Pennant Homes presents Public Service award to local police chief

A local Chief Superintendent who has gone beyond the call of duty has been awarded the Public Service Award at The Wave & Swansea Sound’s Local Hero Awards in Swansea.

Mark Mathias, 49 and originally from Hendy, was presented with the award by sponsor Pennant Homes on the day he retires from service after being recognised for his services to the local community.
Mark started as a police cadet with South Wales Police in 1980 and rose through the ranks to become Chief Superintendent, covering Swansea and Neath Port Talbot and investigating some of the key cases in the area. Mark was also awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished service in the New Year’s Honours List earlier this year.

He has now been recognised for his efforts at The Local Hero awards 2012..

Held at The Dragon Hotel in Swansea, the Local Hero Awards are organised by local radio station The Wave & Swansea Sound and aim to recognise those individuals who make an impact in the local community, yet often go unrewarded.

Gerraint Oakley, Pennant Homes’ managing director said, “Awarding the Public Service award to Mark was an honour and a fitting way to recognise his work as he retires from the force. He has made a hugely positive impact to the local area in his 32 years in the police force.

“Sponsoring the Local Hero Awards is one of a number of ways we are supporting the local community in Swansea and we hope to continue these relationships as we develop more affordable housing in the area.”

Mark Mathias said, “I am honoured to be presented with the Public Service award by Pennant Homes. I joined the police force in 1980 with the aim of making a difference and this has never gone away. My career with South Wales police has been extremely rewarding, but to receive thanks from the local community for the work we do is very humbling indeed.

“As I retire from my post I am confident that local officers will continue to make great strides forward in reducing crime and the fear of crime in Swansea.”

Helen Bowden, The Wave’s station director said, “We’re very grateful to Pennant for sponsoring the Public Service Award and presenting the accolade to Mark Mathias. People like Mark work incredibly hard in the local community and don’t often get the recognition they deserve, which is why we developed the Local Hero awards. ”

Pictured:  Councillor June Stanton, Deputy Lord Mayor of the City & County of Swansea, congratulates Mark Mathias on receiving his award for Public Service from Pennant Homes managing director, Gerraint Oakley

Urban Village offers flexible working space

Freelancers and home workers are being given the chance to operate from a new dedicated ‘coworking’ office.

Community Interest Company (CIC) indycube has opened its fourth South Wales site at 220 High Street after the success of its operations in Cardiff.

Indycube is the latest tenant to move into Coastal Housing Group’s Urban Village development. A £25million scheme for the regeneration, redesign and rebuilding of the High Street and Strand Row areas of Swansea, the Urban Village offers retail, commercial and living space.

Indycube opened at the Media Centre at Culverhouse Cross in Cardiff in March 2010 as Wales’ first coworking space. The concept, which is well established in the US and is now taking hold in the UK, offers those who are traditionally home-based or anyone else who works alone the use of a desk, wifi and boardroom facilities for a set fee of £10 per day, or cheaper if more days are pre-booked.

Following the success at Culverhouse Cross, the company has started on a process of expansion across Wales, with the new Swansea site its fourth after two further coworking spaces were opened in Cardiff earlier this autumn.

The Swansea site will help indycube, which reinvests any surplus profits for the benefit of the coworking community, continue its ambitious growth plans.

Mark Hooper, indycube founder, said: “It has taken a couple of years for the coworking concept to grow in Cardiff, but now it is established there we are continuing our expansion across South Wales.

“The idea is simple – we offer freelancers and micro-businesses an excellent, low cost way for them to professionalise their business, and get out of the back bedroom or coffee shop. There are also a number of established businesses which have found the coworking experience a better option than the standard office lease.

“The real attraction for many is the community of other businesses in the same space – there’s always someone available to bounce ideas off.

“Over the next year or so we’re looking to expand into other areas around South Wales, with plans for up to 23 indycube sites in, among other places, Bridgend, Newport, the Valleys, Barry and Penarth.”

Gerraint Oakley, Coastal Housing Group’s director of development said: “We are delighted to secure a tenant in indycube. The confidence of indycube to select Urban Village as the location for its operations is further evidence of the strength of the Village’s appeal, services and amenities.”

Anyone interested in indycube can find more details at www.indycube.biz

Coastal’s Castle Quarter - an outdoor classroom for Swansea students

A group of students from Swansea Metropolitan University were given a lesson in regeneration and demolition when they paid a visit to Coastal Housing Group’s newest development - Castle Quarter.

With demolition having just started on site, two groups of students from Swansea Metropolitan University took part in the field trip. Students from the HNC and HND Building Studies and BA (Hons) Project and Construction Management courses were given a real life insight into the £8 million land regeneration scheme to aid them in their studies so that they can apply practical experience to their relevant courses.

More than 16 students took part in the field trip, as Coastal seeks to increase its relationship with the University as part of its commitment to improve the communities in which it works.

Coastal Housing Group plans to invest in regenerating the land off Castle Lane, conveniently located in Swansea city centre. This development is set against the dramatic backdrop of Swansea’s historic castle remains, the Castle Quarter development will consist of 26 affordable rented apartments, with a further 4 duplex units overlooking the castle which are available for private sale. The ground floor of the development will consist of a small number of commercial units, including a kiosk located on The Strand.

The Castle Quarter development is a unique project in the city centre. The project consists of the demolition of properties on The Strand level before the construction phase may begin.

Locally based demolition contractor L.G Murphy (Swansea) Ltd, have been engaged to carry out the demolition of the buildings. The family run business has over 45 years of experience and has undertaken a variety of complex projects during this period.

Clare Watkins, head of Coastal’s supply chain targeted recruitment and training programme, said: “We are consistently looking to develop our relationships within the education sector and we already have an excellent relationship with Swansea Metropolitan University which we are pleased to be strengthening further. This visit to our Castle Quarter development is just one of the projects we are running in conjunction with local organisations and we are receiving excellent feedback from all concerned.”

One student to have benefitted from the link up is 23 year old, BSc Project and Construction Management student Mairead McGoldrick. She said: “We are obviously learning a great deal of theory through the course but it’s so beneficial to supplement this with real life case studies of schemes being undertaken by large players within the regeneration sector. Everyone really enjoyed the visit and learning about the various mechanics and technology required in such work – it certainly helps us translate theory into practice.”

During the visit, representatives from Coastal’s demolition contractor, LG Murphy, talked of the issues and methods of demolition when working on a complex site such as Castle Quarter, whilst Coastal addressed the importance of community consultation and inclusion.

The development represents a significant investment by Coastal in the local economy. Subject to planning permission being secured, the project will create jobs and training opportunities during construction, including apprenticeships. In addition, jobs will also be created in the commercial units once they open for business.

Programme Director, Mike Cullis of Swansea Metropolitan University added: “We are reliant on organisations like Coastal Housing Group to support our academic courses - the benefit to students is phenomenal. Whilst Coastal was at the height of its High Street regeneration scheme we carried out site visits and this started our relationship. It’s a vital learning tool and we hope that the relationship will continue to grow as Coastal increases its development plans across the area.”

The Coastal Housing Group supports people by developing homes and communities across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. It has one of the largest affordable housing development programme in Wales, investing over £30m every year.

The organisation offers desirable, affordable homes, for rent and sale, to people with different needs, lifestyles and accommodation preferences. It is expert in supporting people who require adapted homes, help in managing their tenancy and provides specialist services for older people.

Coastal Housing is an industrial and provident society, existing only for the benefit of the community. It is run by a voluntary Board of Management that includes tenant members.

 

Welfare Reform Survey (Tenants/Leaseholders Only)

NOTICE FOR EXISTING COASTAL HOUSING TENANTS/LEASEHOLDERS: 

Please complete and return the welfare reform survey on the following link:  www.coastalhousingsurvey.co.uk

What have you got to lose?

The government is planning major changes to the welfare benefits system over the next few years. Coastal can use the information you give us to make sure we can offer the right help and support to those who may be affected by these changes. 

Return the form by 15th December 2012 and you will be entered into a prize draw to win:-
Star Prize – An iPad!
2 x – Kindle Fires
5 x £100 in shopping vouchers
Plus the 1st 250 returned will receive a £10 shopping voucher

The survey can also be completed online at www.coastalhousingsurvey.co.uk

New Appointment to improve employment and training opportunities in the supply chain

Coastal Housing Group appoints to improve employment and training opportunities in its supply chain

Coastal Housing Group has appointed Clare Watkins to head its supply chain targeted recruitment and training programme amongst the Groups’ construction framework and maintenance partners.

Clare, originally from Cardiff, is responsible for maximising the benefits of securing construction and maintenance employment and training opportunities for people living across Coastal’s operating area. She has vast experience of working within the social housing sector having worked for both housing associations and their contract suppliers since 2003.

The Coastal Housing Group supports people by developing homes and communities across south west Wales. It has one of the largest affordable housing development programme in Wales, investing over £30m every year.

The organisation offers desirable, affordable homes, for rent and sale, to people with different needs, lifestyles and accommodation preferences. It is expert in supporting people who require adapted homes, help in managing their tenancy and provides specialist services for older people.

Clare said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Coastal Group at such an exciting time. The company is rapidly expanding its operating area and targeted recruitment and training within our supply chain is an important aspect of leaving a lasting legacy in the areas in which we work – I am looking forward to delivering some great projects that will have an impact on local communities.”

The Group has recently announced its construction framework of eleven companies, which will bid on projects between £1m to £60m. Clare will be responsible for working with the Groups’ construction framework and maintenance partners to ensure that employment and training is sustainable and that community projects are supported.

Clare will also be ensuring that procurement within Coastal Housing Group’s supply chain contains social inclusion clauses thus widening the scope of what is already a successful approach to providing opportunities for communities through procurement.

Speaking of her appointment, Coastal Housing Group’s director of development Gerraint Oakley said: “We are thrilled to have Clare on board. She brings with her a wealth of experience and starts her role at an exciting time for the organisation.”

Coastal Housing is an industrial and provident society, existing only for the benefit of the community.  It is run by a voluntary Board of Management that includes tenant members.

Pontardawe pupils are right up Pennant’s street

Pupils (L-R) Cerys Jones, Serian Harries 

and Hannah Bate unveil the new street 

names at Parc y Dderwen, inspired 

by Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg's Year 6

Children from the Swansea Valley have the honour of naming three new streets in Pontardawe.

Year six pupils at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe were given the opportunity to leave their legacy in the local area by getting creative and entering suggestions for the street names in Pennant Homes’ new Parc y Dderwen development.

After approval from the Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, the new streets will be named Oak Hill Way/Ffordd Tyle’r Dderwen, Clos Y Cwm, and Maes Yr Ysgol, thanks to the inspiring entries from the school’s pupils.

Mr Ceri Emanuel, headteacher of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe, said “The children can’t wait to see their creative ideas come to life when the new street signs are put in place. The development is going to be a big part of our lives whilst under construction and this competition means that the children have truly had a say in a small part of their community.”

Sandra Marsh, Pennant Homes’ commercial manager, said, “We were overwhelmed with the quality of the children’s entries and are very happy with the final approved names. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the school on this occasion and hope there will be more opportunities for us to engage with the younger members of our community in the future.”

Properties on the new housing development in Pontardawe are being snapped up months before the foundations are even laid, thanks to a unique first-time buyer scheme.

About Pennant Homes & Parc-y-Dderwen

The Parc y Dderwen development consists of 81 new homes – a mix of properties ranging from two bedroom bungalows to three bedroom townhouses.

Through Pennant Homes’ Homebuy scheme, new home owners own 100 per cent of their property, but only pay a mortgage on 75 per cent of it, keeping monthly repayments affordable.

Another benefit of the home buy scheme is that no part of the 25 per cent loan has to be repaid until the property is sold.

Pennant Homes, part of the Coastal Housing Group, has over 30 years experience of providing homes and creating communities. It offers affordable housing, built to high specifications, across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, with plans to extend its development area across the breadth of South Wales to Pembrokeshire.

It offers a fresh approach to the housing market, specialising in providing homes for first time buyers through its Homebuy loans, where up to 25 per cent of the cost of selected properties can be funded and the initial deposit reduced to 5 per cent or less subject to status. Pennant Homes offers opportunities for people to own their own home who might otherwise be unable to do so.

Retail Units & Office Space at Urban Village

The Urban Village is creating the “village life” atmosphere offering shops, offices, restaurants & apartments that will encourage visitors from all walks of life therefore incorporating the creative hub which will encompass everything from bespoke craft & fashion design to digital arts, broadcast media publishing and advertising.

The Urban Village is looking for retailers that can offer that special something to help with the creative culture that we wish to generate at the village to sell a lifestyle that many would love to buy into. If you are that particular retailer then the Urban Village is for you.

For more information on the Retail Units or Grade A office space at Urban Village contact:

CLC Chartered Surveyors
Peter Loosmoore
01792 52 44 52
pete@clcproperty.co.uk


ejhales
Mathew Cocks/ Matthew Morgan
02920 39 74 78
matthew@ejhales.co.uk
mattc@ejhales.co.uk

Competition... Rename the magazine

You may have noticed Homefront has had a facelift in recent issues. To mark this change we are running a competition to find a new name for the magazine.

What’s going to happen?

We would like you to send in your ideas for a new name for Homefront. We’ll shortlist the top names for the next issue (Winter 2012) and then ask people to vote for their favourite. The winning entry will receive £250 high street shopping vouchers and the new look magazine and name will be launched in Spring 2013.

Email your your suggested new magazine name to: ask@coastalhousing.co.uk

Closing date 30th November 2012

We are also keen to find out what you think of the magazine and if you have any suggestions to improve it.

Please feel free to send your suggestions to:
Coastal Housing Group Ltd, 3rd Floor, 220 High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NW
T. 01792 479281
E. ask@coastalhousing.co.uk


Competition rules apply.  There is no cash alternative to prizes but an alternative may be
offered. Prize Draws and competitions are open to ALL readers of Homefront – except staff
or Board Members of Coastal Housing Group – unless otherwise stated.

Swansea High Street’s regeneration moves forward as Mosaic Cafe opens its doors

Swansea High Street’s Urban Regeneration project is taking a huge step forward with the opening of a new venue, Mosaic bar and bistro.

This is the latest venture from Andrew John and Brennan Street and forms an integral part of Coastal Housing Group’s new Urban Village.

Andrew and Brennan said “The Urban Village development is totally in line with our ethos of developing a ‘quirky’ but aspirational venue which is unexpected. We believe that Mosaic is an engaging venue where people can enjoy the city’s finest when it comes to coffee, food, company and wine.

“The High Street regeneration can only be a positive move forward. It gives a clear signal to local and national businesses that Swansea means business and if development continues in this manner will attract more new retail and restaurant outlets like Mosaic.”

The Mosaic menu is inspired by both local and exotic ingredients and is designed to please all tastes and budgets. Andrew and Brennan also intend the space to serve as a launch pad for new musicians, artists and comedians through a yet to be announced calendar of exciting events.

The Urban Village is the new home of over 100 of Coastal Housing Group’s Swansea based staff, securing the complex’s reputation as the flagship development for the regeneration of High Street. Coastal received £900,000 grant from the Swansea Regeneration Area for its Urban Village regeneration programme. It is intended to transform Swansea’s High Street, and bring Kings Lane back into use as the vibrant linkage between High Street and the Parc Tawe site.

Royal recognition for Coastal’s Area Caretaker

Alan Cunningham, an Area Caretaker with Coastal since July 2000 was presented with an award for ‘long and outstanding service’ from HRH Prince of Wales in March this year, for his volunteer work with the Welsh Guard Association over the past 15 years.

Alan served in the Welsh Guards for six years from 1969 - 1975, leaving with the rank of Lance Sergeant. 15 years ago he got involved with the Swansea Welsh Guard Association and is currently Secretary of the Llanelli & Carmarthen Branches of the Welsh Guards Association. Alan’s volunteer work includes looking after the ‘old soldiers’ and veterans and arranging trips and outings for them. 

The presentation took place at Hounslow Barracks where serving soldiers and guardsmen were also receiving awards.

Our Neath office is now officially open!

1 – Coastal Housing’s Chief Executive
Tim Blanch (left) and Cllr Ali Thomas
open Coastal Housing’s new office in Neath

Our new office in Neath has been officially opened by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Leader, Councillor Ali Thomas.

Our office, which serves the 1900 Coastal Tenants living in Neath & Port Talbot, is situated at 41-43 Windsor Road and will be open Monday – Friday, 9am-4pm.



Councillor Thomas said, “I was honoured to be invited to speak at the opening of the new Neath office. Coastal’s commitment is vital to the wider regeneration of Neath Port Talbot County Borough. Coastal is more than just a social housing provider, the staff work hard in the communities they serve and thanks should go to them for their continuing efforts.”


Our Chief Executive Tim Blanch said, “A number of our partner organisations such as the Local Authority, police and voluntary groups attended the opening and it was a great way to say thank you for the way we have worked together, and will continue to work together to ensure Neath is a good place to live. We look forward to strengthening those relationships in the future.”

 (L-R) Coastal Housing’s Chief Executive Tim Blanch,
Cllr Steve Hunt, Cllr Ali Thomas, Cllr Tony Taylor
and Janet Gange, Senior Housing Officer at Coastal 

Tenant Fun Day - August 2012

Our first ever fun day took play on 16th August at Cwrt Herbert Playing Fields, Neath and was deemed to be a resounding success.

The fun day was billed as a family day out and there was something there for all ages.

The whole event was organised and hosted by the Coastal Team who worked hard to make the day a success.

Visitors attending the event were greeted by a Johnny Depp/Jack Sparrow look-a- like who with his realistic characteristics set the tone.

In the entertainment areana, the event was opened with a musical group of young opera singers from the Welsh Royal College of Music.

This was followed by a Bird of Prey demonstration

In the sports field we had Olympic events such as – Welly Throwing; Hoola Hooping; Sack Race and Egg and Spoon. Winners all receiving their medals and certificates of participation.

There was a pitch dedicated to aspiring young footballers who had the benefit of professional football coaches with a very popular 5 a side tournament in the afternoon.

Plus throughout the day we could watch skills of the free runners/base jumpers.

As well as all the field activities there were a variety of stalls including – coconut shy; splat the rat; bean bag ladder toss; guess the ‘competitions’; jewellery making ; nail art; tombola, cup cakes, and face painting.

There was also a mini fair ground attractions with the popular bucking bronco, mini waltzers, giant slide and demolition derby.

The atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic as everyone joined in the fun. The tug-o-war competition turned into a riot of purple as staff, adults and children all joined in.

The Fancy Dress Comp enjoyed a good turnout with entrants dressed in delightful costumes ranging from Snow White, A Spanish Lady, Pirates and the youngest entrant of all – 8 month old Ashton in his Batman suit.

The event closed with a balloon release of over 200 balloons . AT the time of writing this article, we have had confirmation of 2 balloons reaching the Shropshire Borders!.

On the back of the success of we are looking forward to staging another event like this next year.

  

 

 

 

    

Recognition at The Green Organisation's Green Apple Awards

We are delighted to announce that our Harbour Quay development was recognised at The Green Organisation’s Green Apple Awards held in Canary Wharf, London in June.

The Green Apple Awards are designed to recognise environmental and sustainability best practice, and Harbour Quay won the ‘Building Project – Housing Association’ category for the best residential building project commissioned or delivered by a housing association.

Completed in February 2012, Harbour Quay consists of 69 one and two bedroom apartments, nine of which are suitably adapted for tenants with disabilities. Judging was based on areas such as environmental benefits, social benefit, visual impact, innovation, energy efficiency and waste reduction.

The development was praised for its sustainable features which included its timber frame construction, materials that were sourced from sustainable certified sources within a 30 kilometre radius, and the main roof covering of the building which was formed utilising demolition rubble – to create a ‘brown’ roof, allowing vegetation to potentially grow over the surface.

Grow your own... At Vetch Veg

In August 2011 the Vetch Veg project was born. Based on the historic site of the Vetch football field, an urban utopia has been created in the heart of Swansea.

Vetch Veg is an artwork and site specific project working in collaboration with the community of Sandfields, Swansea. The work is co-ordinated by Artist Owen Griffiths, commissioned by Adain Avion cultural Olympiad Wales.

This collaborative project with local residents has seen the pitch at Vetch, the iconic football stadium that, in 2012 would have celebrated its centenary, transformed into edible land. This has provided the residents and the surrounding community free space in which to work together, growing produce, keeping bees and chickens etc.

The grand finale of the project was the Vetch Veg Flower and Produce Show, which took place in June 2012 when the Adain Avion plane came to Swansea.

Sarah Bennett, Housing Services Manager and Chris McDonnell, Estates Co-Ordinator visited Vetch Veg recently to see how four of Coastal’s tenants, who had taken plots had done.

The tenants, Dawn and Tim Mitchell, Wayne Morgan and Liz MacNamara, all live in Coastal homes in the Sandfields. Living in flats, they have no gardens and could only grow plants in pots and tubs. They became involved after seeing posters inviting local residents to attend a meeting last August.

Our tenants told Sarah how their gardening skills have literally grown over the last 12 months.

For more information visit: www.vetchveg.co.uk

Housing benefit is changing... Will you be affected?

Over the last few months we' ve talked about the Housing Benefit Reform, which is coming into force in April 2013.

If you receive Housing Benefit, then these Government changes may have a big impact on you. It is important you understand what impact it will have.

How many bedrooms?

From April 2013 the Welfare Reform Act states that if you receive Housing Benefit and have more bedrooms than you need, the money you get from Housing Benefit will be reduced, giving you a choice of:

• Paying the additional rent yourself and continuing to live in your present home

• Or, if you can’t afford the extra rent, moving to a smaller property.

If you are unsure of whether this applies to you, it is important you contact us as soon as possible to find out and discuss your options. Doing nothing is not an option, as it means you will find yourself in rent arrears and it will be much harder for us to help you.

Contact your Housing Officer or telephone Coastal Housing on 01792 479200 for more information on Housing Benefit Reform.

Further development news...

We have a number of Coastal schemes at different stages of development, here is some updates on a few of them:

Wellfield Gardens, Cross Hands
Pennant has secured the acquisition of this site for the development of a mix of 58 two-bed, three-bed and four-bed affordable homes. Development of this scheme is due to commence early part of 2013, with the properties ready in 2015.

Empire Cinema, Ropewalk, Neath
Work has now started on the Empire Cinema development in Neath. The main construction is due to commence September 2012 and when complete the development will consist of eight two-bed and four one-bed apartments. The scheme will also have seven parking spaces, external drying and bicycle store.

Tennat Park Phase one
Due for completion in April 2013, Tennat Park phase one, off Crymlyn Road, Skewen will consist of two three-bed self contained adapted wheelchair bungalows for families identified by Community Services and supported by NPTCBC Housing.

Castle Quarter Plans

Plans for an exciting new development which could help transform a historic part of Swansea’s city centre are now on display

We are planning to invest almost £8 million in regenerating land off Castle Lane, and this development will offer affordable accommodation and new commercial units all under one roof. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Swansea’s historic castle remains, the Castle Quarter development will consist of 26 affordable rented apartments, with a further four duplex units overlooking the castle which are available for private sale. 

The ground floor of the development will consist of a small number of commercial units, including a kiosk located on The Strand. The development represents a significant investment by Coastal into the local economy. Subject to planning permission being secured, the project will create more than 50 jobs during construction – which will also include apprenticeship opportunities. In addition, around a further 60 jobs will be created in the commercial units once they open for business.

Coastal’s Director of Development Gerraint Oakley said: “This project represents a significant investment which we hope will reinvigorate this historic part of the city centre. We have a unique opportunity to develop something special here which will offer affordable accommodation in a city centre location.”

With the development located so close to Swansea Castle, we have worked closely with the local authority in designing the development and with other consultees to ensure the castle’s historic value is preserved.

Pontardawe pupils have the word on the street

(L-R)Liz Howells Pennant's Sales Advisor,
Gareth Carsley Site Manager
& Mal Thomas,Contracts Manager congratulate Daisy,
LLyr & Cerys for their winning street names

Children from Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe have had the honour of naming three new streets in the local area thanks to Pennant Homes.

The competition, devised by property developers Pennant, asked pupils for street name suggestions for its new Parc y Dderwen development located opposite the school. It allows the children to leave a lasting mark on the community in which they are situated.

The winning street names, which were announced in a health and safety assembly delivered by Pennant’s construction team, were ‘Old School Road’, from 10 year old Daisy, ‘Y Dderwen Ddu’, from 10 year old Cerys and ‘Heol y Cwm Bach’ submitted by Llyr, also 10 years old.

Mrs. Myfanwy Rees, headteacher of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe, said, “We were so pleased to be involved in the street naming competition with Pennant Homes. Obviously the development is going to be a part of our lives for the next few years whilst it is under construction and this allows the children to take an ownership in what is happening within their locality.

“The children were very enthusiastic about the task and it certainly encouraged them to put their creative skills to good use. For the winners, it is an achievement they can cherish for years to come.”

Sandra Marsh, Pennant Homes’ commercial manager, said, “We were overwhelmed with the quality of all the entries and the judging process was made very difficult for us. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the school on this occasion and hope there will be more opportunities for us to engage with the younger members of our community in the future.”

The streets will be officially named once Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council has approved the suggestions made by the children.

(L-R) Pupils Daisy, LLyr and Cerys put their mark on their community

Properties on the new housing development in Pontardawe are being snapped up months before the foundations are even laid, thanks to a unique first-time buyer scheme.

The Parc y Dderwen development consists of 81 new homes – a mix of properties ranging from two bedroom bungalows to three bedroom townhouses.

Through Pennant Homes’ Homebuy scheme, new home owners own 100 per cent of their property, but only pay a mortgage on 75 per cent of it, keeping monthly repayments affordable.

Another benefit of the home buy scheme is that no part of the 25 per cent loan has to be repaid until the property is sold.

Pennant Homes, part of the Coastal Housing Group, has over 30 years experience of providing homes and creating communities. It offers affordable housing, built to high specifications, across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, with plans to extend its development area across the breadth of south Wales to Pembrokeshire.

It offers a fresh approach to the housing market, specialising in providing homes for first time buyers through its Homebuy loans, where up to 25 per cent of the cost of selected properties can be funded and the initial deposit reduced to 5 per cent or less subject to status. Pennant Homes offers opportunities for people to own their own home who might otherwise be unable to do so.

Staff facing challenge to raise funds for Borneo!

At the end of June, Michelle an Executive Support Officer here with us at Coastal Housing took part in a 25 mile walk around the Gower Peninsular as part of the Gower Walking Festival. 

Though not fundraising for this walk, it was just a warm up for more challenging things to come, namely the Mountain Trail Challenge which is due to take place on the 15th September.  The challenge involves a 30 mile hike across the Brecon Beacons!

Michelle will be fundraising for Raleigh International in order to help build another Gravity Water Feed System in Borneo so please visit www.simplyfundraising.co.uk/fundraising-page?rid=124 to make a donation to the cause.

Click here to read about the impact of Raleigh's work in Borneo

A ‘blooming’ good day for Port Talbot residents

Ynys Lee tenants have been taking advantage of our gardening lessons!

Tenants living in Ynys Lee, Cwmavon have been putting their green fingers to the test to ensure their estate looks blooming lovely, thanks to free gardening lessons.

Estates Co-ordinator Chris McDonnell spent the day holding hanging basket and window box demonstrations for residents, which was also supported by Bryn and Cwmavon councillors Marian Lewis and Dave Whitelock.

It’s just one of a series of events at Ynys Lee. Some other recent events have included the opening of the newly refurbished nature trail and playground and a recycling road show.

Jayne Groenewald moved to Ynys Lee with her husband Conrad earlier this year. She said, “Coastal Housing really is a great landlord as they’re always organising events and it’s led to a real community feeling within the estate. The hanging baskets and window boxes are already going up and they’re really brightening up the place with a bit of colour. It’s blooming lovely!”

Janet Gange, one of our Housing Officers added, “It’s fantastic to see how the tenants are embracing the work we’ve carried out – whether it’s attending these sessions or using the newly refurbished playground. We’re in the process of submitting a planning application for a community shop on the estate, which will be run by residents and we’re very excited to see how that will further benefit the tenants and local community.” 

Coastal tenants Jayne & Conrad Groenewald with Coastal estates co-ordinator Chris McDonnell

 

 

 

 

Coastal estates co-ordinator Chris McDonnell demonstrates gardening techniques to the tenants of Ynys Lee and local councillors

Councillors Marian Lewis and Dave Whitelock with Coastal estates co-ordinator Chris McDonnell

Castle Quarter plans to go on display

Multi-million pound investment to regenerate historic city centre location

Plans for an exciting new development which could help transform a historic part of Swansea’s city centre are to go on display this week.

At Coastal Housing Group we have plans to invest almost £8 million in regenerating land off Castle Lane.  This development will offer affordable accommodation and new commercial units all under one roof.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Swansea’s historic castle remains, the Castle Quarter development will consist of 26 affordable rented apartments, with a further 4 duplex units overlooking the castle which are available for private sale. The ground floor of the development will consist of a small number of commercial units, including a kiosk located on The Strand.

The development represents a significant investment in the local economy.  Subject to planning permission being secured, the project will create more than 50 jobs during construction – which will also include apprenticeship opportunities. In addition, around a further 60 jobs will be created in the commercial units once it is open for business.

To ensure local people are aware of the plans for the development, we will be holding a series of public information events, which will be held at:

First Floor, 11 Wind Street, Swansea

·        Thursday, 5^th July  - 4pm to 7pm

·        Friday, 6^th July – 4pm to 7pm

·        Saturday, 7^th July – 10am – 1pm

What is a Credit Union?

Anyone can open an account with a credit union including working/non working, retired people and those with poor credit records.

Many people have got out of the habit of regular saving - and live life on endless credit and loans. Two in three people will still be paying off debt next Christmas for gifts and food for last Christmas.

A child that doesn’t know how to save will face a stressful adult life relying on credit and loans.

Credit unions take a responsible attitude to lending encouraging regular saving before you can take out a loan. While doorstep loan companies may give you an immediate loan - you certainly pay for it with around ten times higher interest!

Just think . . . a first time buyer now has to raise a minimum deposit of 10% which is £15,000 on a £150,000 house. How is your child going to afford to buy a home of their own if you don’t teach them to save?

Join the Credit Union

Credit unions are becoming more and more popular – especially since all the negative publicity over the big banks - and you’d be surprised at whose doing it . . .

Many employers arrange Payroll Savings schemes for their staff.

Coastal Housing staff save with the union, Tata Steel staff in Port Talbot save with the union, NPTCBC staff save with the union and so many more . . .


School Savings NPT Credit Union runs saving clubs in 12 local schools - is your child a member? School savings clubs make it easier to budget for school trips and Prom events.


Loans
Applications for loans are treated sympathetically and if approved you will get a cheque to cash at any Post Office or a same day BACS transfer to your bank account. Loans are currently offered with an interest rate of 19.6%. A typical £1,000 loan over one year will cost you £1,196 – so much cheaper than your average doorstep lender!


Child Trust Funds
You can open a Child Trust Fund Savings Account with NPT Credit Union and make that money work harder for your childs’’ future.

Unlike banks and building societies, there are no annual charges.
Credit Union Accounts
From September NPT Credit Union will also be offering current accounts and debit cards.

If you are not working, you can have your benefits or pension paid into your credit union account and withdraw the money when you need it. If you get direct payment of benefits, then the credit union can forward the housing benefit element - your rent - directly to your housing association for you.

Credit Unions are truly democratic financial co-operatives – owned by the members for the members.

There is absolutely no risk to your savings. Directors are not paid and they don’t get fat cat bonuses like with the big banks.

Regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) Members of the financial compensation scheme

Easy Access
With an office in Windsor Road, Neath a second office has recently opened on Station Road, Port Talbot and thirteen Community Savings Points as well as a mobile office - using your credit union is easy and . . .

You no longer need to be living or working in the same area as the credit union you join!

Keep your money local - join the credit union!


Neath Port Talbot Credit Union
26 Windsor Road, NEATH SA11 1LU
OPEN: Monday to Friday 9.30 to 2pm
Phone: 01639 632100/1

9:30 AM to 3:00 PM Monday to Friday. 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon on Saturdays.

Port Talbot Branch

50-54, Station Road,

Port Talbot, SA12 1LZ. 

9:30 AM to 3:00 PM Monday to Friday.

Commercial Road, 

Taibach

9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Monday to Friday.

Swansea Credit Union (LASA)

139 Walter Road Swansea SA1 5RQ 

Opening times Mon-Fri 10-3

Phone: 01792 643632