Juliet Seward juliets@corbysrb.demon.co.uk

Thank you for your e-mail of 16th April. I'd like to give you a few details about plans for the SRB scheme over the next few years.

PLEASE REMEMBER that plans are provisional and subject to annual reviews and approvement from the Government Office of the East Midlands. The information below is what we hope to achieve, but we cannot guarantee that plans won't change through circumstances which may be beyond our control.

HOUSING

Modernisation of 1930s Housing

This project started in 1996. It aims to modernise council owned properties on East Lloyds estate by installing new windows, kitchens, bathrooms, damp proof courses etc, as appropriate. To date over 100 homes have been improved. The next contract is due to start in the near future, and a further 70+ homes on the estate will be improved this year. In total, over 300 Council properties will benefit from this project. Project officer: Nigel Vernon, Assistant Director of Housing, CBC.

Enveloping of Non Traditional Houses

This project is designed to provide visual and energy conservation improvements to Wates PRC and BISF houses in Corby Village. To date 14 Council owned properties have been improved through brick cladding. More will be improved during this year and next through similar schemes and/or rendering. Originally it was hoped that owner occupiers would be able to benefit from grants to improve their homes in the same manner. However, the law

changed at the end of 1996 and the Council is now severely restricted as to what financial support it can offer to owner occupiers. Nevertheless, it is hoped that a reduced scale project will be initiated in the near future to enable owner occupiers to benefit from SRB. Project officer: Nigel Vernon, Assistant Director of Housing, CBC (for Council properties) and Martin Walker, Senior Environmental Health Officer, CBC (for owner occupiers).

Discretionary Grant Scheme for pre 1919 houses

The timescale for this project is under review. It is intended that grant aid be offered to owners of pre 1919 dwellings in the Village for various work. Project officer: Martin Walker, Senior Environmental Health Officer, CBC.

Pre-Paint Repairs in Corby Village

Council owned dwellings in Corby Village will be improved through external repairs and paintwork to window frames, doors, garages, sheds etc. over the next 3 years. Work should start in the current year, although Committee approval is awaited before final confirmation can be given. Project officer: Nigel Vernon, Assistant Director of Housing, CBC

Security Improvements to Rockingham Road Flats

The CCTV cameras installed in Rockingham Road were the first phase of this project. The next phase is the installation of new security doors in the next financial year (1999/2000).

Project officer: Nigel Vernon, Assistant Director of Housing, CBC.

OTHER PROJECTS

Traffic Management and Parking Scheme

This project is due to start in 1999/2000. It is intended that consultation with local people will start in the current year to ascertain the level of concern/interest in the various proposals

submitted, such as speeding traffic in Rockingham Road, traffic flow in the commercial area of the Village etc. Project officer: Ian Tattersall, Principal Engineer, CBC.

Historic Buildings Grant Scheme

From this year there is a small grant fund available to help towards the cost of work on historic buildings such as High Trees and St John's church. A maximum grant of 50% can be offered. Project officer: Ricardo Juan Cavernelis

Old Village Community Centre

A new community centre is due to open in the Old Village later in the year. Project officer: Chris Stephenson, Director of Leisure, CBC

Stephenson Way Community Centre

Stephenson Way Community Centre will undergo refurbishment in the near future to make it more accessible and more appropriate and attractive for wider use. Project officer: Chris Stephenson, Director of Leisure. 

CBC Corby Village Conservation Enhancement Scheme

CCTV cameras were installed in the Village last year. Further work to enhance the historic character of the area is planned and the current year will focus mainly on shop front improvements. Project officer: Keith Phillips, Head of Estates and Valuation, CBC

St James Industry Project

It is intended that the St James Industrial Estate will benefit from development through building small business units on the estate. It is anticipated that this will encourage other landowners to improve the appearance of their premises. The long term aim is to raise the land values of the estate to match other industrial areas in the town. Project officer: John Hill, Strategic Director, CBC

[Because of numerous difficulties with the above project, in particular the reclamation of the Soot Hills site and other land contamination issues, an additional year has had to be added to the length of the scheme, which now runs to the end of March 2002. This will affect very

few projects, as the SRB team has done what it can to minimise the disruption. Because there is so much private sector investment attached to this project, on which SRB funding depends, there was no choice but to extend the life of the scheme.]

There are numerous other projects, many of which are run by the other partners in the SRB scheme (Northamptonshire County Council and Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, Training and Enterprise). These include:

1. education projects designed to keep disaffected young people in mainstream education, as well as to support those who are chronic non attenders or have been excluded from school; support for literacy projects in primary schools; 2. support for victims of crime; 3. training for long term unemployed women in Social Care and Child Care at Pen Green; 4. drug outreach work; 5. work with young people, including outreach and detached work, as well as the Trails Park.

In response to your other questions, there are no plans for work on any allotments. I am not quite sure which ones you are refering to — those in Tunwell Lane, or the old ones at Pen Green lane? There are currently no plans under SRB to put a play area/football pitch in either of these areas, although, if the funding is secured, a pitch may be developed behind the new community centre on Charter Field.

To date, over 0.75 million SRB, plus over 3.5 million public sector (and a significant amount of private sector) money has been spent in East Ward (East Lloyds and the Village).

To the end of the scheme, there is still over 4.8 million SRB to be spent, along with a similar sum from the public sector. It is anticipated that the private sector will contribute over 7 million to the Scheme.

The first two years of the scheme had very little SRB funds allocated. It has therefore been quite slow to get off the ground. However, the funding profile increases over the next 3 years.

There are a few grants available, although they are restricted to the following:

1. historic buildings

2. shop front improvements

3. redundant commercial premises (Project officer: Keith Phillips, CBC)

4. owner occupiers of BISF properties - very limited

5. owner occupiers of pre 1919 properties - limited

For all of the above, the maximum grant is usually 50%, with some EC state aid regulations limiting certain grants to just 15%.  If anyone is interested in accessing grants, they should ideally contact the project officer listed above, or they can contact me in the first instance.

Unfortunately we do not have a 'community chest'. All the available funds have been allocated to specific projects, which means that we can only support new initiatives if one or more of the projects ceases unexpectedly.

The SRB Executive Group is currently looking at ways of better representing the community at Board level. However, current community representation is through officer attendance at meetings normally held by community groups. I would happy to attend any meeting in East Ward to which I can make a useful contribution. Community consultation events are normally held with relevant interested parties (such as traders, community centre associations, tenants/residents), as well as some wider, more general information events on an ad hoc basis, although anyone is free to contact me, or any of the project officers, at anytime.

I hope this answers some of your questions. Please don't hesitate to contact me again if I can be of any further assistance.

Juliet Seward

 

Hello Juliet,

Re: your previous e-mail:

>HOUSING

>Modernisation of 1930s Housing

>To date over 100 homes have been improved. The next contract is due to start in the near >future, and a further 70+ homes on the estate will be improved this year. In total, over 300 >Council properties will benefit from this project. Project officer: Nigel Vernon, Assistant >Director of Housing, CBC.

Why are just 300 homes being modernised? How are the properties selected; who gets to say what houses are improved?

>However, the law changed at the end of 1996 and the Council is now severely restricted as >to what financial support it can offer to owner occupiers. Nevertheless, it is hoped that a >reduced scale project will be initiated in the near future to enable owner occupiers to benefit >from SRB.

What were the changes in the law and what sort of benefits can owner occupiers expect in the near future?

>Stephenson Way Community Centre

>Stephenson Way Community Centre will undergo refurbishment in the near future to make >it more accessible and more appropriate and attractive for wider use.

Have plans been made up yet regarding the centre and the proposed alterations, and will the Truancy Unit still be an integral part of the building?

>There are numerous other projects, many of which are run by the other partners in the SRB >scheme (Northamptonshire County Council and Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, >Training and Enterprise). These include: 1. education projects designed to keep disaffected >young people in mainstream education, as well as to support those who are chronic non >attenders or have been excluded from school; support for literacy projects in primary >schools; 2. support for victims of crime; 3. training for long term unemployed women in >Social Care and Child Care at Pen Green; 4. drug outreach work; 5. work with young >people, including outreach and detached work, as well as the Trails Park.

Where will the training for long term unemployed take place; what are the plans for the drug outreach work (who's going to do it) and exactly what support is going to 'disaffected young people and chronic non-attenders'?

>Unfortunately we do not have a 'community chest'. All the available funds have been >allocated to specific projects, which means that we can only support new initiatives if one or >more of the projects ceases unexpectedly.

It's a pity you cannot support small individual projects within the local community, providing they're for the benefit of the community. Why is this so, when you support a wide range of activities that do not necessarily affect this area specifically, Truants in the Stephenson Way Centre, for instance (they come from all over Corby). There was also no mention of repairing the terrible pavement and road conditions in your e-mail, neither were there any plans to improve the environment. People living close by the reservoir are inundated with polluted water when the brook overflows. Despite residents complaining to the council and the local newspapers, the brook at the bottom of Pen Green Lane and Stephenson Way still remains a polluted eyesore. After storms and heavy rain the turgid waters flood gardens, endangering the health of occupants who live nearby. Families have complained of illness, their children suffering from stomach cramps and in one a very young child had to be rushed to Kettering hospital with fits. Although this cannot be directly attributed to the filthy state of the brook, residents are nevertheless worried.

Mrs Mcleod, whose child was rushed to hospital, says:

The polluted water soaks into the soil in my back garden, and I wondered whether it was the germs in the mud and slime that was making my twenty one month old baby ill. Last summer, he was constantly ill with diarrhoea and sickness.

The smell is so bad that I have to burn scented candles — even the washing smells when I hang it outside.

I have to watch my children all the time when they're in the garden, and I am constantly telling them not to play down the end. It frightens me that rodents might bite them, or they may catch something from the filth that flows from the brook.

Something must be done. I am dreading another summer living next to the brook.

________________________

Surely it is as important to ensure that local people live in healthy conditions as it is to keep disaffected young people in mainstream education? What's the point of having drug outreach workers, cleaning up society that way, only to allow illness to flourish because of pollution?

There are a few elderly people in this area who would benefit from a grant.

On the ninth of March, when the severe rain that flooded Northamptonshire had been pouring down all day, I telephoned the Council's repair department and explained that an elderly resident living in Whitworth Avenue was in desperate need of help. Telling them that she was poor, lived alone and had great difficulty walking, I practically begged them to send someone round to look at her roof. Rain was seeping in through the flashing on the dormer window at the back, forming a puddle under the floor and bulging the living room ceiling — the room in which she slept. Even though I pointed all these things out in graphic detail, and explained that her health was a risk, the repair's department refused to come out.

I had the same problem last Christmas when tiles blew off her roof in the severe storms that battered the country. Desperate for help, I telephoned Dennis Taylor who put me onto the Council's emergency services, but they refused to come to her aid, saying that they're only responsible for Council tenants.

And this is the crux of the problem — the fact is the woman is not a Council tenant. Her father died leaving her the responsibility of a house that is in dire need of repair and maintenance. She has neither the money or the energy to get these necessary repairs done. Wouldn't it be wonderful if one-off payments could be made to people like her. A grant for a new roof or central heating, etc., would ensure her health for many years to come. Why aren't the deserving elderly put before the non-deserving delinquents? Who decides where all these regeneration millions go? Are any member of the public on these committees, people that actually live in the area and know of the problems that abound?

Michael

__________________________________________________
 
E-MAILS PRIOR TO WORK COMMENCING ON THE CENTRE
 
>Hello Juliet,
>
>Just a few days to go before you're off on leave. In view of the
>government's new initiative with respect to social exclusion, I
>thought I'd mention one or two things before you go. How about a one
>off grant to do a thorough survey of the area - this would include
>door knocking and generally checking out the neighbourhood. A
>quality newsletter would be produced with desk top publishing
>equipment purchased by yourselves (this would be done quarterly and
>would be every bit as good, and probably more interesting, than
>yours). An Internet site would be built and people would have access
>to e-mail. A team of people would be employed to do general
>maintenance - the hedges and gardens of elderly home owners, etc.,
>those homes that fall outside of council responsibility but are in
>dire need of attention. The cleaning up of empty properties (charged
>to the landlords) and the general tidying of the streets (a road
>sweeper). The whole scheme would be run through the centre.
>
>It seems to me that people are not being given control over their own
>area. Funds are dolled out on the whims of the SRB committee and not
>on the strength of the people. It would be nice to have a say in
>where the money goes instead of being 'told' all the time? What do
>you say, then, huh?
>
>Michael

Hello Michael

How would it be funded? If you think this should be tackled through SRB,
then money would have to be taken from one of the projects.
Your local Ward Councillor, Mark Pengelly, sits on the SRB board. If you
have concerns about it not being representative, could I suggest that
you speak to Mark, or write to me formally.
As you know, additional members are shortly to be recruited from non
Councillor sectors, ie health, education, tenants/residents and youth.
 
Juliet Seward
 
>By the way, where will the SRB locate when the centre is being refurbished?
>
>Michael
 
I assume you mean the housing site office for the modernisation
programme? If so, I understand that temporary facilities will be made
available (portacabin?), although I'm not entirely sure where it will be
sited.
 
Juliet Seward
 
>Hello Juliet
>
>Hold your horses, we need a grant for security. This estate is fast
>heading for the title of 'sink'. Yes, it's becoming one of those
>awful places to be. Just this afternoon two youths rampaged in the
>main hall of the centre, throwing chairs and hurling abuse at a
>female volunteer worker. Yes, the crazed youngsters wanted to vent
>their frustrations and anger out on the nearest vulnerable person,
>and what better than some fifty-seven year old minding her own
>business in the confines of her own community centre. But who is to
>be pitied, the badly shaken woman or the kids? Oh the poor
>disaffected darlings, they're suffering from low self esteem and
>alienation from society. Look, here's a couple of grand. Take them
>on holiday to America. Stop it, Johnny, it's dangerous to light
>fires and set people's houses alight. Don't kill that cat, it's not
>nice, and please don't get drunk again and beat some old age
>pensioner up. You're a good boy really, take a hundred and get
>yourself a pair of trainers.
>
>I don't know what the answer is but I do know one thing - this is too
>big a problem to brush under the carpet. It's not the first time
>that youth have been abusive; in fact, it's becoming more frequent
>and more violent. The estate is going down hill fast and all the SRB
>committee can think about is bins and holes in the road. We need
>professional help and that costs MONEY. How can you help us Juliet?
>
>Michael
>
I understand that the lady concerned has been advised to contact the
local beat bobby to ask for advice on how to deal with this specific
instance.
 
If you have concerns about young people, SRB funds a youth work project
(both detached and outreach work). If you'd like to direct the team to
individuals who are causing you concern, please contact Debbie Robinson
or Carol Copeland on 204358.
 
Juliet Seward
 
Thanks for your response. The Dog Warden did mention the previous
chairman and the problem of his dogs, so I was half expecting you to
mention him.
 
It's a shame that people can't be controlled as easily as dogs! Even the
dog's mess is actually not the fault of the dogs, but of their owners. I
agree that not many people are likely to turn out to a meeting simply to
talk about dog's mess, especially not those who cause the problem. It
might be better simply to put the offer of free poop-scoops in the news
sheet with the Dog Warden's name and contact number?
 
Initially I wanted to follow up the 'Planning for Real' event with
another meeting. However, given the predictably low turn out to these
things, my main concern is that only a small percentage of those who
attended the first event will turn up. I think that the best way to keep
as many people as possible informed of what's happening is via a
newsletter. However, having said that, it would be a good idea, nearer
the time, to hold another meeting to update people, in particular on the
traffic issues. SRB funds become available for this project from April
next year, so this is really only the planning stage.
 
Unfortunately I will be on maternity leave from the end of October, so I
won't be able to manage this myself (always the best way to ensure
something gets done). I will leave a note to my successor to follow this
up. (We're having trouble recruiting - if you've got any questions at
all about the traffic project, please contact Ian Tattersall, Principal
Engineer, on 402551.)
 
For your information, I have written to the Police about the issues
about crime which were raised at the 'Planning for Real' event, and am
expecting a response shortly. I have also written to CBC's Environmental
Health Department about putting litter bins in Stevie Way, and to
Housing about mending fences/gates. I have no idea as yet what their
responses will be.
 
The representatives from NCC Highways agreed that the pavements were in
a bad state and that there was a need for something to be done about
speeding traffic and parking in Stevie Way. I gather that they have
already met with Ian Tattersall, and further discussions will be held in
the coming weeks.
 
In answer to your question about who turned up at the 'Planning for
Real' event, ever the pessimist for this sort of thing, I was quite
surprised that we got as many people as we did (about 35?). However, a
number of these were 'the same old faces'. My main concern is how to get
a fair representation of the views of the estate from such a small
number of people. If you've got any ideas...
 
Hello Juliet,
 
God, it's a dog's life. They're blamed for everything. If their dysfunctional owners only took a little more care…  Regarding the poop-scoops, you could leave some at the centre if you wish. I don't suppose there's a custom made one about the size of a human being, is there?
 
The newsletter is an excellent way to get your point across, providing it's not full of propaganda. People want to see 'Words for Real'. A newsletter that is significant and relevant is less likely to be binned. Another SRB meeting would be excellent.
 
I was surprised that there were no statistics available for crime at the SRB meeting. I spoke to the Chief Inspector of Corby Police about a year ago. He promised to send me a complete breakdown of crime for the Lloyd's Estate. I am sill waiting. The neighbourhood watch in this area disgruntled with the police for the lack of help they're giving them. In fact, morale is so low the NW is in imminent danger of folding. To think that just a year ago the group was enthusiastic, large and effective. Meanwhile people go on about doggy-doo being an issue. What a laugh.
 
The bins would have to be placed in well thought out positions. Unfortunately people are apt to throw their rubbish to the floor, even if they're standing within a few feet of a bin. We have one such bin already. Bottles are actually removed and smashed, shards of broken glass littering the surrounding pavement. The fences and gates repairs would be welcome.
 
The only way you're going to get a good response to anything is to go door to door with a questionnaire. You need sensible people to do the job, not someone who is completely out of touch.
 
Michael
 
>Hello Juliet,
>
>Thanks for your e-mail. I am afraid you've been fooled. Although
>dog's mess is an issue, people were really only having a dig at the
>previous chairman and his three dogs. This>was a way to get their 
own back (that's my opinion). When you think
>of the things that really do need doing around here, and someone
>zeroes in on doggy-doo, which there isn't that much of anyway, then
>you can see how sadly out of touch people are. The poor canines were
>rounded up like wild beast some years ago, snatched from the streets
>and carted off to their deaths. You can count the amount of dogs
>that roam around free on one hand, if that. In fact, one rarely sees
>a stray dog nowadays, and owners who walk their animals are generally
>careful of where they go (defecation wise). It's a pity people
>didn't look after their children as well. However, I take your point
>about doggy-doo scoops, and I daresay people would find them
>useful. Knowing the laws regarding dogs fouling the pavements would
>also be useful, too, but a meeting to explain just these two points?
>Is it necessary? Now if you had a meeting in which crime, the
>environment and traffic management was at the top of the agenda, and
>dog's mess at the bottom, then it might be useful. I would be glad
>to organise such an event. I'll certainly discuss the dog's mess
>thing with others; see what they say
>
>Regarding the best way to attract people to the centre for a meeting
>of this nature - leafleting is the answer. But whether people will
>find dog's mess and interesting enough topic to want to come out, is
>anyone's guess. Perhaps we ought to discuss what issues will attract
>the general populace around here - the things most prominent on their
>minds. Did you get a fair representation of people at your meeting,
>or did you see the same old faces? They're interested in housing,
>the state of the environment, drug abuse, crime, care of gardens (I'm
>talking about people who move into private rented property and let
>the gardens decline, also the aged who cannot maintain their
>gardens), unruly children, more support from police for neighbourhood
>watches, neighbours from hell, the appalling state of the pavements
>and roads. Juliet (he makes a personal appeal), the area is a total
>mess. Most of it is created by humans, not dogs.
>
>I'd like to see the newssheet. You must think I'm very cynical. I
>have my views. Please don't think I am being personal.
 
>Michael
>
>The message <c$e88BA+gk91EwEH@corbysrb.demon.co.uk>
> from Juliet Seward <juliets@corbysrb.demon.co.uk> contains these words:
>
>> I'm trying to pull together a news-sheet to update people on the results
>> on the 'Planning for Real' event held on 20th August. As you know, it
>> was meant to be about 2 SRB projects, i.e. crime and traffic management.
>> However, a number of issues of concern were raised which had nothing to
>> do with these project. I am doing what I can to deal with these as well,
>> but clearly they are somewhat out of my control.
>
>> One of the areas of concern was dog mess. I have spoken to the Council's
>> Dog Warden, who has just returned from extended leave. She would be
>> happy to come to a meeting, either of the Community Association, or an
>> open meeting, to answer questions, hand out free poop scoops and to
>> explain the Council's powers in this matter etc. What would you suggest?
>> I would like to advertise a meeting via the news-sheet. Could we invite
>> the general public to a meeting of the Community Association? Normally
>> she attends Tenants and Residents meetings, but clearly this isn't
>> possible in East Lloyds.
>
>> I would be grateful if you could give me some advice on the best way of
>> attracting the most people to a meeting of this sort.
>
>> --
>> Juliet Seward
 
Juliet Seward
 
The proposed news-sheet will simply be an update on some of the concerns
raised at the 'Planning for Real' event. It's really aimed at keeping
people informed and interested. There won't be any 'propaganda' in it
for the simple reason that not much progress will be made by the time it
goes out. I'd like to get it done before I go on holiday in 2 weeks.
Given how slowly things move here, progress between now and then won't
be worth shouting about.
 
One of the problems is that the budget for the main SRB project (traffic
management) only becomes available next year, so people may well wonder
why nothing's happening on the ground. The other thing is, as I
mentioned, that a lot of what came up at the event had nothing to do
with SRB and is therefore out of my control. However, having said that, 
I'm trying to do what I can to get concerns addressed.
 
For your information, I am in discussions with Environmental Health
about providing a litter bin outside the Community Centre. They are also
looking at providing another one (further up on Stevie Way?). If you
have any ideas about where it should be located, please contact Alec
Sellars on 402551, or let me know and I'll pass it on. People will be
given the opportunity to put forward suggestions to Alec in the news-
sheet. (There is currently no budget for any bins at all in the town,
but Alec reckons that if there's sufficient community demand, he could
argue the case for some cash. Apparently East Lloyds would be honoured
to get one or two bins...)
 
The problem with bins which don't service a specific facility (such as a
takeaway) is that they aren't much used and are often in the wrong place
when people want to throw litter away. As you said, people often throw
their litter on the floor no matter how close to a bin they are. Still,
we can but try.
You asked what post is on offer. It's cover for my maternity leave.
Regards
 
Juliet
 
Mmm. I see your problem.
 
Peter Floody (along with his boss, Chris Stephenson) is the project
officer, responsible for the project. Clive Harrison deals with the 'on
the ground' work for the project. They should be able to give you the
most accurate predictions for start dates etc. I don't know where Mark
Pengelly got the November date from, but I would have thought that his
sources would be the same as mine...
 
>Hello Juliet,
>
>I am getting conflicting information about the start of the
>refurbishment. Councillor Pengelly said, in the committee meeting
>last night, that work would start at the beginning of November.
>Peter Floody says he can't be precise and Mr Harrison says
>mid-December. One of our problems are that we have user groups in
>the building who cannot be messed about. They need to know, as we
>do, exactly when the work is starting.
>
>Hum ... what do you suggest I do? Who is going to give me the
>correct information that I need?
>
>Michael
>
 
Juliet Seward
 
Thank you for your e-mail. Just for your information, Clive Harrison
isn't in the SRB Office. He's in the Architects' department, and he
therefore knows a great deal more than I do about plans for the Centre!
Unfortunately he is unable to give you a definite start date for the
refurbishment work because the tender hasn't gone out yet. However, he
tells me that work should start some time around mid December.
Sorry I can't be more precise. If you need specific information about
this project in the future, please call either Peter Floody (who is on
holiday at the moment), or Clive, on 402551.
 
>Hello Juliet,
>
>I understand that Mr Clive Harrison, from the SRB, has been attending
>meetings at the centre in order to advice the committee on the coming
>refurbishment work. You may be aware that a new committee was
>elected at last Wednesday's AGM, and we're meeting this Wednesday at
>7.00pm, 2 September, to familiarise ourselves with the mechanics of
>the centre. It won't be neccessary for Mr Harrison to attend then,
>but he is certainly invited to subsequent meetings. I will let you
>know when they are by e-mail. Would it be possible to let us know
>when the work will be started, so that I can inform the committee on
>Wednesday. We need a firm date to plan ahead.
>
>Michael

________________________________________________________________________

E-MAILS SINCE WORK HAS FINISHED

14 October, 1999.

I understand from Councillor Noble that you have sent a number of E-mail
messages to me in the last couple of weeks without acknowledgement. I
regret to inform you that I have received none of them. I keep
meticulous records of all incoming correspondence and the last message I
had from you was dated 3 December 1998.

Perhaps you would be good enough to send further copies to me and I will
reply as soon as I can?

Please feel free to telephone me on 01536 464018 if you would prefer.
 
Graham Thomson

_____________________________________

14 October, 1999.

Thanks for the prompt reply.

I too keep meticulous records of all incoming and outgoing correspondence. Jimmy Noble was wrong when he said I had sent two e-mails in the last couple of weeks. I had in fact sent them over the last couple of months. One on the 20 August and one on the 5 October.

They were sent to juliets@corbysrb.demon.co.uk, for the attention of the manager. I know she isn't there anymore but the e-mails should have been picked up by somebody else in the office. They have never been returned by the postmaster as undelivered, so I know they have reached you.

The committee are baffled as to what happened to the SRB money that was spent on the Stephenson Way Community Centre. The funds ran out before the centre was completed, leaving us an expenditure of - from centre funds - £4200 on the kitchen and £2100 for the garden, both of which were originally priced for in the builder's contract. We were also going to have a storm porch and the odd front windows double glazed. However, we were told that SRB funds had run out and that further costs - kitchen, garden, double glazing, etc - would be down to us. What happened? Why were we (the centre) expected to pay for essential work when it had been planned and budgeted for?

Michael Quarrinton (centre chairman)

______________________________________

Friday, 22 October, 1999.
 
Thank you for your note.
 
As you may know, Juliet never returned from maternity leave. I checked
her e-mail daily for the first couple of months, then weekly, then
monthly. I last checked during July. There had been no messages sent
to her for some considerable time. I checked following your note and
have now both messages. As it happens, our last correspondences were to
this (my) address, hence the confusion. Hopefully, however, no harm has
been done.
 
I know from Mr Floody of the many conversations he had with you and your
Management Committee to keep you fully informed of progress and
difficulties, especially the budget issues. I have spoken with Peter
and agreed that he and I will meet you to discus these matters if you
like. If that would be helpful, please let Peter know and we will
arrange a mutually convenient time. (I am out of the office until the
middle of next week.)
Graham Thomson

_________________________________

Replied:
 
No harm done at all.
 
Yes, I'd like to meet with yourself and Peter. He is on leave next week so perhaps we could get together when he returns?
 
Regards
 
Michael Quarrinton

__________________________________________

29 October, 1999.

Graham Thompson writes:

Thanks for the note.

Yes, I look forward to chatting on Peter's return.

__________________________________________________

10 November, 1999.


Hello Graham

I telephoned Dell Computers with a list of requirements for a decent desk top publishing computer and asked them to send me an estimate. When it arrives I'll send it on. But what is your address? Are you in the council buildings? I forgot to mention when I saw you on Saturday, that the computer will be shared between the Old Village and ourselves. Desk top publishing is what we both need; we're perfectly willing to share it in a sort of joint ownership - it'll be set up in our centre for both our use. Would this help with the possible grant?

Also, is there a provision in the SRB work on the Lloyd's Estate to help owner occupiers improve their property? I would like to double glaze my badly deteriorated porch. Can I get the cost reduced through the SRB scheme in some way?

Michael

___________________________________________________

11 November 1999

Dear Mr Quarrinton,
 
Thank you for the note. I will answer your Centre related points then
your personal one.  Firstly, however, congratulations to the Committee on the opening event.  As far as I could tell, people enjoyed themselves and I hope all goes well for the future.
 
In response to your comments:
>I telephoned Dell Computers with a list of requirements for a decent
>desk top publishing computer and asked them to send me an estimate.
>When it arrives I'll send it on.
 
>I forgot to mention when I saw you on
>Saturday, that the computer will be shared between the Old Village
>and ourselves. Desk top publishing is what we both need; we're
>perfectly willing to share it in a sort of joint ownership - it'll be
>set up in our centre for both our use. Would this help with the
>possible grant?
 
As I explained to you, there are NO GUARANTEES of any further SRB
funding for the Centre. I did say that there was a possibility of some
funding for certain items but that each bid would be taken on its merits
within the context of all factors (e.g. amount of funds
sought/available; outputs required / outputs obtainable; competing
bids).
 
I stressed that any bid, whether for the upstairs area or for computer
equipment should be submitted through Peter Floody. If the Committee
does decide to bid for ICT equipment it must be submitted in that way.
It strikes me that perhaps Ms Lakha could facilitate this, especially
with her rôle between the two centres.
>But what is your address? Are you in the council buildings?
 
The Corby Partnership
Grosvenor House
George Street
Corby
Northamptonshire
NN17 1QB
 
>Also, is there a provision in the SRB work on the Lloyd's Estate to
>help owner occupiers improve their property? I would like to double
>glaze my badly deteriorated porch. Can I get the cost reduced
>through the SRB scheme in some way?
 
Regrettably, there are no such projects which could help you with your
own house (assuming you live in Whitworth Avenue).
 
Graham Thomson

_____________________________________________________

11 November, 1999.


Hello Graham

Thanks for the prompt reply and for the kind comments about the open day. Yes, I fully understand there are no guarantees of further SRB funding. And I will submit any requests for grants through Lena or Peter Floody (I wasn't entirely sure about this point but know now).

Shame about subsidised repairs and improvements for owner occupiers. Seems they have missed the boat completely with no concessions for improvements to their homes, which would in turn have had an improving affect on the area generally. So the SRB is more about improving council property, rather than estates generally?

Michael Q'.