → Read More: Competition winners are blooming marvellous]]> The Housing Services annual garden competition attracted a bumper crop of entries from green fingered tenants and residents from across East Ayrshire.

East Ayrshire Tenants and Residents Federation had the blooming difficult task of judging the gardens. William Gibson of Drongan Tenants and Residents Association and Frank Dawson of East Gauchalland Tenants and Residents Association spent four days inspecting gardens of all variety including an eco-garden landscaped with recycled materials, vegetable plots with onions the size of footballs and lawns to rival the best bowling greens.

Judge Bill Gibson said: “When I was asked to take part in the judging of the Gardens Awards 2011 for East Ayrshire, I was somewhat unprepared for the high quality of the nominations. Arriving at a judgment was extremely difficult due to the very high standard of both flowers and vegetable plots on display, all of which were without doubt a credit to all the tenants and residents who took part.”

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “It is a long running tradition that our Housing Services recognises the time and effort that tenants and residents put in to keep their gardens looking beautiful. Lovely gardens have a wider impact on the community and we hope that people will take inspiration from the winners to pick up their own gardening gloves and compete for a prize next year.”

A prize giving ceremony will be held in the autumn where winners will be congratulated and presented with their trophies and gardening vouchers.

The main speech of the day was delivered by Elizabeth Morton, Depute Chief Executive/Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services which provided a . . . → Read More: Tenants Conference Success]]> Council Chambers was the perfect venue for the recent eighth Annual Tenants Conference. The conference was well attended by Tenants and Residents Groups from across the area as well as individual tenants.

The main speech of the day was delivered by Elizabeth Morton, Depute Chief Executive/Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services which provided a comprehensive review of the Council’s responsibilities to our tenants with a particular focus on customer care. There were discussions on Housing Asset Service, which deals with housing repairs and improvements, with a progress report on the first year of this new service and what is planned for the future. Waste Management provided an interesting insight into what happens to all our household rubbish once it is collected and why it is so important to recycle as much as possible. Housing for older people was also discussed acknowledging that we have an ageing population and a responsibility to enable people to live in their own home for as long as is possible.

East Ayrshire Tenants and Residents Federation gave an update on their activities, highlighting their involvement in the Scottish Social Housing Charter, review of the Council’s Rent Structures and Housing Allocations Policy and celebrating the opening of their office premises at 19 Portland Road, Kilmarnock.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration, who opened the event, said: “This established event in the Council’s calendar provides an excellent opportunity for our tenants to learn about our services. It is a main door to tenant participation and many of the tenants who attend become regular participants working alongside us to review and influence the services we provide.”

Information and staff representatives were also on hand during the day from a number of agencies including Strathclyde Police, East Ayrshire Tenants and Residents Federation and East Ayrshire Credit Union as well as a number of Council services such as Housing Asset Services, Criminal Justice and Community Alarms.

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Councillor Reid, who was joined at the site by Depute Leader Councillor Iain Linton and local members for Irvine . . . → Read More: New build council housing nearing completion at Fenwick]]> With just a month to go until six fabulous new houses are handed over early to their new owners Councillor Douglas Reid visited the site of the new build council housing at Creelshaugh Road, Fenwick.

Councillor Reid, who was joined at the site by Depute Leader Councillor Iain Linton and local members for Irvine Valley; Councillors Alan Brown, Stuart Finlayson, Bobby McDill and Stephanie Young, to view the progress to date. He said: “Our ambitious house building programme has moved into the second phase and I am really pleased to see these houses so near to completion. When I visited the couples who moved into our new homes at MacDonald Drive it really hit home how important these houses are. From the very beginning we have had the needs of our older tenants in mind and the homes have been cleverly designed around their complex needs. This means that people are moving into homes that suit their needs and that larger property can be re-leased to families currently on our housing lists.”

Phase Two of Housing Building Programme includes an additional eight houses in Bellfield and sixteen houses in Onthank for older and ambulant disabled people.

The Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2011/ 2012 – 2015/ 2016, sets out the Council’s forward Affordable Housing Investment Plan programme for the next five years, and allows for the development of a further fifty new Council houses across East Ayrshire, including Cumnock, as well as Kilmarnock and the Irvine Valley. The SHIP was submitted to the Scottish Government for consideration and has informed this year’s development proposals.

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The Housing Investment Programme for 2011/12 to 2015/16 has now been agreed and a . . . → Read More: Council continues to invest in Housing]]> Housing in East Ayrshire will continue to improve thanks to the Housing Investment Programme. The programme will continue to help bring all homes in the area up to the standard set out in the Scottish Housing Quality Standard by 2015.

The Housing Investment Programme for 2011/12 to 2015/16 has now been agreed and a 5 year work programme drawn up. Almost £11m will be spent over the period on replacing windows and doors with heat loss reducing units which will not only reduce the Council’s annual maintenance costs but also improve the energy efficiency of our tenant’s homes. This financial year alone 623 doors and 1,135 windows will be replaced.

Just over £15m will be spent on replacing heating systems which equates to 890 units each year. This is a very positive move towards improving heating systems for our tenants but also standardising the heating boilers used in our homes. The Council will ensure that all work undertaken will exceed the National Energy Rating required by the Standard which will in turn address fuel poverty.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “This programmed work will improve the energy efficiency of our homes and help to lower fuel bills for our tenants. We are using the best of windows, doors and boilers which we hope will have a positive impact on the number of repairs required and the frequency of replacement.

“We are also working towards modernising all major internal facilities and services including kitchens, bathrooms, electrical upgrading, internal plumber work and the replacement of any lead piping encountered while works are taking place. 1,000 properties will be upgraded each year for the next three year at the cost of just under £19m

“This is undoubtedly great news for our tenants but it is also great news for the local economy – we are spending locally as much as we can and helping to keep businesses going during this difficult financial climate.”

Another important investment area focuses on making our neighbourhoods safer and more secure. Door entry systems will be fitted to communal entries along with metal or wooden security doors and screens.

East Ayrshire Council’s Five Year Investment Plan is available here

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The conference, which will run between 9.30am and 3pm, will include discussions about the Housing Asset Service – the service in charge of all repairs and refurbishments; Waste Management and Housing for Older . . . → Read More: ANNUAL HOUSING CONFERENCE]]> Local tenants will be having their say at the Annual Tenants Conference on Saturday 11 June at Council HQ, London Road.

The conference, which will run between 9.30am and 3pm, will include discussions about the Housing Asset Service – the service in charge of all repairs and refurbishments; Waste Management and Housing for Older People. Elizabeth Morton, Depute Chief Executive and Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services will be making the keynote speech and will be on hand to chat with tenants throughout the day.

Councillors Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “The conference is the perfect platform for our tenants to discuss real issues with other tenant groups and officers from the Council. I would urge tenants to come along on the day and let their views be heard.”

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “Consultation is incredibly important and only by engaging in a dialogue with our tenants can we improve the service we offer to them.”

Places are still available – if you wish to attend please contact the Customer Liaison Officer on 01563 576839.

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East Ayrshire Council extended a warm welcome to Julie and Debbie and took them on a tour of the beautiful gardens which were . . . → Read More: EAST AYRSHIRE IN BLOOM]]> Top photography artists, Julie Henry and Debbie Bragg, from the Royal Horticultural Society toured the UK last year visiting post-industrial regions to photograph people and communities who enter gardening competitions.

East Ayrshire Council extended a warm welcome to Julie and Debbie and took them on a tour of the beautiful gardens which were recognised in the Council’s annual garden competition. The resulting images are an anthropological study of the dynamics between public display and the gardener’s social standing, exploring how this impacts on the wider community.

The artists said: “We were blown away by the community projects we visited, many of which were in economically deprived areas which previously had a lot of social issues. We found that even minor changes, like applying for funding for a street of hanging baskets in had a huge impact with the residents and was the catalyst for further changes, which in turn encouraged much more social interaction and a much safer, more cohesive community”.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “It was a real honour to be included in this exhibition. The Council’s garden competition is now in its 15th year and is extremely well supported by our local communities. Our green fingered residents work so hard in their gardens and their efforts make a very positive contribution to our communities.”

The exhibition will tour the following Royal Horticultural Gardens this summer –
• 6- 30 June 2011 – RHS Garden Wisley
• 7 – 31 July 2011 – RHS Garden Hyde Hall
• 8 – 31 August 2011 – RHS Garden Rosemoor
• 7 – 30 September 2011 – RHS Garden Harlow Carr

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The Council is the first landlord to implement the new policy but our partner registered social landlords – Atrium Homes, Cunninghame Housing . . . → Read More: EAST AYRSHIRE TO ROLL OUT NEW ALLOCATION POLICY]]> On Friday 1 April East Ayrshire Council is introducing a new Housing Allocation Policy. This policy will affect your application and you will need to make yourself aware of the important changes.

The Council is the first landlord to implement the new policy but our partner registered social landlords – Atrium Homes, Cunninghame Housing Association, Irvine Housing Association and Shire Housing Association – will be following suit later this year.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “The new Housing Allocation Policy will help to simplify the application process and improve the service provided to our applicants. Every applicant affected by the policy changes has received a letter and a booklet summarising the main changes. Applicants do not have to do anything at the moment they will automatically be re-assessed to meet the criteria of the new policy. If further information is required then the Council will contact you. Applicants will be notified of their new grouping, points total and list position in due course.”

The current group structure will be changing from six to five groups. The new groups are:
• Homeless Group
Applicants may be admitted to this group after an interview and assessment of their circumstances where homelessness or the threat of homelessness is established
• Transfer Group
Applicants who are tenants of the partners and are resident within East Ayrshire
• Strategic Needs Group
Applicants in specific circumstances such as those being discharged from long term hospital care or residential accommodation, and those applicants being discharged from the armed forces due to injury
• Out-with the District Group
Applicants who live out-with East Ayrshire and do not meet the qualifying criteria contained within the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 will be placed in this group
• Waiting Group
Applicants whose needs do not merit inclusion within one of the other groups

In addition to the changes to the group structures there will be a number of changes made to the way points are allocated. There will no longer be a medical group and applicants who currently have a medical award of grades 2 – 4 will have their grade converted into points once they are placed in a group. Applicants with a Grade 1 medical will be invited to apply for re-assessment. Changes to the suspension rules means that applicants will no longer be penalised for refusing offers of housing or giving up secure accommodation and Waiting Period Points will no longer be awarded to applicants after 1 April, existing applicants will retain any waiting period points but no new points will be awarded.

Allocation Targets will also be changing. These are the target allocations the Council aim to make to each group on an annual basis. The new targets are as follows:

• Waiting 40%
• Transfer 31%
• Homeless 25%
• Strategic Needs 3%
• Out-with the district 1%

The booklet explaining the changes and the full Allocation Policy is available from www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk

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Our first residents have now taken possession of their homes at MacDonald Drive, New Farm Loch and Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council took time out to visit the new tenants. He . . . → Read More: NEW YEAR NEW START FOR COUNCIL TENANTS]]> The New Year is a time for new beginnings and what could be better than moving to a beautiful new home.

Our first residents have now taken possession of their homes at MacDonald Drive, New Farm Loch and Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council took time out to visit the new tenants. He said: “I am delighted that our first residents have moved into their specially designed new homes. This was an ambitious house building programme and for it to be completed ahead of schedule by our Development Agent Atrium Initiatives and the framework contractor McTaggart of Dalry allowing residents to move in so early in the New Year is fantastic news.”

The homes have been designated as low level supported accommodation and are being let to older and ambulant disabled people. This will allow larger properties to be re-leased to families currently on our housing lists.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “The ten new-build houses at MacDonald Drive are going to positively change the lives of our local tenants who have been living in unsuitable homes. From the very start of this process the needs of our older tenants have been considered – the homes have been cleverly designed to reflect their complex requirements including wet room bathrooms and easily accessible kitchens. I was delighted to meet our tenants in their new homes – this is what it is all about, seeing our communities benefitting from our house building programme and the hard work of our Housing Services team.”

Willie Coffey MSP said: “I welcome these new houses, which are part of Scotland’s largest council house building programme for a generation.

“In the last three years, the Scottish Government has invested over £30 million in housing in East Ayrshire.

“After years of under-investment in new rented housing, more still needs to be done if we are to meet the need for good quality housing.”

As our residents move into their new homes Phase Two of the Council house building programme has commenced across three sites. This will provide an additional eight houses in Bellfield, sixteen houses in Onthank and six houses in Fenwick for older and ambulant disabled people. Phase Three works are due to commence in March of this year in Onthank to provide a further ten houses for the same client group.

The Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2011/ 2012 – 2015/ 2016, which was approved by Cabinet in November 2010, sets out the Council’s forward Affordable Housing Investment Plan programme for the next five years, and allows for the development of a further fifty new Council houses across East Ayrshire, including Cumnock, as well as Kilmarnock, Doon Valley and the Irvine Valley. The SHIP was submitted to the Scottish Government at the end of November 2010 for consideration.

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Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council welcomed the news. He said: “I am delighted that the first phase of our ambitious house building programme . . . → Read More: NEW BUILD COUNCIL HOUSING AHEAD OF SCHEDULE]]> The first phase of the Council’s house building programme at MacDonald Drive in Kilmarnock has moved ahead of schedule with the houses due to be completed by early December.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council welcomed the news. He said: “I am delighted that the first phase of our ambitious house building programme will be completed ahead of schedule. Our contractors, Atrium Initiatives, were appointed earlier this year with work starting on site in March. We had initially hoped that the homes would be completed by February next year so this is fantastic news that Atrium has made such excellent progress on site.”

The homes will be designated as low level supported accommodation and will be let to older and ambulant disabled people. This will allow larger properties to be re-leased to families currently on our housing lists.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “The ten new-build houses at MacDonald Drive, New Farm Loch, Kilmarnock, are going to positively change the lives of our local tenants who are currently living in unsuitable homes. From the very start of this process the needs of our older tenants have been considered – the homes have been cleverly designed to reflect their complex requirements including wet room bathrooms and easily accessible kitchens. I am looking forward to visiting our first tenants when they move into their new homes.”

As our residents move into their new homes Phase Two of the Council house building programme will commence in December across three sites. This will provide an additional eight houses in Bellfield, sixteen houses in Onthank and six houses in Fenwick for older and ambulant disabled people.

The Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2011/ 2012 – 2015/ 2016, which was approved by Cabinet last week, sets out the Council’s forward Affordable Housing Investment Plan programme for the next five years, and allows for the development of a further fifty new Council houses across East Ayrshire, including Cumnock, as well as Kilmarnock and the Irvine Valley. The SHIP is due for submission to the Scottish Government at the end of this month for consideration.

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The Westfield Nursery Rose Bowl for the Best Overall Garden category was presented to Mr and Mrs Moore of Southcraigs Holdings, Kilmarnock. This was the seventh time that the couple have won the overall prize for their . . . → Read More: EAST AYRSHIRE’S GREEN FINGERS RECOGNISED]]> The winners of the 14th annual East Ayrshire Council Garden Competition have been presented with their prizes.

The Westfield Nursery Rose Bowl for the Best Overall Garden category was presented to Mr and Mrs Moore of Southcraigs Holdings, Kilmarnock. This was the seventh time that the couple have won the overall prize for their outstanding garden. The ISS Waterers Landscapes Cup was presented to Mr and Mrs Spence for Best Council Garden.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “I was really delighted to meet all the winners and present them with their prizes. They all work so hard in their gardens and their efforts make a very positive contribution to our communities. I was especially pleased to offer my congratulations to Mr and Mrs Moore on their seventh win – a remarkable achievement of which they should be very proud.”

Councillor Iain Linton, Depute Leader of the Council said: “Our green fingered residents really are a credit to the whole area. Their hard work improves the visual aspects of our towns and villages and I was very pleased to thank them on behalf of the Council.”

Full list of winners:

Best Overall Garden – The Westfield Nursery Rose Bowl
Mr & Mrs Moore, 19 Southcraigs Holdings, Kilmarnock

Best Council Garden – ISS Waterers Landscapes Cup
Mr & Mrs Spence, 5 Raithburn Avenue, Kilmarnock

The L.C.S. Cup
Best Council Garden – Southern Area Mr & Mrs Stevenson, 2 Robertson Place, Dalrymple
Runner up Mr & Mrs Johnstone, 1 Gemmell Avenue, Cumnock

The Mitchell and Struthers Cup
Best Private Garden – Southern Area Mr & Mrs Alexander, 36 Kings Drive, Cumnock
Runner up Mrs Robertson, 26 Highfield Place, Ochiltree

The Abie Paton Memorial Trophy
Best Council Garden – Central Area Mr K. Gill, 8 Earn Place, Kilmarnock
Runner up Mrs Annette Harrop, 38 Munro Avenue, Kilmarnock

The Daily Record Trophy
Best Private Garden – Central Area Mr Cassidy 127 Tourhill Road, Kilmarnock
Runner up Mrs Johnston, 2 Paxton Place, Kilmarnock

The East Ayrshire Garden Competition Cup
Best Council Garden – Northern Area Mr Muir, 10 Lomond Avenue, Hurlford
Runner up Mrs Preston, 2 Hemphill View, Knockentiber

The C.B.C. Cup
Best Private Garden – Northern Area Ms Hamilton, 15 Arran View, Stewarton
Runner up Mr Mitchell, 19 Maxwell Gardens, Hurlford

Best Hanging Baskets and Containers
Mr & Mrs Moore, 19 Southcraigs Holdings, Kilmarnock

Special Achievement Awards

Mr H. Jones, 52 Holland Crescent, Cumnock
Mr Kyle, 22 Clearmount Avenue, Newmilns
Ms Gallacher, 5 Garven Court, Kilmarnock
Mr B. Fadzean, 15 Ayr Road, Kilmarnock
Mr and Mrs Marshall, 50 McLelland Drive, Kilmarnock

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The Common Allocation Policy, which was informed by consultation with all elected members and tenants groups, will address the complex . . . → Read More: NEW HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICY]]> The housing allocation process has been simplified thanks to a new Housing Allocation Policy developed by the Council in partnership with Atrium Homes, Cunninghame Housing Association, Irvine Housing Association and Shire Housing Association.

The Common Allocation Policy, which was informed by consultation with all elected members and tenants groups, will address the complex housing needs that many tenants experience. The previous system of waiting period points will now be replaced with a fairer system which will take account of serious medical conditions and issues such as overcrowding. Applicants living in specific circumstances will be placed in a Strategic Needs Group and housing will be allocated primarily on the suitability of accommodation available.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “The new Housing Allocation Policy addresses the needs of our tenants; it incorporates advice from the Scottish Housing Regulator and reflects the views of our tenants and all elected members. It is a fairer approach to housing allocation and has a sharper focus on the needs of young people, specifically those who are looked after and are about to leave care, providing those in greatest need with better opportunities.”

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “The Housing Allocation Policy addresses the needs of our tenants in a more focused and fairer way. We listened to advice from the Scottish Housing Regulator and have addressed their concerns about our approach to the cancellation and suspension of housing applications. This new policy will be further supported by the introduction of a Common Housing Register early next year which means that applicants will complete a single application form and be subject to a single allocation policy for all local social housing providers.”

Notes to Editor

Applicants living in specific circumstances will be placed in a Strategic Needs Group, which will include:

• Applicants whose home is scheduled for demolition, as part of a wider regeneration programme
• Applicants from residential accommodation who have been assessed as ready to move to their own accommodation
• Looked After and Accommodated Children who are about to leave care
• Applicants being discharged from long term hospital care
• Applicants who are at risk of being admitted to hospital or residential care because their current home is considered unsuitable
• Foster Carers referred through protocol agreement with Educational and Social Services
• Injured Armed Forces applicants
• Prisoners who have responsibility surrendered their tenancy
• Applicants subject to witness protection

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In 2008 the Scottish Government announced a programme of £25m of funding to encourage a new generation of Council house building. The Council . . . → Read More: FUNDING SUCCESS FOR NEW COUNCIL HOUSING]]> East Ayrshire Council has been given the green light by the Scottish Government to build six new council houses at Newlands Drive, Kilmarnock and four new council houses at Rosebank, Kilmarnock.

In 2008 the Scottish Government announced a programme of £25m of funding to encourage a new generation of Council house building. The Council has already been successful with two funding bids and work is already underway on ten new affordable houses at MacDonald Drive, Kilmarnock.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “I am delighted that we have been awarded funding for the third time by the Scottish Government. The ten new two-bed homes will allow the Council to provide smaller affordable housing suitable for our aging and ambulant disabled population. These houses will meet the needs of our residents but will also alleviate pressure on the affordable housing waiting lists.

“Atrium Initiatives will be formally appointed in August 2010 so that work can start on site in March 2011.”

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Over 60 members of the local community attended the event to learn more about the future of housing in East Ayrshire. Delegates attended workshops on Homelessness, Housing Asset Services and Rent Setting and presentations were given by . . . → Read More: ANNUAL TENANTS CONFERENCE 2010]]> Tenants and residents gathered in Kilmarnock recently for the seventh annual tenant’s conference at the Park Hotel.

Over 60 members of the local community attended the event to learn more about the future of housing in East Ayrshire. Delegates attended workshops on Homelessness, Housing Asset Services and Rent Setting and presentations were given by Elizabeth Morton, Depute Chief Executive/ Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services and Chris McAleavey, Head of Housing. As part of a packed programme delegates could also speak to representatives from a range of agencies and services including Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, NHS and East Ayrshire Credit Union.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “The annual tenant’s conference is a brilliant opportunity for us all to join together to discuss important matters relating to our tenants. The Council is committed to improving the housing stock; on an annual basis we fit 760 new kitchens, bathrooms and upgrade electrical and plumbing works; we fit 824 new energy efficient heating systems each year and 344 double glazing units. This is a substantial investment which greatly improves the look of our houses, helps cut energy costs and protects our housing stock for future tenants.”

Councillor Kathy Morrice, Spokesperson for Improving Community Health and Wellbing was on hand at the conference to present Kirkstyle Tenants and Residents Association, Kilmarnock and Campbell Area Tenants and Residents Association, Newmilns with Registered Tenants Organisation certificates at the conference, bringing the total number of registered groups in East Ayrshire to seventeen.

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The group from Galston was awarded the Frances Nelson MBE Award for outstanding achievements and contribution to the tenants’ movement. Frank and Maureen Dawson – Chairperson and Secretary – . . . → Read More: TENANTS RECOGNISED FOR COMMUNITY WORK]]> East Gauchalland Tenants and Residents Association were recognised as national leaders within the tenants’ movement at the Tenants Information Service’s Annual Conference Gala Dinner recently.

The group from Galston was awarded the Frances Nelson MBE Award for outstanding achievements and contribution to the tenants’ movement. Frank and Maureen Dawson – Chairperson and Secretary – were delighted to accept the award on behalf of the group.

Councillor Kathy Morrice, Spokesperson for Improving Community Health and Wellbeing said: “I am extremely pleased that East Gauchalland Tenants and Residents Association have received national recognition. They have worked incredibly hard creating beautiful, eco-friendly community gardens on land that has been leased from the Council. The gardens have increased the amenity of the area and encouraged surrounding residents to take greater pride in their own gardens. The Council has made further environmental improvements in the area including fencing upgrades to compliment the garden areas.”

Councillor Stuart Finlayson, who nominated the group along with the Council’s Housing Service added: “From the start the group’s committee has worked as a team. Everyone has used their individual talents and abilities for the benefit of the community and their enthusiasm and commitment has attracted funding and volunteers, including local children, youths and people with disabilities. The visible transformation to the area has raised the self esteem of residents and has improved community spirit in the area.”

In addition to East Gauchalland’s success Onthank Residents Association received a commendation for their work on Tourhill Road. The group worked closely with the Council’s Housing Service and Outdoor Amenities Service to improve a number of open spaces in the area which were prone to fly-tipping. They worked hard to encourage an improvement in the standard of open space maintenance and helped to clear a number of open spaces of rubbish, weeds and overgrowth. The group also identified where fences could be improved and Housing Services worked with them on implementing fencing improvements in the area.

Betty Cassidy, Secretary of Onthank Residents Association accepted the award on behalf of the group.

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Recycling rates are sitting at 43%, well above national targets, and the Council has been praised by the Scottish Government for our success. This is undoubtedly good news but the current infrastructure will only support a maximum recycling rate . . . → Read More: NEW RECYCLING SCHEME PLANNED FOR EAST AYRSHIRE]]> Thanks to the support of our residents East Ayrshire is a leading recycling authority.

Recycling rates are sitting at 43%, well above national targets, and the Council has been praised by the Scottish Government for our success. This is undoubtedly good news but the current infrastructure will only support a maximum recycling rate of 44% which means that if we continue with the status quo we will be unable to achieve our recycling target of 45% by 2011.

The Council is therefore going to introduce a pilot scheme for the collection of organic kitchen waste and mixed plastics. Cleansing Services conducted a waste analysis last summer and discovered that by weight, 25.76% and 20.46%, of waste collected was food waste and mixed plastics respectively.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “We are going to roll out a food and plastics collection pilot to approximately 9,000 households in the local area. Every household involved in the pilot will be issued with an internal caddy for kitchen waste with a year’s supply of biodegradable liners; an external 55 litre (approx H67 x W38.5 x D38.5cm) food caddy and a 55litre box for plastics and food cartons. It is anticipated that phase 1 will be rolled out this Autumn and phase 2 will begin 4 to 6 months later.

“Consultations have taken place with householders and there is good support out there for this initiative. Together we will continue to make our area even greener!”

Notes to Editor

• Collection days for food and plastics waste will not be the same as the existing kerbside collections. The number of containers kerbside will remain at a maximum of two.

• Plastic waste accounts for approx 20% of the average household waste being disposed of in residual bins. In financial year 09/10, 41,000 tonnes of waste were disposed of via landfill within East Ayrshire.

• Studies conducted by Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) indicate that in Scotland the average household disposes of £430 of food waste each year, with two-thirds of this not exceeding its expiry date. It is estimated that the collection and disposal of food waste currently costs Scottish Councils £85m each year.

• The collected food waste will be processed by in-vessel composting (IVC) or anaerobic digestion (AD) technology. Contractors with IVC or AD technology will be invited to bid for the processing of food waste, in accordance with the Council’s agreed procurement arrangements. The intention is for collected food waste to be treated, where possible, within East Ayrshire.

• Cleansing Services is currently investigating the feasibility of utilising a bio fuel collection vehicle which can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%.

• Please find details of the trial area below:

Area Number of households Phase
Lugton 39 1
Dunlop 478 1
Kilmaurs 1349 1
Fenwick 447 1
Stewarton 3257 1
Southcraigs 1062 2
North West Kilmarnock 437 2
The Grange 337 2
Bonnyton 409 2
Crosshouse 1077 2
Gatehead 132 2
Knockentiber 277 2

To ensure the pilot is controlled and measureable the selected areas comprise of a mixture of property types and Council Tax bands. For logistical purposes the areas are close to Cleansing Services’ depot and MRF at Western Road, Kilmarnock.

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As Cumnock residents will be aware, the Somerfield supermarket site has been acquired by Asda and is currently undergoing a programme of refurbishment. . . . → Read More: TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF LOCAL RECYCLING POINT AT CUMNOCK]]> The Recycling Point located within the car park at Somerfield supermarket in Cumnock has been temporarily relocated to the rear of Cumnock Juniors F.C Social Club in Townhead Street, Cumnock.

As Cumnock residents will be aware, the Somerfield supermarket site has been acquired by Asda and is currently undergoing a programme of refurbishment. The Council is currently seeking to secure the agreement of the new Asda management team to secure the continuing presence of this well used Local Recycling Point within its car park.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “Cumnock residents have long supported the recycling efforts of East Ayrshire Council. As such, and following consultation with local Councillors and Cumnock Community Council, I am delighted to be able to advise that we have identified a temporary location for the Recycling Point, thereby ensuring that local residents can maintain their excellent recycling habits.”

Additional Recycling Points are located within the neighbouring areas of Auchinleck, New Cumnock, Catrine and Ochiltree. In addition, the Recycling Centre at Skares on the outskirts of Cumnock is open 7 days a week with the following site hours currently in operation:

Monday – Thursday: 8.00am – 4.30pm
Friday: 8.00am – 4.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday: 9.00am – 6.00pm

For any additional recycling enquiries and for full location details of all Recycling Points across East Ayrshire please contact Cleansing Services on 01563 554033 or visit www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk

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