Melin gets national recognition for its help getting residents connected

Melin’s work providing over 150 people in North Torfaen with free computers, broadband and training has been recognised as outstanding by the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Melin has been shortlisted from more than 250 entries for the 2010 UK Housing Awards, now in its 14th year with its ‘Getting Connected’ project.

‘Getting connected’ has already started to pay dividends for residents. Mr Davies, 64, from British School Close, Garndiffaith joined Facebook and was able to contact his two grand daughters in Australia who he had never been in touch with before.

Mark Gardner, Chief Executive of Melin Homes said: “I am delighted to have our hard work recognised by our peers. The other big thrill for me however, is hearing stories such as Mr Davies who is getting real benefits from his computer. If we win it will be the icing on the cake.”

Melin is now one of six left in the running for the supporting social and economic inclusion category.

The awards are organised by Inside Housing magazine and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), and have attracted a phenomenal response with submissions from the length and breadth of the UK.

The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony at London’s Hilton Hotel on 10 November hosted by BBC Radio Scotland’s Fred MacAulay.

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For more information please contact Paula Skyrme, Communication Officer on 01495 745907 or email paula.skyrme@melinhomes.co.uk

MAJOR HOUSING PROJECT COMPLETED IN PENRHIWCEIBER

Cynon Taf Community Housing Group, in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and BRE has completed a project involving seven existing properties in Tyrfelin Street Penrhiwceiber, demonstrating the measures that can be taken to transform terraced housing into homes that are fit for the future.

The project retains the existing frontage, but occupiers will benefit from the latest technology in house design and construction and the properties will be some of the most environmentally friendly houses ever produced in Wales.

In accordance with good and sustainable design practice this scheme aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the buildings by thermally upgrading the existing fabric and providing more efficient heating system which will be aided by the installation of solar panels as the primary source heating for the hot water systems.

In addition to the energy performance measures, the scheme also tackles some of the issues related to the everyday living with the existing properties, which have poor space standards and benefited from very little natural daylight. The properties have been remodelled with major aspect being converting two properties into one in. This has created better living spaces and in some cases better standards than those delivered through new build social housing schemes.

The scheme offers a new way of looking at terraced housing, a property layout that is more commonly associated with 19th than 21st century living. In so doing, the project demonstrates how retaining the historic character of the environment does not have to mean compromising on design vision, on providing modern, attractive and functional housing, or on good performance against sustainability criteria.

Primary objectives are to significantly enhance the energy performance of existing housing stock and create a new benchmark for sustainable refurbishment that can be repeated, rather than installing as many low/zero carbon technologies as possible.


The Welsh School of Architecture will be monitoring the energy consumption of the refurbished properties, once they are occupied. This information will be used to educate the tenants in the best use of the properties and help them maximise their savings in regards to their fuel bills.

The scheme, at a cost of nearly £800,000.00, has been funded from the Association’s own resources with match funding as a joint venture between the Heads of the Valleys Initiative.



Jane Davidson, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing who was present at the unveiling of the scheme commented “I was delighted to see how these traditional valleys houses have been converted into cosy, green energy efficient homes that will mean people will have to spend less on heating and lighting.
“Schemes such as this provide us with significant economic opportunities to create local jobs as part of Wales’ economic recovery.
“This area was at the heart of the industrial revolution that made the modern world and still bears the scars of this period. It now has the opportunity to be at the centre of the green revolution of the 21st Century, leading Wales and showing the world what it can do to make a difference.
“There are lessons to be learned by other housing associations and developers as it shows how we can use existing housing stock to provide the kind of homes that people want for the future."
“Cynon Tâf Community Housing Group has invested significantly in the community in Penrhiwceiber in the past’ says Antonia Forte, the Group’s Chief Executive. ‘This project not only helps support our existing activities, but will act as a catalyst to other stakeholders, including the local authority, to work collaboratively, in order to make a real difference to the experience of people living areas of traditional terraced housing”

One of the tenants, Michelle Llewellyn who will be moving into one of the properties is excited about the prospect of living in such a start of the art property “I have lived in Tyrfelin Street for 13 years and I love living here. I am really looking forward to moving in and I am delighted with how the house has turned out”

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Notes to Editor

The Group was formed as a result of a merger of Cynon Taf and Pontypridd and District Housing Associations and incorporates Care and Repair – RCT and hosts Glyncoch Community First Partnership

The Group has over 1800 houses, works solely in the County Borough, primarily in the Cynon Valley and Taff Ely areas.

The Groups offices are at Unit 4, Navigation Park, Abercynon

Press Enquiries:

Kevin Barry 01443 743200

Another Melin Groundforce gets underway in Cwmbran

Residents of Coed Eva and Fairwater in Cwmbran can now benefit from a new Melin Groundforce team thanks to the hard work of their local Councillors.

A new Groundforce team was launched on Saturday at an event held at the Coed Eva and Hollybush Community Centre and many residents turned up to meet the team and join in all the fun activities organised by Councillor Fiona Cross.

The Coed Eva and Fairwater Groundforce follows on from the success of the Trevethin Groundforce and works in the same way. The scheme is funded by the Government £1 billion Future Jobs Fund and managed by Melin Homes. They will provide free gardening and landscaping services to anyone who lives in Coed Eva and Fairwater.

Mark Gardner, Chief Executive of Melin Homes said: “We were only too happy to help when Councillors Cross and Rees approached us after they heard about the great work we were doing in Trevethin. A large part of our work involves helping communities, which is exactly what the Groundforce teams do.”

Councillor Fiona Cross, who was the driving force behind getting the team set up in her ward explained: “We heard about the good work Trevethin Groundforce was doing and asked Melin if they could do the same for us in Coed Eva and Fairwater. I know of many local residents who will benefit from this scheme and the boys started taking bookings at the launch on Saturday. “

Councillor Jeff Rees is also delighted that the scheme has got off to a great start. He told us: “I am confident that once people get to hear about this great, free service, the Groundforce team will be fully booked in a very short time.”

If you live in Coed Eva or Fairwater and would like to book a visit by the Groundforce team call Mark on 01495 745927.

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Community Housing Cymru gives evidence to Sustainability Committees enquiry into Planning.

Nicci Cole, Wales & West Housing Association and Shane Perkins, Mid-Wales Housing Association represent Community Housing Cymru.
To view the evidence

Cardiff Community on BBC online

Hi all,
If you get any media coverage or mentions - please flag it up here.
CCHA had a good piece on BBC online today.

To see the article on click here

CREW appoints Deputy Chief Executive

The Centre For Regeneration Excellence Wales has appointed a Deputy Chief Executive to support Professor Dave Adamson, the organisation’s Chief Executive in the development of its research, education and training programmes.

Andrew Dakin has 34 years experience in the public and private sectors and has undertaken a wide variety of regeneration projects in many towns and cities throughout Wales and the south west of England. Latterly Andrew has occupied the position of Director of Regeneration at the Urban Regeneration Company in Newport. In addition Andrew has been a member of staff at the Department of City and Regional Planning at Cardiff University since 2005 where he teaches urban regeneration. Andrew has also been a member of the Board of the Valleys based Cynon Taff Community Housing Association for the last 17 years.

Andrew said: “It’s been great to have been part of the successful regeneration of Newport over the last four years, but the opportunity to join Dave Adamson to help to set CREW up and develop its research and teaching programmes is one I couldn’t resist. I come from a Welsh family which has had a strong history in education, so to take on this role now after all I have done previously in my career is a natural and exciting step”.

Dave Adamson added: “Andrew’s extensive experience in leading the delivery of large scale physical regeneration projects plus his qualifications as a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) and a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) together with his teaching experience will provide CREW with a vital resource in the delivery of the remit we have from Welsh Assembly Government.”

Professor Chris Webster, Head of Cardiff University School of City and Regional Planning said: “Andrew is one of those special people who operate at the top of their professional game but can also communicate well with students. He is a popular lecturer and I am delighted that Cardiff University now has an even closer link to CREW, with the opportunities that will afford for mutual learning, research and dissemination, student project work and engagement with the communities of Wales.”

Gareth Beer, Chief Executive of Newport Unlimited commented: “I’m personally very sorry to be losing Andrew from the URC as he has made a very important contribution to the operation of the company. He leaves us with our grateful thanks for all he has done for the City of Newport over the last four years.”

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Notes to Editors:

The Centre For Regeneration Excellence in Wales (CREW) has been established to promote integrated regeneration throughout Wales by sharing experience, good practice and regeneration skills across all the professions that contribute to the regeneration process.
CREW aims to connect people and places, and to develop techniques and practices that will assist all those in Wales who are involved in the regeneration process including the following activities:
• Training, Education and skills
• Rigorous Research
• Information and dissemination
• Exchange of experience and excellence

For further information visit CREW’s website: www.regenwales.org.uk

Media Enquiries to Edwina O’Hart, PR Officer, Community Housing Cymru, Edwina-ohart@chcymru.org.uk or 02920557414

NEW SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES GIVES THE THUMBS UP FOR

THE Rt Hon Cheryl Gillan, MP, Secretary of State for Wales visited Wales & West Housing Association properties in Powys yesterday on a fact-finding mission about social housing provision in the area.

Meeting residents at the Brongarth and Cwrt Conway affordable housing developments in Brecon, Mrs Gillan said: "I am very impressed by the work done by Wales & West Housing Association for the social housing sector in Brecon.

"Not only do the residents have modern, practical housing but they are also some of the most eco-friendly and energy efficient new-builds in Wales. The attention to detail and high standards that I have seen today makes all the difference between providing housing and creating homes.

"I want to thank Mrs Isaac and Mrs Thomas for the warm welcomes they gave me when I visited them in their beautiful homes. It is easy to see why they are so happy and take such pride in where they live."

The Secretary of State started her visit at WWHA’s £1.3m ‘super-green’ social housing development in Brongarth, Brecon, where she joined residents in giving the ground-breaking development the thumbs up.

The properties at Brongarth – some of the very first in Wales to reach Level 4 of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Code for Sustainable Development – were built by contractor Pendragon (Design and Build) Ltd on behalf of Wales & West Housing Association (WWHA) in partnership with Powys County Council.

Completed in March this year the 0.28 acre development comprises nine properties, including six flats (4 x one-bed and 2 x two-bed) and three houses (all two-bed).

“These super-green properties incorporate innovative air-source heat pumps which use heat from the atmosphere to warm homes, as well as solar panels on the roof,” said Tony Wilson, Finance Director of Wales & West Housing Association.

“We anticipate that our properties at Brongarth will be at least 40% more energy efficient than standard new homes,” he added.

Currently Level 3 is WAG’s benchmark standard.

Sarah Isaac, 34, who has moved in to Brongarth with her four-year-old son Harry, said: “My new home is lovely – absolutely brilliant.”

Sarah, 34, gave the Secretary of State a guided tour of her new home yesterday.

“I really can’t put it into words how happy I am with it,” said Sarah. “It’s going to be a good home for me and Harry.”

All nine units have been let to local people for affordable rents through WWHA, which also has a further 800 high quality, affordable properties throughout Powys.

Designed by Cardiff-based architects CFW, they stand on the site of a former children’s home which was demolished last year.

“This development shows WWHA’s commitment to providing quality sustainable housing, supporting local supply chains and the construction industry in Wales, and sustainable development,” added Tony Wilson.

The Secretary of State then toured other Wales & West Housing Association schemes in the area before visiting residents at WWHA’s picturesque Cwrt Conway housing for the over 55s scheme by the side of the Brecon Canal.

The Secretary of State enjoyed a tour of two apartments at the very popular scheme and spent half and hour chatting in the sun with residents Mrs Tegwen Thomas and Kenneth and Edith Davies.

“I said to her ‘If I’d know you were coming I’d have baked a cake’,” joked Mr Davies.

“She was very nice. Very down to earth and easy to talk to. She said she loved where we lived and was really impressed with how we look after our properties, and how we grow our flowers. It was a real pleasure to meet her.”

The Welsh Secretary then went to meet army chiefs at Brecon barracks HQ where she paid tribute to the work of the armed forces in Wales.

Picture caption 1: L-R Sarah Isaac, 34, Brongarth resident, The Rt Hon Cheryl Gillan, MP, Secretary of State for Wales, with Tony Wilson, Finance Director, Wales & West Housing Association on the balcony of Sarah’s house in Wales & West Housing Association’s ‘super-green’ development in Brongarth, Brecon, Brecon.

Picture caption 2: L-r Councillor Graham Brown, Board Member for Housing and Public Protection, Powys County Council; John Harrison, WWHA; Wendy Fryzer, WWHA; Tony Wilson, Finance Director, WWHA; Ivor Gittens, Chair of the Board, WWHA; Jenny Williams, WWHA; and Cheryl Gillan, Secretary of State for Wales. The group are pictured outside Wales & West Housing Association’s Cwrt Conway housing for the over 55s in Brecon.

Picture caption 3: Tony Wilson, Finance Director, WWHA; Ivor Gittens, Chair of the Board WWHA; Jenny Williams, Housing Manager Powys, WWHA; Cheryl Gillan, Secretary of State for Wales. The group are pictured outside Wales & West Housing Association’s Cwrt Conway housing for the over 55s in Brecon.



For more information about affordable living with Wales & West Housing Association in Powys call freephone 0800 052 2526.

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For all media enquiries, please contact Sarah Manners on 029 20414033, Blackberry 07917 352375, or sarah.manners@wwha.co.uk


Notes to the editor:

Wales & West Housing Association has 9,000 properties across Wales providing quality, affordable homes for more than 25,000 people.

Established in 1965, WWHA employs more than 320 staff, and works in 16 local authorities, making it one of the largest housing associations in Wales.

WWHA is registered as a charitable association under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965. No. 21114R.