This promotional film made for Chester-Le-Street District Council by Jay Productions shows how the council works with house builders, housing associations, social services, and tenants to either build new houses or renovate existing public housing stock. The film was made to be shown to central government to ask for more funding to continue the work. The film begins with the heraldic style shield representing the town council. Each quarter of the emblem is followed by a view of significant...

This promotional film made for Chester-Le-Street District Council by Jay Productions shows how the council works with house builders, housing associations, social services, and tenants to either build new houses or renovate existing public housing stock. The film was made to be shown to central government to ask for more funding to continue the work. The film begins with the heraldic style shield representing the town council. Each quarter of the emblem is followed by a view of significant buildings. The first being the Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert, the second being Lumley Castle, followed by an unidentified coal mine and finally views of new housing and industrial developments and the site of a new first class cricket ground. A view follows of the entrance and interior of St Cuthbert’s Walk shopping centre, followed by a view of Front Street in the town centre. However long term unemployment and an aging housing stock. Title: Jane Wardle – Tenant Jane stands at her kitchen sink which she would like to see replaced and have additional cupboards although overall she likes the bungalow as a place to live. A view follows of peeling ceiling paintwork. Title: Elizabeth Douglas – Tenant She complains of water ingress at her flat roofed bungalow. The commentary outlines the need for targets for new housing to be met over the coming years in order to meet demand. Views of new and old housing stock follow. The commentary outlines the challenge for a small authority, but they are committed to succeed. Title: Putting the pieces together A diagram in the form of a jigsaw puzzle shows the partnerships the authority will make to achieve their goals. The first being partnerships with house builders, then housing associations, tenants, social services and council staff. The film shows an express train travelling over the viaduct at Chester le Street, followed by a view of a road interchange linking with the A1 motorway. These first class transport links have led to demand for affordable private housing, bringing in new families vital to the area. Views follow of house and bungalow developments made through partnerships with house builders. Title: Alan Whitfield – Joint Managing Director – Bennison Group Ltd Alan praises the council for its efficiency, particularly the planning department. Under the estate action programme these partnerships have also allowed improvements to council owned properties. An example shows the transformation of a run-down housing estate at Sacriston. The film shows the results of a project with a housing association. Title: Liz Wood – Regional Development Manager – North British Housing Association She outlines the working relationship with Leech the builders, using a particular style of house they had devised which provides good quality accommodation at affordable prices. These new homes were let to those on the councils and housing association lists. The film then goes on to explore a consultation process with tenants. Views follow of some older terraced properties as the commentary outlines the process. Title: Margaret Underwood – Chairperson – Pelton Fell Action Group She outlines some of the problems which have been solved as result of consultation. A house was given to the action group as place where information could be sought and as a meeting place . The film goes on to how the council has dealt with the problems for those with special needs. This required a close partnership between the housing department and social services. A woman in a wheelchair describes how her bungalow has been designed for wheelchair users. Title: Doreen Young – Tenant Doreen describes the layout of the bungalow and how it helps her. Title: James Greaves – Tenant James describes the difficulties he has had with a request for a downstairs toilet and shower room for his disabled children. The film goes on to look at the council’s own staff and how they work within the partnership scheme. A council representative meets with tenant Elizabeth Douglas seen earlier in the film. The commentary states that careful monitoring of their performance has led to a reduction in rent arrears, homelessness, neighbourhood disputes and repairs both planned and responsive. The film shows the complete jigsaw partnership plan seen earlier in the film. The commentary stating that Chester-le-Street has made significant progress in housing. The film shows building work at Great Lumley where the council was able to renovate 60 properties. Title: Jon McLean He stands in front of a house he lived in which is now undergoing renovation. He talks about the poor state of the home where he brought up five children. Title: Ken Glendinning – Tenant Ken expresses his approval for the improvements to his home. Title: Michelle Graver – Tenant Holding her small child she talks about the poor state of her property which is not yet renovated, although she lists her relatives who have had the work done. The film now identifies the sixth partner in the jigsaw, the government for further funding. Title: Chester le Street’s shield is underlined by the words ‘The Premier Partner’ End credit: Jay Productions