Clean sweep for caretaking
Thousands of homes are set to take part in a pilot scheme aimed at revolutionising caretaking in borough estates.
Hammersmith & Fulham Homes will begin the eight-week pilot in May, and residents will have the chance to tell the council's housing management organisation what they think of the trial.
The aim is to make estates cleaner and brighter places by trying out new methods of working for caretakers.
More than 4,000 H&F Homes properties across the central stretch of the borough will be involved, including the Clem Attlee in Fulham, Lytton in Avonmore and West Kensington estates.
Residents will get the chance to have their say on the scheme. A survey will be given to every home involved at the beginning and end of the trial to find out if, and how, they think things have improved.
Staff will be testing out three different kinds of mechanical sweepers similar to those used by outdoor cleaners to find out which does the best job.
It is hoped the scheme will make estates in the borough more pleasant places to live while leading to more efficient ways of working, cutting the cost to residents.
H&F cabinet member Lucy Ivimy said: "We are always striving to deliver the best possible services to residents and we believe this pilot scheme will lead to more effective and efficient ways of running our caretaking services.
"It is vital that residents have their say and we would like to see as many people as possible giving us their feedback."
The pilot area has been agreed with resident groups, the service review team, made up of tenants and leaseholders, and staff representatives.
Deep cleaning of blocks in the pilot area has already begun. As the pilot begins, the local caretaking teams will become involved in this cleaning action, helping to raise standards, and staff will be given advanced training.
