Stafford and Rural Homes

August 12, 2008

Residents at a tower block in Stafford have signed up to a special agreement with their landlord setting out how they want to live and work together in the future.

The Pennycrofts Court Community Agreement has been drawn up by Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) in partnership with customers at Pennycrofts Court, on Corporation Street, Stafford.

So far around a third of the 150 residents in the 15 storey block have signed up and SARH are hoping more will follow in the coming weeks.

The agreement explains how customers are committed to conducting themselves in their daily lives, showing care and consideration for their neighbours. It also details the services that they can expect from SARH.

Debbie Emmitt, SARH’s Director of Neighbourhood Services, explained: “Pennycrofts Court is a good place to live but sometimes the actions of just a small minority can spoil life for everyone. We’ve worked closely with residents to address the things that matter most to them.

“The list includes everything from the everyday niggles such as dropping litter or holding the lift up while you chat to a neighbour through to more serious acts of anti social behaviour, such as noise nuisance, using foul or abusive language or causing damage to the building or anyone else’s property.

“It’s designed to complement rather than replace our standard tenancy agreement” she added. “By signing it, residents pledge that they will treat their neighbours with tolerance and respect and that together we are prepared to take a stand against anyone whose behaviour threatens the quality of life at Pennycrofts Court.”

In response to customer feedback, SARH is in turn investing in a number of improvements at the block including the re-painting of communal areas and installation of CCTV cameras and new security doors.

A group of staff and customers will meet monthly to review how the Community Agreement is working. It will also monitor SARH’s performance on caretaking and dealing with complaints, repairs and breaches of either the community or tenancy agreements.

SARH has also pledged to carry out and publish an annual review and customer satisfaction survey at the scheme.