Housing Association's six-year programme

ALDERNEY Housing Association is open for business. The new body, which has taken control of the island's social housing stock, has set up in Queen Elizabeth II Street.

Project manager John Weir (pictured) believes the AHA will deal with tenants' issues quicker than ever before. He is also confident that it will improve Alderney's social properties.

'At the moment people have to go to the States office, where their request will be passed on to several different people before it is dealt with. It's a bit complicated and cumbersome,' said John.

'The AHA will just concentrate on housing, so hopefully we will be able to deal with things much more quickly.'

The association, which has been set up and funded by the States of Alderney, is hoping to renovate much of the local housing stock and build new properties.

'Upgrading the houses is the biggest change we'll make. It's not going to be done overnight – it is going to take time,' said John.

'We're hoping to make an announcement about a new development later in the year. One of our priorities is Whitegates, which we are planning to knock down and rebuild. But obviously we need to find somewhere for the current residents to go before it can be demolished.'

John said residents had raised concerns about rent increases and AHA's links with its equivalent body in Guernsey.

'Some people were worried about AHA being run by Guernsey, but it isn't. Others said they were happy with their properties, but after scratching the surface many admitted they could do with something better,' he said.

'Residents were also concerned about rents going up. However, if we develop eco-friendly homes, any rental increase should be offset by a reduction in fuel costs. We have told people that if improvements are made, the rent will go up accordingly.'

The AHA has committed to a six-year programme but, as John explained, the timescale of improvements will depend on funding.

'We can't plan too far in advance because the States can only budget on a year-on-year basis,' he said.

'What we can do is look at improving the quality of accommodation straight away. The States has a number of pulls on its cash, but we're completely committed to our properties. We will get a programme of maintenance in place, which will include painting on a regular basis. It will be constant renovation.'

John said all AHA's tenants will be kept updated by a regular newsletter.

'Residents should also look out for a new lease, which will be the same as their existing one apart from the fact that States property has been replaced by AHA property.'

John will soon announce the winners of AHA's logo competition.

More than 60 pupils from St Anne's School entered and winners will receive an Easter egg and cash from local supermarket Le Cocq's.

l Anyone wanting to get in touch with AHA should call 824870 or pop in to the association's Martyn House office.