Saxilby and surrounding

Following an estate audit form the Area Service Managers, the following was highlighted -

Issues highlighted

• Gas meter boxes missing or damaged
• There were numerous overgrown gardens highlighted around the Saxilby area
• At Oaklands, the external gates and doors were highlighted as they are in need of painting

Actions taken

• We have contacted all residents where untidy gardens have been highlighted. We are working with our residents to ensure gardens are kept maintained. We are aware that some of our residents are elderly and may need some assistance with managing their gardens. If you are elderly and need assistance with your garden, did you know that Lincolnshire Age UK provide a gardening service with a reliable gardener to allow you to enjoy and maintain your outdoor space. We have provided their details in the 'important links' on this page. They can also be contacted on 01522 696 000
• We have requested for meter boxes to be either repaired or replaced. We would ask residents that if their external meter boxes are damaged, to report this to us immediately, so we can arrange a repair or replacement
• We will be requesting for the gate and external doors to be painted at Oaklands

Improvements

We are pleased to announce the bin store at Oaklands has been completed. All the bins are now stored in the new area. A consultation has taken place between the residents, WLDC and Acis to agree the type of bins residents will use. It was discussed if residents would like to continue to use individual bins or whether industrial bins would replace these. It was agreed, following the consultation that residents would continue to have individual bins.

I was accompanied by my colleague Liz Hoyland for this audit.

We had the opportunity to talk to residents at Oaklands. We inspected several areas of Saxilby and Sturton by Stow.

There were some untidy gardens and I discussed a way forward with the residents.

There were some areas where landscaping needed attention, this has been referred to the relevant department.

Liz also shared the following about her experience visiting Saxilby and the surrounding area.

'It was a great experience.

'As part of our internal Experience it programme, I wanted to take the opportunity to learn more about the work we do for our customers in the community.

'I had the chance to accompany Pushvinder, one of our Area Service Managers, to several of our homes and areas in Lincolnshire as part of the neighbourhood audit programme. The audits are conducted in all our geographical locations, where we have a presence, to inspect the state of repair and maintenance of the homes and gardens by tenants, do relevant safety checks, and most importantly engage with and support our tenants.

'During the visit I was able to meet with tenants at Oaklands, Saxilby, and take a tour around the accommodation we provide. I also had conversations with some tenants about the building, their relationships with other tenants, and how we can make their experience even better.

'Next up was visits to several streets and areas within Saxilby, and Sturton by Stow, where we were able to conduct visual inspections of both the properties and surrounding neighbourhood. Here I was able to witness first hand how meaningful conversations with our tenants can lead to further support. In one instance of a tenant having a overgrown garden, a conversation with that tenant swiftly identified that further support was needed for them, which was undisclosed, and a referral to Supporting Foundations was made, and additional help has been provided to that tenant.'

During the last audit, we noted some untidy gardens, overgrown trees and bushes.

• Untidy gardens: several customers have been contacted directly and actions were put in place.
• Oaklands; Manor Road: the communal courtyard at this scheme was given a makeover during the summer months in 2023, with many volunteers giving up their free time. It is good to see that this area continues to be enjoyed by residents.
• Landscaping: some issues were raised regarding landscaping at The Paddocks, they have been actioned and we have received compliments from residents in this area.