Skyllings estate set for improvements with removal of garages

Sovereign South+West Press Release
14 November 2011

Skyllings estate set for improvements with removal of garages

Work has begun on the Skyllings, in east Newbury, which will transform the estate, making parking easier and tackling anti-social behaviour.

The demolition of two sets of four garages began on Monday 14 November. In their place, off-street parking for 14 properties will be created, while people will be able to see children playing in the multi-user games area (MUGA), views of which have until now been obstructed by the garage blocks.

The decision to remove the garages was taken after an extensive consultation with local residents, conducted by Sovereign South+West. People on the estate overwhelmingly identified parking and anti-social behaviour as their major concerns.

“These improvements will make a positive difference to residents’ day-to-day lives. Parking will be much easier and the whole estate should be a safer and more open place to live,” said Norma Maggs, Housing Officer for Sovereign South+West.

“We are delighted to be able to tackle issues that clearly matter to our residents. The removal of the garages will allow an unrestricted view of the MUGA and any acts of anti-social behaviour being carried out. These works will make the whole area more open and discourage ASB from happening in the first place.”

The work is being jointly funded by Sovereign South+West and West Berkshire Council. While it is being carried out, the contractors will ensure that vehicles can move freely on the road and guarantee the safety of pedestrians.

David Betts, West Berkshire's Executive Councillor for Highways & Transport said: "The Council are taking the opportunity to combine the Sovereign scheme with resurfacing of the footways around Skyllings. This will provide a cost-effective way to provide an improved environment with minimum disruption to residents."

Beyond the physical improvements, Sovereign has also worked with residents to build a more sustainable community, by organising community events, such as the recent fun day, in collaboration with local partners such as Tesco, Clay Hill Neighbourhood Action Group, Berkshire Association of Clubs for Young People and the neighbourhood wardens.

“The physical works are part of a bigger picture,” said Lee Dillon Resident Involvement Officer for Sovereign South+West. “We want to build communities where people want to live. The social events that have been held in the run-up to this project and that will continue throughout will help to enhance the community spirit.”

Notes to Editors

* Sovereign Living is a trading name of The Sovereign Housing Group Limited, a charitable body. The Sovereign Group is made up of four charitable associations: The Sovereign Housing Group Ltd; Sovereign Housing Association Ltd (incorporating Sovereign South+West and Sovereign Twynham); Kingfisher HVHS Housing Association Ltd; and The Vale Housing Association Ltd – plus subsidiaries. It also includes the non-charitable Sovereign Living Limited.

* If you would like more information, please contact Roy Probert, Public Relations Manager for Sovereign, on 01635 277406 or 07827 356479, or email roy.probert@sovereign.org.uk