New team demonstrates housing association’s commitment to both residents and staff

Melin Homes has created its own gas heating and plumbing team in order to continue improving service to its customers.

Residents’ boilers and central heating systems were previously installed, serviced and maintained by external contractors. However, the housing association has now brought these services in-house, creating nine full-time jobs.

The new team consists of six engineers, one plumber, one apprentice and an administrator.

At a time when the job market is particularly unstable, Melin is pleased to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the local job market.

Gas engineer/plumber, Alun Davies, said that everyone in the team was delighted to have been taken on by Melin. He said: “Melin has a reputation for being an excellent employer and by creating these jobs they have kept us in all in work. We are all looking forward to delivering an excellent service to residents.”

Dave Cook, Director of Asset Management, explained Melin’s decision to create these new positions: “This arrangement will enable us to manage our gas engineering and plumbing work more effectively and ensure that it is carried out to the highest standard possible. This will result in improved customer satisfaction and cost savings.”

He added: “Melin is determined to make a positive impact within the local communities that we serve. We hope our decision to bring this service in-house reflects the fact that we are committed to helping both our residents and staff.”

Melin’s Asset Management department is responsible for maintaining more than 2,800 homes. Last year the team carried out more than 9,000 reactive repairs to residents’ homes and installed over 70 upgraded boilers/heating systems.

V2C commission Tidy Wales Community Award

An excellent example of young people being good citizens was demonstrated by the winners in the newly commissioned Valleys to Coast Housing (V2C) Community Award category of the Tidy Wales Awards. The Tre-Telynog Environmental Group, based in Rhondda Cynon Taff and made up of young people living in the area had contributed 85 hours in carrying out five litter picks, collecting over 80 bags of litter and collecting 45,800 cans which were later recycled. The group also received a cheque for £500 alongside their Award.

After winning the Business Award last year, V2C was given the opportunity to commission the new Community Group award and felt this was an ideal opportunity to celebrate the success of its existing partnership with Keep Wales Tidy, in combating litter and fly tipping in communities and educating young and old alike of the benefits of looking after their environment.

Nigel Draper, Head of Neighbourhoods at V2C said “ V2C has worked in partnership with Keep Wales Tidy, local residents and other organisations in areas all over Bridgend and has seen the difference this has made to these communities. We were pleased to commission this award and celebrate the good work taking place across Wales.”