Making their place greener; Social housing tenants get together to transform community

Byline: MICHAEL BROWN

"Not only do the clean-ups help to improve the appearance of estates, but they're a good way of fostering community cohesion in a neighbourhood with people coming together with similar interests for a common goal," he said."There was also a bit of fun to be had - I was in goal for a penalty shoot-out with youngsters on the estate - and let in so many that I got tips from them about how to be a better goalkeeper.John Lee, chief executive at YHN, said he hoped the event had encouraged residents to look after their green spaces."We work hard to provide a safe, secure and attractive environment in all of our communities and the fantastic response from tenants shows that they take pride in where they live and that they are just as keen as us to maintain their attractive living spaces.Extra police patrols were laid on during the event so that residents could raise any concerns or questions with officers. And other help came from the Cyrenians, West End Women and Girls Centre and Healthworks Newcastle, with Hutchinson's Fruit and Veg providing free refreshments."There were many comments about how the planting and clean-up has made the estate look far greener and cleaner," she said."It's all about building links with communities and working together to continue to make improvements to our neighbourhoods."Jubilee Estate residents joined staff from Your Homes Newcastle (YHN), Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police to "take ownership of the environment they live in," by digging up weeds, planting new flowers and picking up litter."The event was also a great way for staff to meet tenants who they may not come into contact with on a regular basis, and therefore build up better relationships with our customers.""People young and old on the estate got involved, together with partner agencies, and local businesses supported the initiative.CAPTION(S):SOCIAL housing tenants on a city estate spent two days transforming their community into a cleaner, greener place to live.WORKING TOGETHER Claire Buglass of Your Homes Newcastle, Pinner Rana, of Northumbria Police, Jo Jefferson of the council and resident Margie Driver plant bordersBenwell and Elswick acting neighbourhood inspector Pinner Rana, who was in goal for a penalty shoot-out involving estate youngsters, said the event had been "a great success".

WORKING TOGETHER Claire Buglass of Your Homes Newcastle, Pinner Rana, of Northumbria Police, Jo Jefferson of the council and resident Margie Driver plant borders