Connaught
- What streets: Connaught Court, Bentley Close, The Crescent, North Street.
- Walkabout completed on 4 September 2024.
What happened
We were joined by Remedi, which provides restorative justice and emotional and practical support for victims of crime. Remedi spoke with our customers to help them understand how best to address potential issues with neighbours, and helped them find resolutions to some of the issues experienced. We'll keep in touch with Remedi to follow up any actions.
An overgrown tree was pointed out to us during the walkabout, so we arranged for this to be cut back and we also reported to the relevant local authority issues spotted to do with the pavements, pathways and car park areas.
Belper
- What streets: Rookery Close and around this area.
- Walkabout completed on 18 October 2024.
What happened
We confirmed that a nearby pothole was reported to Derbyshire Highways. They have since replied that they have assessed the road condition and confirmed it does not meet their criteria for reactive repair. However, they will continue to monitor the area through safety and condition inspections.
We also talked to a customer about an overgrown bush belonging to a nearby farmer. We have raised this issue with the farmer as well.
Codnor
- What streets: Field Street, Highfields, Thomson Walk, Jessop Street.
- Walkabout completed on 23 July 2024.
What happened
Customers were concerned about the communal car park and who's using it and how people were parking. To resolve this we've ordered some signs to ensure it's clear who the car park is for and we'll also be marking out clear parking bays too. We'll update here again to show you the changes when this has been completed.
Gladstone Avenue
- What streets: Gladstone Avenue, Lowlands Lea, Bearle Ave.
- Walkabout completed on 16 August 2024.
What happened
We’ve had lots of engagement from the local community in this area. They wanted to increase the use of the community centre and make it a hub for the community to come together, so we've supported them to make this happen. The inside of the centre has had a re-fresh, and outside there's now a new bench and raised beds and planters, making it a much more inviting space. It's been great to see the community centre now being used as a space for people to come together, with regular events including coffee mornings, craft fairs, bus trips and more. We have seen friendships form, and a reduction in people feeling isolated.
If you'd like to join the community group, they meet every Tuesday at Gladstone Avenue community centre. Check out their Facebook page 'Maggies den community group' for all their latest updates, as they often host other events at the centre, including meal nights and trips out.
Park Court
- What streets: Park Court.
- Walkabout completed on 16 August 2024.
What happened
Lots of people came along to this walkabout which was great to see, including the local policing team and volunteers from the community. The volunteers had planted lots of colourful flowers in the walled raised beds and areas at the front of their homes.
There was a wide range of issues found here, including grounds maintenance issues, uneven footpaths and deteriorating walls. We've raised all of them to the relevant teams and we'll be back to visit again to make sure everything has been sorted.
Holme Close
- What streets: Holme Close and surrounding areas.
- Walkabout completed on 10 September.
What happened
Customers raised issues with the communal green areas. We're working with our grounds maintenance team to survey the area and produce a plan of works to improve it. We'll be in touch with customers to update them on the proposed improvements.
King William Centre
- What streets: Adelaide Walk, Openacre, King William Street, Regent Court, Waterside and Deepdale.
- Walkabout completed on 25 July.
What happened
We're now planning to create a community garden on the small, grassed area in the middle of King William Centre, in front of the old pantry. As an outcome of the doorstep surveys on the last walkabout, the feedback from residents was that they’d like a community garden to be built, including some raised flower beds and vegetable plots, and to also improve the current seating area. We're aiming to start the works during October half term, so more details will follow!
Bown Close
- What streets: Bown Close flats and communal spaces.
- Walkabout completed on 4 July.
What happened
Overall the area was in good condition, however we found some of the communal signs were out of date. We've ordered new signs and will return once they've been installed.
Lovatt Drive picnic and litter picks
At one of our recent walkabouts we spoke with customers about various issues, including littering, anti-social behaviour involving young people, abandoned vehicles (which we reported and have since been removed) and their desire to get to know more neighbours and grow their community.
To support with their concerns about antisocial behaviour and littering, we held 'picnic and litter pick' events and were joined by Derbyshire Police, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, Derby County Community Trust and Sporting Communities, to all work together to signpost and work with the young people to deter them from ASB.
Booth Street
- What streets: Booth Street.
- Walkabout completed on 12 July.
What happened
We found the door entry system wasn't working properly and the rear door lock was also faulty, so both of these have now been repaired. Customers told us they felt the communal areas were looking a little tired and in need of freshening up, so we've put in a request with our decorating team to help with this.
Oak Tree Close
- What streets: Oak Tree Close.
- Walkabout completed on 28 June 2024.
What happened
Most residents reported that they have ongoing problems with children on the street causing antisocial behaviour. We've spoken with the police and other agencies to see whether we can arrange some education around the impact of antisocial behaviour.
We also identified some areas of communal gardens which need improving, and we're looking into the possibility of making better use of the green space.
Peveril Court community centre
- Meeting where and when: Peveril Court community centre, DE5 3NR. 21 November at 2pm.
- What streets: Just around the community centre.
Smalley
- What streets: Station Drive, Meadow Drive and Smalley Hill Drive.
- Walkabout completed on 13 August.
What happened
During our walkabout we found the estate to be well maintained, clean and tidy with only a small number of individual neighbour related concerns. We addressed these concerns on the day and have since been working for a long term resolution. It's really great to see our communities looking after their local areas and gardens, with a great community feel.
Abbott Court and Stringer Drive
- What streets: Abbott Court and Stringer Drive.
- Walkabout completed on 20 June.
What happened
We'd received reports of antisocial behaviour (ASB) in this area which is why we carried out the walkabout. Through working with local people, the ASB has now stopped following our intervention.
We found some fly-tipping and the perpetrator was spoken to on the day, as they were identified by local residents. Signs have also been put up in the area to discourage further fly-tipping.
We've also requested for some painting and decorating in the internal communal areas within the flats.
Thurston Avenue
- What streets: Thurston Avenue, Haston Drive, Everest Drive, Scott Drive, Burke Drive, Bonnington Drive.
- Walkabout completed on 23 July.
What happened
During our walkabout we found the estate to be well maintained, clean and tidy with only a small number of issues which we addressed with individual customers on the day. It's really great to see our communities looking after their local areas and gardens!
