IMPORTANT NEWS FOR SPRING BOROUGHS RESIDENTS

Over the next few weeks residents of Spring Boroughs, will be asked for their views from three different sources for three different studies. It is important that residents understand what they have to do by law and what they can choose to do or not do if they wish:

1) 2011 Census: This is a purple booklet sent in an A4 envelope with “Household Questionnaire” written on the top, It is very important that you fill this form in and return it in the envelope provided. This is a legal document and failure to return it could lead to a fine of up to £1000. if you have any concerns on this form phone the Census helpline on 0300 0201 101 PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS CENSUS FORM

2) Northampton Borough Council consultation on regeneration: You will receive a letter about this, and you can choose to take part or not, consultants appointed by the Council will conduct interviews door to door to ask your views on the future regeneration of Spring Boroughs, including sensitive questions on which blocks of flats you feel should be demolished! Unlike the census you can chose to take part or not in this study and if you do just be open. The survey is anonymous and the residents association will be holding public meetings to discuss the outcome further

3) Northampton Borough Council will also be engaging different consultants to carry out a “Stock Condition Survey” in other words asking council tenants if they can inspect their properties to find out what repairs need doing, again this will be done block by block, door to door. And again the choice is yours as to whether or not to participate.

I initially had some real concerns over these surveys all being carried out at the same time and also about their content, and I remain worried that they might raise fears in the neighbourhood about the future of peoples homes. I have raised these concerns with the council and told them that I considered opposing the last two of these studies. But if we are ever to get the council to act on our needs then we will need to provide the evidence of their neglect of Spring Boroughs and of our homes. So whilst I believe the questionnaires could have been conducted better by Caspar or the Residents Association without the need to waste any money on consultants, I have decided not to oppose them, but instead I leave it to you to determine what information you wish to give.

IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS OVER ANY OF THE ABOVE STUDIES AND QUESTIONAIRRES AND OR WANT ADVICE ON ANY ASPECT OF THEM, THEN I AM HERE TO ANSWER THOSE CONCERNS. PLEASE RING ME ON 07971040166 or email me at tony.clarke@email.com and I will do my best to advise you.