April 2008

CCHA MOURNS LOSS OF FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER

Founding Board Member Patricia Wheeler, known to all as Pattie, sadly died on 15th March 2008, aged 88 years. Pattie, was born in Emerald Street, Adamsdown in 1919, spent her early childhood in the Republic of Ireland before returning to Splott when she was fourteen. She was a devout Catholic and Requiem Mass was held to commemorate her life on Monday 31st March 2008. Pattie was one of the founding members of Moor Community Housing Association, one of the two parent associations (Adamsdown HA was the other) that merged in 1996 to form CCHA. Pattie had a great pride in Splott and it was this pride that linked her to CCHA – a link that remained unbroken for over thirty years.

Over thirty years ago, the Splott community was identified as a clearance area. The plan was to demolish the existing housing, relocate the population elsewhere in Cardiff and then redevelop the area. By the early 1970’s clearance was underway. According to Pattie 18 of the 23 streets in the first phase of the clearance programme in Splott were quickly demolished - streets like Tenby, Llanelli, Wimborne and Millford.

Seeing the area disappear before their eyes and the community scattered to housing estates on the edge of Cardiff, residents, like Pattie, who were opposed to the clearance, decided they had to make a stand. They formed the WAASP’s residents’ association – the letters signify the Streets in which the members lived, and conducted a vociferous community campaign to stop the clearance.

Their efforts, which were orchestrated by the Walker Road Rights and Information Shop, were rewarded when the Council agreed to stop the clearance – but on one condition: the residents had to agree to work to improve the area.

Many people have contributed to the story of CCHA and many, like Pattie, have given their time voluntarily and generously – but only Pattie was there at the start and stayed the course. Throughout she remained committed to the community, to the provision of good housing for those in need, to the housing association itself; and that commitment never waned. Pattie - you have our respect and affection and we shall miss you greatly.

Wheeler Court in Walker Road, Splott was named in her honour in named in 1989 in recognition of all that she had done.

TROWBRIDGE SHOPS REGENERATION – WORK STARTS ON NEW HOMES AND COMMUNITY CENTRE

We’re delighted to announce that the final and key phase of this exciting project is underway. In early March work started on the building of the new community centre and 45 new homes for rent made up of:

• 30 Family homes
• 15 Flats

The construction will last around 72 weeks and the start will be signalled by the demolition of the current derelict shops and maisonettes which are on the site. Originally built in the 1960’s, the complex of shops and maisonettes has been in decline for sometime – crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour have blighted the area and the lives of the local community.

This £6m housing part of the scheme is the major element of our new Social Housing Grant programme for 2008/09 – we’ll be receiving about £4m in SHG from the Welsh Assembly Government to help with the cost of the building of the new homes.

For CCHA and our partners Cardiff County Council, the starting of works represents an important milestone as the scheme has been a major priority for the Council and CCHA for a few years. The new shops on the site, which opened just before Christmas, marked the completion of the first phase. Whilst we were delighted to see them open, we’re really excited by the prospect of the new community centre and homes – which are urgently needed and will, we hope, be a really boost to the area.

THINK THE ‘CREDIT CRUNCH’ MEANS THE END TO AN AFFORDABLE NEW HOME? THINK AGAIN!

SUPERB NEW LOW-COST APARTMENTS FOR SALE AND RENT AVAILABLE IN SPLOTT – NOW!

30% LOANS AVAILABLE FROM CCHA WITH NOTHING TO BE REPAID UNTIL YOU DECIDE TO SELL

The full details of our new 20 apartment scheme, for sale and rent, are available at www.myplaceinthebay.co.uk right now! If you would like to own a home of your own, then these apartments could be for you. Prices for a 70% share are £81,200 for a 1 bed apartment and £91,000 for a 2 bed (subject to final valuation). The properties are bound to popular and there’s only ten available.

The properties are perfectly suited to single people or couples who want the convenience of apartment life, with the great amenities of the city centre and transport links on their doorstep.

So, if your working and earning a modest incomes and can’t get onto the property ladder in Cardiff because it is such a popular city and has become such an expensive property market, then these apartments could be for you. They are available to first-time buyers as well as people who are starting again following a change in personal circumstances or returning to home ownership after a gap.

Remember you only have to find a mortgage/deposit for the 70% figures noted above. We then provide you with a loan for the remaining percentage with nothing to be repaid until the property is sold.

For all the details go to www.myplaceinthebay.co.uk

To rent: 1 bed apartments only
Tel: 029 2046 8482
E-mail: residential.management@ccha.org.uk
 
To buy: 1 and 2 bed apartments
Tel: 029 2053 7366
E-Mail: lcho@cardiff.gov.uk

MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY OPENING TIMES

Our offices will be closed from 4.30PM on Friday 2nd May 2008 and will re-open at 9.00 am on Tuesday 6th May 2008. Over the holiday period you will be able to pay your rent at anytime.

• Emergency Repairs are available on 01633 214222

and help will be immediately available. For more details on how to use this service, please see page 24 of your Tenants’ Handbook.

Please remember that this service should only be used in an emergency!

NEXT UPDATE: MAY 2008