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

Minister welcomes Swansea’s steps to regeneration

Coastal Housing’s director of development Gerraint Oakley shows Wales’ Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, Huw Lewis and Leader of Swansea Council David Phillips around the regeneration of High Street, Swans

Wales’ Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, Huw Lewis, has welcomed the partnership approach that is showing progress in regenerating Swansea’s High Street and its surrounding area.

The Minister was in Swansea visiting projects that have benefited and received support from the Welsh Government Swansea Regeneration Area.

Amongst the highlights of his afternoon tour was a trip to Coastal Housing Group’s iconic Urban Village, to which the organisation has recently moved over 100 of its Swansea based staff. The Minister’s visit also took in progress on the voluntary landlord partnership initiative – an innovative multi-landowner approach to short term retail letting in partnership with Swansea Creative Hub – to improve the environment whilst promoting culture through imaginative use of spaces.

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. Boosting social and economic development, whilst improving the environment, the newly completed scheme results in a mixed use of up to eight retail units along High Street, with three floors of office space above.

Urban Village is the flagship development to kick-start the regeneration of High Street. It is complemented by a variety of programmes including Art Across the City and the Voluntary Landlord Partnership. Such programmes involve key partners including Coastal Housing Group, Welsh Government, Swansea City Council, Swansea Creative Hub and Swansea BID.
 

The Voluntary Landlord Partnership, a Coastal initiative working with Towncentred with the support of Regeneration Area grant funding, seeks to establish temporary uses of buildings and public space. It seeks to identify opportunities to support owners and potential users to set up arrangements including pop-up shops and re-using buildings. Art Across the City is an artist-led charity offering different ways for people to engage with contemporary art created for popular public spaces, giving everybody the chance to see and experience contemporary art without having to enter an art gallery.

The programmes complement works being delivered across Swansea under the collaborative City Centre Strategic Framework.

Huw Lewis said: “Through our various regeneration programmes the Welsh Government is helping to breathe new life into Swansea’s High Street, one of the key gateways to the city. It’s fantastic to see how the Urban Village is developing. It is a prime example of how effective the partnership approach to regeneration can be.”

Coastal Housing Group’s Chief Executive Tim Blanch said: “Urban Village is a flagship scheme to rejuvenate the area. It is complemented by a variety of innovative projects. Working in partnership, Coastal is seeking to explore opportunities to increase footfall and cultural and social activity in the area.”

Coastal Housing’s director of development Gerraint Oakley, Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, Huw Lewis, Leader of Swansea Council David Phillips and Coastal Housing Group’s Chief Executive Tim Blanch

WIN High Street shopping vouchers* - Photo Competition

WIN High Street shopping vouchers* and have a chance to see your colourful photos in print!

We’re on the hunt for great photos to feature in our Annual Calendar. 

This year’s theme is 'Wonderful Colour'. . . glorious, vibrant colour. 

Photo supplied by David Hughes - Leaves & Raindrops

Yes, it may be in a garden but that’s what every one will be thinking. Stand out from the crowd and look for colour elsewhere – a veg stall in the market, clothes shops, a row of colourful houses, kids toys, in your wardrobe. 

Colour is all around you. Fill your frame with colour if you can.

Photo supplied by David Hughes - Pegging Out

Using photographs taken by our tenants for our annual report and calendar really is a winner and very popular! It’s also a great way of showcasing some of our talented tenants who are very good photographers.

Please remember, our Calendar is for everyone to enjoy so personal photos are not suitable. They also need to be pin sharp and correctly exposed. Unless your mobile takes higher resolution photographs, shots from mobile phones do not look good when printed. Ideally aim for an original photo size of 5mb. Photographic prints will be accepted as enlargements 10”wide by 8”high, inkjet prints will need to be larger. Thank you.

  

To see some of the photos we chose from last years competition, click here

The overall winning photo will earn you £40 of Love to Shop vouchers.
The 11 other photos chosen as ‘winners’ will earn £20 each and be featured in the calendar, in HomeFront and also on display at our AGM.

The closing date is Friday June 29^th, send your photos by email to maggie.mcturk@coastal.housing.co.uk, or send a CD or prints to; Maggie McTurk, Coastal Housing Group, 11 Wind Street, Swansea, SA1 1DP.

*Please note:  this competition is open to Coastal Housing tenants only.