Need tenants? Look no further

Join Colchester Borough Council’s (CBC’s) Homefinder scheme today and you could secure a steady return on your property with no arrangement fee. CBC urgently need landlords for families waiting to be housed. Many of their customers want to rent in the private sector. This is a positive choice and CBC can help them, and you, sustain a positive tenancy.

Before CBC put any families forward for a private tenancy they check they are capable of sustaining a tenancy and make sure that this is the best option for them.

When you join Homefinder you can choose either:

  • a full property and tenancy management service which offers guaranteed rent, together with regular property checks and protection against tenant damage…. Call 01206 244700 OR
  • if you’d prefer to manage your property yourself, we can give you peace of mind with our free property checks and the first month’s rent and deposit paid directly to you…Call 01206 506513

Download the Homefinder leaflet by clicking here.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Be heard – Colchester services survey

CBC Survey – Sample page

Colchester Borough Council has launched a Customer Service Survey to understand why residents access Council Services in the way that they do. From 11th July the Council begun to gather customer feedback to ensure it is providing the right services at the right location. Customers visiting the Customer Service Centre, High Street will be asked to take the opportunity to have their say, by participating in the survey and shaping the future delivery of Council services. The Customer Service Survey asks:

  • Why customers prefer to visit the CBC offices rather than use the phone or email and
  • Where they have travelled from and what mode of travel they use when they come into town to visit CBC.
  • Whether they would prefer to access Council Services within their local community from locations such as library or Parish Council premises.

Cllr Beverley Oxford, Portfolio Holder for Customers, said: “The Council is committed to providing excellent customer service to residents and the business community, and wants to future proof its services so that we can ensure we are providing customer service in a format and location that meets our customers changing needs. “Residents’ views are very important in helping us to shape the future of Council services. Complete our customer survey and communicate your priorities and needs to the Council.”

Customers can also complete the survey online at www.colchester.gov.uk/customersurvey until 2 September 2011. Following the 2 September we will collate and consider responses as part of the first stage of the Council’s customer services consultation.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Blown away…

Garden sacks marked with address

… garden waste sacks are a real nuisance.  CBC has provided advice on reducing the problems experienced by local residents after their sacks are emptied on windy days and sometimes blow away.
Prevention is always better than cure so advice to prevent permanent loss of these sacks are:

  • have a large stone, brick or similar weighty object nearby so the crew can weigh the sacks down once emptied, and 
  • always write your address on the side of them, this way if they do blow away anybody finding them can return them to you.

If the worst happens and you need replacement garden sacks residents can purchase their sacks online for home delivery by clicking on the link below. This link can also be used by residents to order clear recycling sacks and green boxes which are not chargeable:

Garden sacks can also be purchased from a number of outlying collection points across the borough. The link below will take residents directly to a full list of locations:

Residents may also use sacks similar in size and construction to those available from the Council, however they must have emptying handles on the side and the bottom.  Alternatively you could consider composting garden waste, details of this option can be found by residents by clicking the link below.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Free Half Term fun – Thursday 2nd June

The Halfords Tour Series is coming to Colchester Thursday 2 June 2011, bringing with it a whole afternoon of festival activities for all to enjoy, in addition to the thrilling professional cycle race that will take place in the town centre streets from 7pm.

Castle Park will host an array of free activities from 2pm for people of all ages to play a part in, in the lead up to the evening race.

Head to Hollytrees Meadow, Castle Park, to trial the amazing 54 metre Northshore mountain bike track, bikes and helmets will be provided. Budding BMX riders can freestyle on the BMX Park or brush up your tricks with the skills sessions – bring your own bike.

Drop in on the Halfords Hub Arena where there will be all sorts of entertainment going on throughout the afternoon, and prepare to be amazed by the tricks and flips of Triple World Champion Ben Savage as he tackles the VooDoo Bikes Stunt Rig. There will be an opportunity to improve your cycle skills with some coaching from Ben himself.

Don’t miss all that Lower Castle Park has to offer including football skills sessions, kwik cricket, tennis and volleyball.

Hollytrees Lawn will host the entertainment and refreshments arena, come and try Zumba Latin workout, join the street dance workshop or relax and enjoy a programme of activity throughout the day.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Your Colchester – Your Budget

As balancing the budget becomes increasingly difficult, Colchester Borough Council needs to make some tough decisions that will impact on you as local residents.

Residents’ views are critical in helping the Council to shape the future of its services and Colchester Borough Council would like you to share your priorities with them. Simply tell them which services are most, and least, important to you.

Say what you think. Complete the quick questionnaire by visiting www.colchester.gov.uk/yourcolchester or share your ideas on Twitter at www.twitter.com/yourcolchester.

The questionnaire asks you to state the 3 most- and 3 least-important services to you from the folowing list:
  • Activity Centres
  • Arts and Culture
  • Benefits
  • Building Control
  • Business and Economic Development
  • Car Parks
  • CCTV
  • Cemetery and Crematorium
  • Community Support
  • Council Tax
  • Customer Service Centre
  • Housing and Homelessness
  • Licensing
  • Mayoral and Civic Duties
  • Museums and Heritage
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Planning
  • Planning and Transportation Policy
  • Regeneration
  • Sport and Leisure
  • Street Cleaning
  • Street Wardens
  • Support Services
  • Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour
  • Tourism
  • Waste and Recycling Collection

It also invites you to contribute any ideas you might have to save money or increase income.

The questionnaire will be available to complete until 4 October 2010. The Council will then collate and consider your responses as part of the first stage of its budget consultation.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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