A TRA-Rific Success

23 May 2008

Lewisham Homes has a number of tenants and residents associations (TRA) working to try and make things better for other local residents. Community Involvement Officer, Christina Evwierhoma went along to meet members of one TRA to find out what they have been up to since their launch.

Deptford Wharf TRA began in August 2006 and over the last year they have seen some great improvements to the block and surrounding area thanks to the hard work of TRA members.

Whose idea was it to set up a TRA?

Lesley Kennerk (LK): “I came up with the idea of starting a TRA because I was getting worries and complaints from other tenants on the estate and I wanted to get something done about them”.

How many people are involved in the TRA and how frequently do you meet?

LB: “When the TRA began we were meeting every month, but we have now started meeting on a bi-monthly basis. About 8-10 residents are regularly involved in our TRA meetings and regularly attend as well as the four committee members. Our meetings are laid back and everyone works well together”

What improvements have you been campaigning for on behalf of Deptford Wharf residents?

LB: “We have been working on getting new windows for the blocks which from the get go were the one thing that was always discussed at our meetings”.

Improved street lighting and the removal of pigeon nests were also an issue. Lez Brooks the TRA treasurer has been influential in getting Lewisham Homes and Lewisham Council to carry out much needed improvements. In January the street lights were replaced after Lez managed to get the Head of Lewisham Lighting to come and see the old street lights.

Last year Lez, concerned about the health risks the pigeon nests posed carried out some research and contacted the environmental health department to inform them of his findings. In November last year the pigeon nests were finally removed, this was great news to the elderly Deptford wharf residents who saw this as a big concern.

One improvement that has really brightened up the blocks and the lives of the residents has been the new double glazed windows that have just recently been put in. The old windows were single pane wooden framed windows and they caused condensation, mould and were drafty. 

I asked Lez and Lesley what they think of the new windows…

LB: “The new windows keep out more noise due to them being double glazed, they are less drafty and the little ventilation caps stop the condensation”.

LK: “I feel more secure now”.

What are the future plans for your TRA?

LK: “More CCTV is needed for the area”.

LB: “There is a problem with parking in the area that we would like to see improve greatly”.

What advice do you have for other residents who would like to start a TRA?

LB: “Go round and talk to residents to bounce off the idea. If you have a lot of disinterested residents then you will never get the TRA going”. Lez also advises “define the area for your TRA and find out who would like to be on a committee”.

Lez gives one final piece of advice for people considering starting a TRA.  “As a TRA rep you can get more things done, you have more clout as a group and there is a power with that group”.

“As a TRA you can scream and shout more powerfully than you could if you were just an individual”.

If you are interested in starting up a Tenants and residents association for your area or you want more information please contact the Community Involvement Team on 020 8314 9267 or getinvolved@lewishamhomes.org.uk

 

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