The placements were so successful that Leadbitter are shortly to repeat the process with three trainee carpenters. Following an 8 week period, the trainee who has most impressed site staff will be offered a three month full-time, paid traineeship.

The DVD aimed to inform and encourage tenants to get involved and the group were shocked by some of the facts and figures quoted in the film. They agreed there was more that we could do together to tackle global warming and were keen to find a project to work on. The environment is one of our 5 hot topics launched, included as part of our tenant participation strategy, which has been acknowledged as an example of good practice in Wales.

If you would like to join the group or if you have an idea for an environmental themed project please get in touch.
Ailsa Yeoman-Evans Tenant Participation Manager on 01633 678503.

One Newport based housing and support provider, the Seren Group, are aiming to resolve this problem for their residents. They are currently developing groundbreaking new homes at Mariners Quay, alongside Newport’s river front. These new homes are specifically designed to substantially reduce utility bills, which could cost as little as £5.00 per week.

Developed in partnership with Newport City Council, Newport Unlimited, Leadbitter and the Welsh Assembly Government, the homes are being built in the historic area of Newport known as Old Town Dock.

Mariner’s Quay will provide over 100 homes for affordable rent through Charter Housing and for sale through the Newport City Living Home Ownership Scheme, operated by Fairlake. Properties will range from one and two bedroom apartments to family homes. The first homes will be ready this summer.

Innovatively built to incorporate the latest environmental technology, the new homes will include features such as triple glazing, water efficient fittings and rainwater harvesting to reduce mains water consumption, an on-site electricity generator and sun boxes to capture the warmth of the sun.

Mariner’s Quay is designed to achieve Level 5 rating under The Code for Sustainable Homes and, once completed, will be the largest scheme in Wales and one of the largest in the UK to achieve this rating. The new development will be at the forefront of 21st century living, encouraging a healthy and environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

Residents will receive a detailed ‘Green Guide’ and a personal consultation explaining how to get the best out of their cutting-edge new homes.

Scott Sanders, Director of Housing at Charter, part of the Seren Group, said “This is a very special development and particularly suitable for people who are looking for an affordable new home and who care about the environment. With construction well underway, Mariners Quay is already taking shape and we hope the exciting design and additional green features will be a flagship for new homes in the future”.

For further information about Mariner’s Quay contact:
Home Choice Team on 01633 678538 or visit www.fairlakeliving.co.uk

The new development, Blenheim Chase, is being driven by a partnership of the local business community and residents, Fairlake, Charter Housing, Torfaen County Borough Council and Lovell.

A specially adapted 24-tonne excavator is being used by housing developer Lovell to systematically demolish the external structure of the precinct’s old shops. This will allow the installation of infrastructure and services to be carried out in the spring ready for work on the second phase of housing to begin later this summer.

The demolition work at the shopping precinct was watched by representatives from Torfaen County Borough Council, Lovell and Fairlake. Guests included the owners of the general store and the hair salon formerly based at the precinct which have just moved into purpose-built new premises – built through the regeneration project – to the south of the old shopping square.

The first phase of the regeneration has seen the creation of 13 new homes, including eight properties for sale, two bungalows for affordable rent and three bungalows for affordable home ownership. There is already a lot of interest in the second phase of new housing, with a number of ‘early bird’ reservations already taken on some of the two- and three-bedroom homes, which will also include seven affordable homes for Fairlake.

Rhidian Jones, Fairlake’s Home Ownership Manager said: “We are pleased to be able to offer further quality homes for both affordable rent and sale through the Help2Own scheme. Blenheim Chase is a superb development located in a much sought-after area in Cwmbran, the new homes will go some way towards helping meet the need for affordable homes in Torfaen and in particular provide much needed assistance for first-time buyers wanting to buy their first home.”

Graham was a vital part of Charter Housing’s Board for many years, being appointed tenant Board Member in 2005. Graham was passionate about trying to make sure that tenants got the very best services possible, and that Charter stayed focussed at all times on doing what was right for the people who live in a Charter home.

Graham was appointed Vice Chair in February 2006 and became Chair of Charter Housing in September 2008. As a wheel chair user, Graham was an avid supporter of Charter’s accessible housing and lifetime homes projects. He gave up huge amounts of his time and got involved in many, many projects over the years, nothing was ever too much trouble for him.

Graham was also involved on the Board of Governors of one of his local schools and did voluntary work for the police.

Kathryn Edwards, Corporate Director of Charter Housing said “Graham was one of the most selfless and positive people I’ve ever come across. Life had not dealt him the greatest of hands, but he never complained or felt sorry for himself. He always looked on the bright side and did his very best to do what he could for the benefit of other people. He truly was a unique and special person, and we at Charter will all miss him hugely”. Graham leaves behind his wife Lynda and their daughter Bethan.

Following an office briefing session, the team descended onto Grosvenor Road with litter picks, high viz jackets, tea making facilities and sweets for the kids. At first it seemed it was going to be a quiet affair. How wrong could they be! The team knocked door to door and within an hour loads of children appeared to join in the litter pick. Rubbish filled two skips, a third skip was delivered and a Council van also made a few trips to the refuse site with large items such as beds and fridges. By late afternoon everyone was exhausted and happy to see the children off to a lunch and disco at the local community centre. This was their reward, together with lots of cream eggs, for their help in litter picking the estate and surrounding area.

All the partners involved agreed the clean up had been a great success. Not only did it get rid of a lot of rubbish from homes on the estate, but it highlighted the importance of disposing rubbish responsibly. It was also great to see the residents working together improving the environment in which they live.

Built on the former Twyncarn Community Hall site in Cwmcarn, it is the result of a successful partnership between Caerphilly County Borough Council, Seren Group and the Welsh Assembly Government.

Exclusively for the over 55s, the development is a mix of contemporary 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, that were available both to rent or to buy.

The visitors were particularly impressed with the enhanced specification used throughout the development, which was specifically designed to maximise an independent style of living, whilst having the flexibility and accessibility to accommodate any changes in its residents’ circumstances and lifestyles.

It is hoped that this type of accommodation will become a flagship for future older persons accommodation across the borough.

Cwrt Twyncarn has proved extremely popular, with all apartments now reserved.