Plans on show at community open day in West Gorton

A community day was held for West Gorton residents at Gortonvilla Walk social club last week to give them the opportunity to meet their neighbours and examine plans for external improvement works in the area.

The event was organised to help local residents keep up to speed with changes in the neighbourhood and meet agencies who can provide advice and assistance, as households go through the process of moving into the 200 newly built homes in West Gorton.

Plans were also on display for the transformation of 144 former council homes which transferred to Guinness Northern Counties in September 2010, triggering a £4million investment programme. Residents have already benefited from new doors and internal improvements including kitchens, bathrooms and new heating, with their homes soon set to receive new windows, external cladding and facias and improved landscaping.

The event was supported by local agencies including the Fire and Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Police, who gave away free security kits to anyone attending. The RSPCA were also on hand to advise pet owners on sensible pet care and offer a free micro-chipping service whilst the Spots vs Stripes team from Manchester City Council’s Groundwork team provided children’s games and activities throughout the day.

Audrey Hurley, 67, who has been a resident of West Gorton for 38 years, said at the event: “I am thrilled with the work that Guinness Northern Counties are doing in the area. They are very involved with their residents and the whole process is being handled very well. The new houses look lovely and I’m looking forward to moving in and having my family round.”

Guinness Northern Counties housing officer, Ben Humphries, who organised the event, commented: “It was great to see so many people at the event. Today was a chance for the whole community to get together, to see the improvement plans we’ve worked up in consultation with residents and get lots of additional helpful advice and information.”