Latest news...

January saw us successfully complete the housing of sisters Tarnya and Natasha Mitchell with a 2 bedroom flat in the centre of town.  This property was the second to be made available, at an affordable rate, by a local landlord for which we are extremely grateful.

Amongst our generous donations received lately we have had a cheque for £1000, through a bequeathed legacy and £300 from a local group.

Some of our current applicants have recently viewed a 2 bedroom property in Wighton.  Unfortunately due to the need to be housed in Wells for voluntary commitments we have been unsuccessful in finding the landlord a suitable tenant.  If, however, you know of someone that would like to be considered for this or other properties please let us know. 

We are still looking for suitable properties to let or buy, also land for redevelopment would be considered.  Please keep us in mind if you are in a position to help us.

We are also planning some of our successful fundraising events throughout the coming year.  We will keep you informed well in advance as your support with the events is very important to us.

EDP LETTER

In case you missed the letter in the EDP from peter our chairman I thought you might like to see a copy:

HOUSING TRUSTS NEED HELP TO HELP OTHERS:
I read with dismay that the county council proposes to reallocate half of its second homes council tax income, presently allocated for affordable housing in North Norfolk, to support infrastructure projects in other parts of the county. North Norfolk has a severe shortage of affordable homes for local people.
Due to the high house prices and rents, inflated by second home ownership, significant numbers of local people cannot afford to live in the area of their birth or employment. In Wells and other communities like Blakeney and Holt, local people have taken the initiative and formed housing trusts, in an attempt to provide housing for these people. These trusts are doing excellent work but are not eligible for government grants and must raise all their own funds through private means.
Homes for Wells (HfW) is a housing trust set up just over two years ago to provide housing for local people and key workers on low incomes, and in that time has raised more than £350,000. The level of practical support from both locals and second home owners has been incredible; eight proprieties have been 'lent' to the trust to let to local people at rents well below commercial rates. HfW desperately needs to acquire property of its own to make available to the people on our waiting list.
A housing needs survey, carried out in Wells, identified more than 100 households in which there was a housing need. The County Council Tax Quota could make a real difference to the work of North Norfolk housing trusts, in providing housing to local people, at a realistic rent.

PETER TERRINGTON
Chairman, Homes for Wells,

The Fundraising committee are also planning some interesting fundraising events for this year namely a Summer Garden Party, a second auction of promises plus stalls at various local events.

We have been approached by 2 home owners to view and possibly let their properties through HfW, but we are always looking for more along with properties to purchase and land to develop.

If you know of anyone who you think would benefit from being on the HfW register, please tell them about us.  If they would like to have an informal chat, I'd be more than pleased to speak to them.

John Rest
HfW Co-ordinator

 

FUNDRAISING

The Homes for Wells fundraising team were in the town during Wells Christmas Tide selling flashing necklaces and wands to help illuminate the extremely successful lantern parade and to raise funds for the Society.

The team also displayed a tree in the Congregational Church decorated with miniature stables made by Year 7 pupils at the Alderman Peel High School – the stable theme was chosen to signify the lack of accommodation for Mary and Joseph just prior to the birth of Jesus, and the lack of affordable accommodation for the community of Wells.

 

Along with the Homes for Wells collection house, that was illuminated and positioned in Staithe Street for the day, the team managed to raise almost £200. Many thanks to Miss Jean Davies and the year 7 pupils for all their effort and hardwork.

HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY

A new Housing Needs Survey will be distributed to households in Wells during the early part of 2010.

The survey is being prepared by the Norfolk Rural Community Council in conjunction with Wells Area Partnership and Homes for Wells.

Please take the time to complete and return the form in the envelope provided as the information is very important to us.

It is essential that we can provide up to date information when applying for grants and funding so your time can really make a difference.

SHAREHOLDERS
HfW currently has 24 Shareholders but would like to increase this figure to 50. If you would be interested in applying for a share further details and/or an application form can be obtained by contacting us. Shares are £1.00 and membership will entitle the holder to attend the AGM and to vote on permitted matters. You will also be kept informed on the latest developments of the Society and, should you wish, be entitled to stand for election to the Board.