Housing home user guide
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Your <strong>home</strong> has been constructed by Sovereign <strong>Housing</strong> Association and E G Carter<br />
& Co Ltd.<br />
Your <strong>home</strong> is owned and managed by:<br />
Sovereign <strong>Housing</strong> Association Ltd<br />
Woodlands<br />
90 Bartholomew Street<br />
Newbury RG14 5EE<br />
Tel: 0800 587 2325 ……… 24 Hr Textphone: 01635 582 650<br />
Web Address: www.sovereign.org.uk<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Your new <strong>home</strong> has been built as a timber frame construction.<br />
Exceeds building regulations for energy efficiency and sound insulation<br />
Has been approved by the Local Police Authority as being ‘Secure By Design’<br />
Heating and hot water is provided by a Baxi Neta-Tec Combi boiler situated in the<br />
kitchen. The boiler offers high energy efficiency. The heating is controlled by<br />
programmers and radiator TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves)<br />
The roof of the property also has PV panels (photovoltaic panels) which capture the<br />
sun's energy using photovoltaic cells. These cells don't need direct sunlight to work –<br />
they can still generate some electricity on a cloudy day. The cells convert the<br />
sunlight into electricity, which can be used to run household appliances and lighting,<br />
reducing your electricity bills.<br />
A copy of this New Home User Guide is also available in other formats.<br />
includes translation into other languages, Braille, large print, and an audio CD.<br />
This<br />
Please contact Sovereign for an alternative format copy<br />
We hope this handbook will help you familiarise yourself with your new surroundings<br />
and help you get used to your new <strong>home</strong>, so that you can relax and feel comfortable<br />
after your move<br />
We suggest that you have a read through the whole <strong>guide</strong> at first to get a good feel<br />
for how it can help you. After that the index will help to <strong>guide</strong> you to the right<br />
sections – as and when you need to refresh your memory.
The following pages give you some advice and guidance on:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Getting started in your new <strong>home</strong><br />
Useful contacts<br />
Reporting a problem<br />
How to get the most from the features of your <strong>home</strong><br />
How to operate the heating and other services provided<br />
How to save money, energy and water in your new <strong>home</strong><br />
What facilities are available in your local neighbourhood<br />
If you have a problem with your <strong>home</strong> and an Engineer calls, please give the<br />
Engineer this Guide, it contains all the Technical Information they will need.<br />
Best wishes for happy times in your new Home<br />
USEFUL CONTACTS:<br />
For tenancy or neighbourhood:<br />
Contact your <strong>Housing</strong> Officer ……………………………. on ………………………………..<br />
For defects and repairs:<br />
Contact Sovereign on 0800 587 2325 or report on-line at www.sovereign.org.uk<br />
In the case of emergencies<br />
This Home User Guide should be left in your <strong>home</strong> if you move.<br />
CONTENTS INDEX – Condensed Tenant Manual & Full Version<br />
outside normal working hours you should contact 0800 587 2325
Section Title<br />
Page<br />
1 Quick Start Guide<br />
a Water 1<br />
b Electricity 2<br />
c Gas 2<br />
d Telephone 2<br />
e Television 3<br />
2 Reporting Problems<br />
a Defects and Repairs 4<br />
3 Getting to know your <strong>home</strong><br />
a Water 5<br />
b Electricity 5-10<br />
c Gas 11<br />
d Heating and hot water 11-13<br />
e Ventilation 13-14<br />
f Drainage 14-15<br />
g Kitchen Features 15-16<br />
h Boundaries, roads, footpaths and communal areas 16-17<br />
4 Safety features & Emergency information<br />
a Windows 18<br />
b Shower and hot water 19<br />
c Smoke & heat detectors 19<br />
d Carbon monoxide detector 19<br />
e Doors and gates 20<br />
f Exterior Lighting 20<br />
g Emergency Situations 20-25<br />
Condensed Paper Copy<br />
(Up To Section 4 with M&E Commissioning Certificates)<br />
5 Environmental and structural features of your <strong>home</strong><br />
a Design 26-28<br />
b Heating and hot water systems 28-29<br />
c Lighting 29<br />
d Water saving features 29<br />
e Refuse and recycling 29-39<br />
f Sustainable drainage 39<br />
g Composting 39-43<br />
What you can do 43<br />
h Energy saving tips 43-46<br />
i Sustainable DIY 46<br />
j Sustainable transport 46-49<br />
k Sustainable shopping 49-51<br />
6 ‘Running in’ your new <strong>home</strong> – the drying out period<br />
a Cracks – why they appear – don’t be alarmed! 52<br />
b Condensation – causes and solutions 52<br />
c Efflorescence – what it looks like and why it happens 52<br />
d Caring for your new <strong>home</strong> 53-56<br />
7 Contacts, links and useful information
a A list of contacts and links 57-59<br />
b A <strong>guide</strong> to your neighbourhood – local facilities 59-62<br />
c Local transport 62-64<br />
8 Installation, Operating and User Guides<br />
a Heating, Radiators and thermostats<br />
b Showers and hot water<br />
c Alarms<br />
d Consumer Units<br />
e Door entry systems<br />
f Kitchen appliances<br />
9 Guarantees and Warranties<br />
a Boiler<br />
b Shower<br />
c Kitchen appliances<br />
10 Certificates<br />
a<br />
b<br />
c<br />
d<br />
Electrical Installation Certificate<br />
TV aerial and satellite Certificate<br />
Ventilation Certificate<br />
Gas Installation Certificate<br />
Benchmark Certificate<br />
Energy Performance Certificate<br />
Building Warranty Certificate/Cover Note
THINGS YOU MUST DO:<br />
As soon as you move in YOU MUST contact the various suppliers so that water, gas,<br />
electric and telephone are connected in your name.<br />
These may be disconnected from your <strong>home</strong> if you do not apply to have them put<br />
into your name.<br />
For your <strong>home</strong> the contacts are:<br />
Meter Reference<br />
Numbers<br />
Gas Electricity Water<br />
………………….. ……………..<br />
…………….<br />
Meter Number<br />
………………<br />
…………………<br />
…………….<br />
Supplier<br />
British Gas<br />
British Gas<br />
Bournemouth<br />
Water<br />
Supplier contact<br />
telephone 0800 048 0202<br />
0800 048 0202 01202 590059<br />
Meter reading on<br />
day of moving in<br />
Emergency<br />
contact number 0800 111 999<br />
SSE Distribution<br />
08457 708 090<br />
Leakline<br />
08005 878979<br />
a. Water<br />
Your water supply will be metered. To arrange a permanent water supply to your<br />
<strong>home</strong> you will need to apply to the water company shown in the table above. They<br />
will arrange for the existing temporary supply connected for the builder to be<br />
replaced with a permanent supply for yourselves.
. Electricity<br />
Your <strong>home</strong> is fitted with a SMART meter from which you will receive bills in due<br />
course.<br />
You should sign up with an approved supplier as soon as possible. Your current<br />
supply is with the company shown in the table above. You can choose which<br />
company you wish to supply the electricity and we advise you to shop around to get<br />
good value.<br />
If you change your supplier why not make a note of it here:<br />
My new electricity supplier<br />
Supplier contact details<br />
Emergency contact number<br />
c. Gas<br />
There is gas supplied to your <strong>home</strong> and you are on a smart meter, you should sign<br />
up with an approved supplier as soon as possible. Your current supply is with the<br />
company shown in the table above. You can choose which company you wish to<br />
supply gas and we advise you to shop around to get good value.<br />
If you change your supplier why not make a note of it here:<br />
My new electricity supplier<br />
Supplier contact details<br />
Emergency contact number<br />
d. Telephone<br />
Your <strong>home</strong> has been provided with telephone points in your hall, living room and<br />
master bedroom, they are ready to be connected by your selected supplier. YOU<br />
MUST apply to either British Telecom or another Supplier before you can use the<br />
system and arrange to get phone sockets installed. They will make a connection<br />
charge to supply the service to your <strong>home</strong> and may charge extra for multiple room<br />
connections. You can choose which supplier you wish to apply to.<br />
You can contact BT on:<br />
0800 800 150 (from a landline) or<br />
0330 1234 150 (from a mobile)<br />
e. Television
A digital terrestrial TV aerial has been fitted to your property and a TV aerial point is<br />
located in the Living Room that will enable you to receive digital and satellite<br />
television services.<br />
Please note that if you are moving into your new <strong>home</strong> from another area, the T.V.<br />
signals may be coming from a different transmitter than your previous <strong>home</strong> and<br />
some initial re-tuning of your T.V. may be necessary. All connections are tested and<br />
certificated to ensure that they are working correctly. Should you experience any<br />
problems please check that your cables are properly connected into the correct<br />
sockets and the T.V. is correctly tuned, if you still have problems please contact your<br />
service provider.<br />
YOU MUST ALSO…..<br />
If your new <strong>home</strong> came with any electrical goods such as a washing machine,<br />
cooker, cooker hood – YOU MUST register the warranty in your name otherwise the<br />
guarantee will not be valid. The documents are supplied in Section 8 of this new<br />
<strong>home</strong> <strong>user</strong> <strong>guide</strong>. Please fill out the forms and send them to the manufacturer as<br />
instructed on the forms. These electrical goods are gifted to you as the occupier.<br />
Neither Sovereign nor the contractor has any liability for repair of these goods. If<br />
anything goes wrong with them during the warranty period you should contact the<br />
manufacturer. If you have not registered and validated the warranty the<br />
manufacturer may not offer any assistance.
SECTION 2 – REPORTING PROBLEMS<br />
Defects and Repairs – call 0800 587 2325 or log on to www.sovereign.org.uk<br />
While every effort has been made to ensure that your <strong>home</strong> is<br />
free from any problems, faults can sometime occur, if they<br />
do, please let us know If you are not sure about the problem,<br />
telephone the number at the top of the page and we will talk<br />
you through it and make sure that it is put right.<br />
For the first year, any defects that occur due to poor<br />
workmanship or faulty equipment will be attended by E G<br />
Carter & Co Ltd. When you call Sovereign it will be decided<br />
whether the problem is a defect or a repair. If it is a defect,<br />
Sovereign will report the problem to E G Carter & Co Ltd who will make an<br />
appointment to come and fix it. If it is a repair, Sovereign will make the appointment<br />
with you directly.<br />
The defects period does not cover general wear and tear or damage caused by<br />
yourself, your family or your guests. You may be charged for work that is carried out<br />
as a result of damage (including accidental) or neglect, the following <strong>guide</strong> will assist<br />
you in avoiding chargeable callouts:<br />
Lights not working, or electrical trip - first of all carefully check that it is not<br />
something simple, like a failed bulb or a faulty appliance – See Section 3.<br />
No heating or hot water – is the boiler switched off, or does it need repressurising?-<br />
Check to see if it is something covered in this or the<br />
manufacturers <strong>user</strong> manuals in Sections 3, 4 or7<br />
If you have a problem with water, electricity or gas, firstly check Section 3<br />
Blocked toilets/drains – Flushing anything other than toilet paper and<br />
human waste through the sewerage system can block the toilet/sewerage run<br />
See Section 3<br />
Doors and locks - keep frame gullies clean of dirt and debris. Lift the handles<br />
fully to seal the door into the frame before locking.<br />
Mould – see ventilation in Section 3 of this manual for more details and<br />
advice
Smoke or heat alarm keeps sounding – check Section 4 of this manual – it<br />
may simply need hoovering or battery replacement.<br />
Fans and ventilation – please check the Ventilation system details in<br />
Section 3 to understand how your system should work.<br />
TV or telephone points – check the quick <strong>guide</strong> at the front of the manual<br />
for details.<br />
Water leaks – see Section 3 for full details, but to prevent further damage in<br />
a serious leak, turn off the incoming feed at the stopcock tap beneath the<br />
kitchen sink.<br />
Please note that defects reported on a Friday afternoon may not be responded<br />
to until the following Monday. Only emergencies will be responded to over the<br />
weekends or bank holidays.
a. Water<br />
Your water meter is located in the footpath at the entrance to the development. The<br />
meters can be read by the Water Company without the need to enter your property.<br />
The stopcock to turn off the mains water entering your new <strong>home</strong> is situated in the<br />
cupboard under the kitchen sink<br />
This will turn off all the internal COLD water<br />
Water Stopcock Tap<br />
The company currently providing water<br />
to your <strong>home</strong> is Bournemouth Water their<br />
customer services can be contacted on<br />
0800 980 8800or visit<br />
their website:<br />
www.bournemouthwater.co.uk<br />
a. Electricity<br />
Consumer Unit<br />
Consumer unit showing red on / off switch on the<br />
left<br />
The consumer unit is located in the hall<br />
The electric within your house can be turned off<br />
using the on / off switch in the consumer unit. –<br />
Please make sure you know where it is<br />
To turn off the power<br />
switch the two red switches to “off”.<br />
Your electricity supply should be left in the “ON”<br />
position at all times, unless there is an emergency.<br />
Do not, for example, switch it off when you go on<br />
holiday.
The Consumer Unit contains:<br />
i. Mains Cut Off Switch:<br />
This is the large switch that can be turned off in the event of an emergency. This cuts<br />
off the electrical power to the whole house<br />
Always check that this switch is OFF before anybody works on the installation.<br />
Remember that electricity can kill. Do not attempt to do any work on an electrical<br />
circuit or appliance, unless you are suitably qualified.<br />
ii. Circuit Breakers:<br />
Each circuit is protected by a residual current breaker or RCD. These breakers are<br />
easy to re-set by flicking the switch back to the on position.<br />
Circuit breakers are generally more sensitive than fuses and may well trip out even<br />
when a light bulb fails, or you are using an appliance with an electrical fault or faulty<br />
plug. This is designed to happen as a protection device and should not cause<br />
concern.<br />
Each of the circuits in your property is on a separate circuit breaker and will be<br />
clearly labelled. When one of the circuit breakers “trips out”, it can easily be<br />
identified as the one showing “OFF”.<br />
To restore power, lift the switch back to the “ON” position.<br />
If it “trips out” again, please do the following:<br />
Turn off all appliances or lights in the affected circuit<br />
Re-set the switch on the board to “ON”<br />
If it still will not reset, unplug all of the appliances on the circuit<br />
Turn back on all of the lights or appliances one by one<br />
If the MCB “trips out” again, as you turn back on an appliance or light, it will<br />
mean that the appliance or light is faulty and is causing the circuit breaker to<br />
trip out.<br />
<br />
If this happens, turn off the light and replace the bulb or turn off and unplug<br />
the appliance that caused the circuit breaker to trip and again re-set the MCB,<br />
you will then be able to continue to use the remaining lights and/or appliances<br />
on that circuit.<br />
You will note that this trip also has a "test button". This should be pressed six<br />
monthly to test that it is working. Press the test button, with the power turned<br />
on, and the switch should trip. This indicates that the switch is working<br />
correctly, and should be reset.<br />
If the fault is due to the electrical installation, please report this to Sovereign, during<br />
normal office hours. If the fault is with a normal domestic appliance, the repairing<br />
responsibility lies with the resident.<br />
Please take care to ensure that any electrical appliance you use is suitable for<br />
connection to a 240 volt 50 cycle AC supply. Ensure it is safe and in good<br />
working order and that a fuse of an appropriate rating is installed in the plug of<br />
the appliance. If you have any doubts about any appliance you should seek<br />
advice from a qualified electrician.<br />
Electric meter<br />
The electric meter for your <strong>home</strong> is located on the external wall of your house within<br />
an electric meter box.
Smart Meter<br />
See all of your energy usage at a glance<br />
To start your monitor, tap the screen.<br />
After a few seconds, the <strong>home</strong> page will<br />
appear and you’ll be<br />
able to see how much energy you’re<br />
using as you use it. Simply move your<br />
finger across the screen<br />
to navigate, customise and control the<br />
main display and its features.<br />
1. Select a fuel type – see the energy<br />
you’re using, as you use it, in kWh by fuel type:<br />
Dual Fuel, Gas or Electricity. Just tap the icons to switch between views.<br />
2. Energy traffic lights - The light-bar always shows your ‘energy use now’ and<br />
changes colour to indicate current consumption. Green indicates low energy<br />
load, amber a higher level of load and red higher still. These lights are active<br />
at all times, both pulsing and changing colour.<br />
3. Time and temperature – the right time and date will automatically be displayed<br />
throughout the year. The temperature shown indicates the room temperature<br />
where the monitor is kept.<br />
4. Your measurements – See your energy usage either in pounds and pence,<br />
kWh or CO 2 Use (kilograms) only over time and as a percentage of any<br />
targets you’ve set.<br />
5. Track your energy – Set yourself a daily energy usage target in either pounds<br />
and pence or kWh, using the menu options, then the red pointer will show you<br />
how you’re doing. The colours on the counter show if you’re within your<br />
energy target ‘t’. White segments = less than target, amber = near target, red<br />
= target exceeded.<br />
6. Sleep mode – To save energy, the monitor will go to sleep when not in use<br />
and only the traffic light display will operate. Touch the screen to wake it up.<br />
7. Messages – British Gas can send you messages via your monitor. The<br />
message icon indicates an unread message. To read the message, go to<br />
menu then select messages.<br />
8. Signal – this shows the signal strength between the monitor and your<br />
electricity smart meter.<br />
9. Power – Remember to plug your monitor into the mains. It can also be<br />
temporarily powered by 4 x AAA batteries, but only for a maximum of 72<br />
hours.<br />
10. Carousel options – The main carousel in the centre of the screen displays<br />
your energy usage by fuel and measurement types, like pounds and pence.<br />
Just swipe your finger to customise your view.<br />
Your smart energy monitor is an easy to use touch-screen device that works<br />
wirelessly with your smart meters, so you can keep an eye on your energy usage<br />
and choose to be more efficient.
Under the menu section you can see all of the features below which will help you<br />
make the most of the monitor in order to save energy and money. You can also<br />
change the monitor settings at any time so you can see what works best for you<br />
and your <strong>home</strong>.<br />
See your history<br />
By viewing your energy usage history, you can compare what you’re using now to what<br />
your were using within the previous hour, day, week or month. So you’ll know how your<br />
energy usage changes over time.<br />
View your bills<br />
Under the menu section you can also view your latest meter readings at the touch of a<br />
button – these are sent to British Gas automatically and you can be confident that your<br />
bills are accurate.<br />
Set your targets<br />
Setting yourself a target can really help you manage your energy usage. You can<br />
choose your own target in pounds or kWh, based on how many bedrooms you have, or<br />
your type of fuel. Your target will be clearly displayed on the <strong>home</strong> screen with a ‘t’ symbol.<br />
Understand your tariff<br />
It’s about control: press this icon and you’ll see the price of the tariff you’re currently on,<br />
what your energy is costing you, and a countdown timer to any upcoming rate change.<br />
If you see a flashing ‘!’ symbol in the left hand corner of the <strong>home</strong>page, it means your tariff is<br />
about to change.<br />
Answers to some of your most common questions:<br />
Q. How are my meter readings sent to British Gas?<br />
A. British Gas record meter readings from your smart meter for each half hour of the<br />
day and these are sent to us once every 24 hours automatically by GPRS. British<br />
Gas can turn these readings into useful information for you, as well as use them to<br />
provide you with accurate bills. For more details about how British Gas use this<br />
information, please see their Customer Charter – britishgas.co.uk/smartmeters.<br />
Q. If I unplug my smart energy monitor, will any data be lost?<br />
A. No. Because of the way it connects to your electricity meter for the data, if your<br />
smart energy monitor is unplugged it will automatically catch up when it is plugged in<br />
again.<br />
Q. Will my smart energy monitor accurately reflect my energy tariff?<br />
A. It’s a close indicator. Because of the way your tariff works, there will be slight<br />
fluctuations in the energy costs shown per kilowatt over the course of each quarter.<br />
This is completely normal and is explained in your existing terms and conditions.<br />
Q. What if my smart energy monitor shows low signal strength?<br />
A. Don’t worry, simply moving it closer to your electricity meter (not your gas meter)<br />
will strengthen it, as this is where the signal is generated.<br />
Q. How do I read my meters directly?<br />
A. You don’t need to. Gas and electricity meter readings are automatically sent to<br />
British Gas every day. Your electricity meter reading is shown by default. Should<br />
you wish to read your gas meter manually press the red button marked ‘A’ to switch<br />
on the meter display and then press ‘A’ once again.
If you would like any more information visit<br />
britishgas.co.uk/smart<strong>home</strong>s or call 0800 980 6121<br />
Lighting & Wall Sockets<br />
External wall lights are located outside the front door and the patio<br />
doors. They are operated by on/off switches in the entrance hall and<br />
lounge respectively.<br />
There is a light switch in the lounge to control the rear external light<br />
and one in the hall to control the one adjacent to the front door<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A shaver point is located in the bathroom near the wash basin<br />
Bathroom light switch<br />
Telephone socket<br />
Television Aerial Socket<br />
Future Stair Lift<br />
At the top of the stairs you will see a fused spur<br />
labelled ‘Lift’. This is for use if a stair lift is required<br />
at any point in the future and agreed by HA.<br />
There should be no need for you to touch this switch.<br />
The loft includes a light which is switched from the<br />
landing.<br />
The company currently providing electricity to your <strong>home</strong> is British Gas, their<br />
customer services can be contacted on 0800 048 0202 or visit their website:<br />
www.britishgas.co.uk
. Gas<br />
The Gas Meter box is located in the ground box<br />
outside of you <strong>home</strong>. This also, as the name<br />
suggests contains the Gas Meter. The Meter box<br />
can be opened using the Meter box key provided<br />
as part of your handover pack.<br />
The Gas supply can, if necessary, be turned off.<br />
This is carried out by turning the lever located in the<br />
Gas Meter box, until it is at 90 degrees (across) to the<br />
pipe that it is on. The gas pipe is labelled accordingly.<br />
Gas pipework internally feeds:<br />
a. The central heating boiler<br />
b. Provision for a gas cooker<br />
Note: there is no provision for a Gas Fire in the Living Area.<br />
Please note that only British Gas and GAS SAFE registered plumbers are permitted<br />
to work on or alter gas fittings.<br />
The company currently providing gas to your <strong>home</strong> is British Gas, their<br />
customer services can be contacted on 0800 048 0202 or visit their website:<br />
www.britishgas.co.uk<br />
c. Heating and hot water<br />
Heating<br />
All the relevant information for the operation of the Central Heating system can be<br />
found in the User Manual in Section 7 of this Guide.<br />
Re-pressurising Boilers:<br />
Every pressurised system, regardless of the type of boiler (combination boiler or<br />
standard system), will incorporate a pressure gauge which you can read. This<br />
pressure gauge is the device with which the system<br />
water pressure in your boiler and radiators is<br />
monitored.<br />
To maintain the system in a healthy condition<br />
the pressure gauge should be checked<br />
monthly. If when you check it, you find that<br />
the system pressure has fallen please contact<br />
Sovereign <strong>Housing</strong> Association.<br />
Your central heating system manual will advise of<br />
the pressure that your system runs at.<br />
Most systems should be pressurised to between 1 and 1.5 bar.
To top up your system and increase the pressure, you will need to use the filling<br />
loop. This is located beneath the boiler, it most usually resembles a stop tap which<br />
is connected by a metal hose.<br />
To fill the system, use the tap you have located to open and close the filling loop.<br />
When the tap is opened it will allow fresh water to flow into your Central Heating<br />
system. As this happens you will hear the water passing through the valves into the<br />
system. It is recommended that you open the valve slowly to allow the system to fill<br />
up gradually. When you do this a steady increase in pressure will be seen on the<br />
pressure gauge in the same way as you would see an increase on a car tyre gauge if<br />
you were inflating a tyre.<br />
If you cannot see your pressure gauge while filling the system it is a good idea to<br />
have a friend look at it for you while you are turning the tap. When the<br />
recommended pressure is reached close the valve by turning it in the opposite<br />
direction to which you opened it.<br />
There is no need to worry if your system does accidentally become over pressurised.<br />
All modern systems are designed with safety in mind and a pressure safety valve is<br />
incorporated into the plumbing. This acts like an overflow pipe releasing the excess<br />
pressure and allowing the system to revert to the recommended levels.<br />
The safety valve may make a noise as it releases this excess pressure sounding like<br />
a thumping noise, again do not worry, this sound will stop when the system pressure<br />
reduces to a lower level.<br />
Thermostats<br />
The temperature for upstairs and downstairs can be<br />
controlled individually by using the thermostats which are<br />
located in the ground floor hallway and the main bedroom.<br />
Radiators<br />
If you discover that a radiator is only partially heating up,<br />
then it may need bleeding of any trapped air. Contact<br />
Sovereign maintenance as the system may need<br />
re-pressurising following this.<br />
TRV’s<br />
Thermostatic radiator valves are fitted to your radiators.<br />
These valves can be used by turning the head to control the
temperature in an individual room.<br />
Tubular Heater<br />
A tubular heater is located in the airing cupboard.<br />
The on/off switch is<br />
located in adjacent<br />
bedroom.<br />
Hot Water<br />
The hot water is<br />
provided from the boiler.<br />
All the relevant information for the operation of the hot<br />
water system can be found in Section 7 of this Guide.<br />
e. Ventilation<br />
Ventilation of your <strong>home</strong> is important<br />
A gap should be left under the internal doors and above the floor coverings to allow<br />
circulation of air.<br />
Ventilation in your <strong>home</strong> is controlled in several ways. Firstly, some of your windows<br />
have trickle ventilation as indicated in the picture.<br />
Vent closed<br />
Vent open
The opening part of the window, or<br />
casement, can also be partially opened<br />
and locked in position allowing further<br />
ventilation<br />
Further ventilation is available through the<br />
extract fan provided in the kitchen, bathroom<br />
and cloakroom (where no window). Should you wish to have the<br />
fans re-set to operate at a predetermined level of humidity you<br />
will need to refer to Sovereign.<br />
The fans can be Isolated if required. The isolation switches are located in the room<br />
or in the case of the bathroom over the door outside the room.<br />
The switches are labelled.<br />
Kitchen Fan<br />
Kitchen Fan Controls<br />
f. Drainage<br />
Mains Drainage:<br />
Should a drain blockage become evident in the Drainage system, it is important that<br />
you contact the <strong>Housing</strong> Association as soon as possible.<br />
The drains to your new <strong>home</strong> are connected to the Public Drainage system. As such,<br />
they are adopted by the Local Authority at the end of the 12 month maintenance<br />
period. Following the 12 month inspection, any problems relating to the drains should<br />
be referred to the Local Authority.<br />
Please note, the majority of household blockages are caused by household<br />
waste, such as, Disposable Nappies, Solidified Fats, etc., and therefore care<br />
should be taken to ensure that none of these are allowed to enter the drainage<br />
system.
BIN IT – DON’T BLOCK IT<br />
Here are five top tips to keep your drains flowing.<br />
Love your loo: Make sure that only wastewater, toilet tissue and human waste goes<br />
down your drains and into the sewer.<br />
Bin it - don't block it: Wrap up sanitary products, nappies, wet wipes, cotton buds,<br />
dental floss and condoms and put them in the bin.<br />
Think - not in the sink! After cooking, fat, oil and grease should be left to cool- it can<br />
then be disposed of in the bin or mixed with seeds and nuts to make a feeder for<br />
birds.<br />
Chemicals, solvents, engine oil and paint should be taken to your local refuse site.<br />
Medicines, tablets, syringes and needles should be taken to your pharmacist, local<br />
hospital or health authority for safe disposal.<br />
‘Flushable’ Products?<br />
Even items that are marketed as ‘flushable’ or ‘biodegradable’ contribute to<br />
blockages. Although these items disappear when you flush your loo, they do not<br />
break down in the sewers, as they take a number of years to disintegrate.<br />
If you allow solidified fats, or household waste into the drainage system and<br />
cause a blockage you will be charged for the clearance of the drains.<br />
g. Kitchen Features<br />
Facilities are available for connecting a washing machine, a<br />
fridge and an electric cooker.<br />
The on/off operating switches are all identified above the<br />
worktops.<br />
Cooker Switch<br />
Plug in power sockets for these appliances are located under<br />
the worktops in the spaces allowed for them<br />
Cooker– depending on the type of cooker, it can be either<br />
hard wired or plugged in (e.g. microwave). Hard wiring<br />
would be normal. Due to the high power rating of cookers it<br />
is vital that any hard wiring must be carried out by a<br />
qualified and competent electrician.<br />
Your <strong>home</strong> is also fitted with a gas cooker point in the<br />
kitchen. A gas cooker must only be fitted by a registered<br />
GAS SAFE engineer. It is not simply a case of turning off<br />
the gas, plugging the cooker in and turning the gas back on.
Hard wiring Electrical<br />
Connection below worktop level<br />
Gas cooker connection point<br />
below worktop level<br />
Washing Machine<br />
Under the sink can be found the hot<br />
and cold water feeds, and the waste<br />
fitting for the connection of the washing<br />
machine. It is important to fit these<br />
connections securely, and to ensure<br />
that no leaks occur that may cause the<br />
deterioration of the kitchen unit. We<br />
recommend that a qualified engineer<br />
carries out the washing machine<br />
installation; a bad job can result in a<br />
flooded kitchen.<br />
Feed pipework and drainage for washing<br />
machine and water stop cock.<br />
h. Boundaries, roads, footpaths and communal areas<br />
Boundaries<br />
The boundaries of your house are well defined by walls, fencing or vegetation. Any<br />
queries relating to them should be addressed to Sovereign.<br />
Estate Roads, Parking Bays & Footpaths<br />
The entrance road into the site and the footpaths are NOT adopted by the Local<br />
Authority. All issues relating to them should be addressed directly to Sovereign. The<br />
Parking Bays are also the responsibility of Sovereign.<br />
Common Areas<br />
Sovereign will maintain the common areas within the site boundaries. This excludes<br />
areas which are adopted by the Council and garden areas which are fenced off or
are dwelling specific. Should you have any queries relating to this, you should<br />
contact Sovereign direct.<br />
Landscaped Areas<br />
The landscaped areas are a communal facility and will be maintained by Sovereign.<br />
They form part of the planning conditions for the project and as such should not be<br />
interfered with.<br />
Gardens<br />
The garden is yours to maintain and enjoy. It includes a shed and cycle storage.
a. Windows<br />
All upper floor windows are fitted with restrictors which limit how far the window can<br />
be opened under normal circumstances.<br />
Restrictor engaged<br />
Restrictor disengaged<br />
The window can be opened further by manually disengaging the<br />
restrictors. Once opened the window can be moved into a position<br />
where the outside face of the glazing can be cleaned from within<br />
the room.<br />
To move the window into this position, you will need to depress the<br />
purple plastic fittings located at the top and bottom of the window<br />
frames and slide them along.
IMPORTANT NOTE: - The windows when fully opened will provide an<br />
alternative means of fire escape. You should familiarize yourselves with this<br />
to save time in the event of an emergency.<br />
b. Shower and hot water<br />
To meet Building Regulations, your hot water taps are fitted with a thermostatic<br />
mixing valve (TMV) which is a valve that blends hot water with cold water to ensure<br />
constant, safe shower and bath outlet temperatures, preventing scalding. The<br />
temperature is pre-set to start blending at 48 degrees producing a water temperature<br />
between 42– 44 degrees. This may be cooler than you are used to if you have<br />
moved from an older property.<br />
c. Smoke and heat detectors<br />
The house is fitted with the following detection/alarm units:<br />
<br />
<br />
A heat detector/alarm is fitted in the kitchen<br />
.<br />
Smoke detectors/alarms are fitted in the ground floor lobby and first floor<br />
landing<br />
These alarms are interlinked so that if a problem is detected in one area the<br />
alarm will sound in both areas. The units have a battery back up in the event<br />
of a mains failure.<br />
See Section 2 for faults and Section 8 of this manual for <strong>user</strong> <strong>guide</strong>s<br />
Heat Detector<br />
Smoke Detector<br />
d. Carbon monoxide detector<br />
A carbon monoxide detector is fitted in the kitchen
e. Doors and gates<br />
Entrance doors are designed to Secured By Designs standards. This gives a high<br />
degree of security.<br />
Doors can be locked from the inside without a key.<br />
If you close the door from the outside be aware it will lock and you will require a key<br />
to gain entry. This is a security feature.<br />
Keys will be issued to you, if you lose your keys or to obtain further keys you will<br />
need to contact the <strong>Housing</strong> Association.<br />
To ensure doors are sealed against weather and to fully engage the lock, be sure to<br />
raise the handle fully.<br />
Your shed has been provided with a hasp and staple lock with padlock, as has the<br />
gate to your garden.<br />
Communal gates, bin stores etc will need to be accessed by an electronic code<br />
which will be issued to you.<br />
f. Exterior lighting<br />
Exterior lights which work on sensors have been installed as a safety feature. They<br />
will only activate after dusk and by motion sensor.<br />
g. Emergency Situations<br />
Where to turn it off<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Turn off the WATER using the stop cock under the kitchen sink.<br />
:Turn off the ELECTRIC in the consumer unit located in the hall<br />
Turn off the GAS in the meter box located against the front wall of the<br />
property.<br />
Water<br />
Electric<br />
Gas<br />
Thames Water<br />
Emergency Number – Leakline 0800 714 614<br />
SSE Distribution (providing electricity to your supplier)<br />
Emergency Number – 08457 708 090<br />
National Gas<br />
Emergency Number – 0800 111 999
If you smell gas:<br />
Open all doors and windows to ventilate the property.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Do not turn on/off any naked electrical switches<br />
Extinguish all naked flames, do not smoke, strike matches or do anything<br />
which could cause ignition.<br />
If there are any electrical security entry phones/locks, please open door<br />
manually.<br />
In the event of a FIRE:<br />
If a fire starts inside your <strong>home</strong> the most important thing to remember is to get<br />
out, stay out and dial 999.<br />
If the smoke or heat alarm goes off or you discover a fire in your <strong>home</strong>, alert<br />
everyone, follow your escape plan and get out of the building.<br />
Make an escape plan and practice it regularly so all the family are aware what<br />
to do.<br />
The best route is the normal way in and out of your <strong>home</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Plan for a second route in case the first one is blocked<br />
Keep door and window keys where everyone you live with can find them<br />
Make sure the way in and out of your <strong>home</strong> is kept clear of anything that may<br />
slow down your escape<br />
Review your plan if your circumstances change<br />
Make sure everyone that lives in the house knows the escape plan<br />
What to do if there is a fire in your <strong>home</strong>:<br />
If your smoke alarm goes off, never assume it is a false alarm<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Shout out to alert others in the <strong>home</strong><br />
Don't waste time investigating what's happened or rescuing valuables<br />
Don't put yourself and others in danger by tackling fires yourself<br />
Keep calm and get out<br />
Close doors behind you to slow down the spread of fire and smoke<br />
Before you open a door, check if it's warm with the back of your hand. If it is,<br />
don't open it, there may be fire on the other side<br />
If there's smoke, keep low where the air is cleaner<br />
Call 999 as soon as it is safe to do so<br />
Never go back into the building once you are safely outside, if someone is still<br />
inside tell firefighters when they arrive – they will be able to find the person<br />
quicker and more safely than you.
Teach your children what to do if there is a fire:<br />
If you see smoke or fire, raise the alarm and tell a grown up immediately<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Get out of the building as soon as possible. Go to the house next door if you<br />
can and ask them to call 999<br />
If there is smoke in the room, crawl low along the floor<br />
Never hide in a cupboard or under the bed. Do all you can to raise the alarm<br />
and get out<br />
If the way out is blocked, go into a room with a window and put blankets or<br />
towels at the bottom of the door to stop smoke getting in. If there is a phone in<br />
the room, dial 999, otherwise open the window and shout for help<br />
Don’t go back into the building, not even for pets<br />
Escaping from a window:<br />
You should only try and escape through a window if on the ground or first<br />
floor, and your escape route is blocked.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Throw bedding or other soft materials onto the floor below the window to<br />
break your fall<br />
Don’t jump out of the window – lower yourself down to arm’s length and drop<br />
to the ground<br />
If you have any children, elderly or disabled people in the <strong>home</strong>, plan the<br />
order you will escape in so that you can help them out.<br />
Your windows are fitted with disengaging restrictors which<br />
will<br />
Enable the windows to fully open as an alternative means<br />
of fire escape. You should familiarize yourselves with this<br />
to save time in the event of an emergency.<br />
For more information on fire procedures or your local FIRE<br />
service. Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service - visit<br />
www.rbfrs.co.uk<br />
Your nearest Fire Station is:<br />
Hungerford Fire Station<br />
Church Street<br />
Hungerford<br />
Berkshire<br />
RG17 0JG<br />
IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 999 DO NOT CONTACT YOUR LOCAL STATION
In the event of a Crime<br />
Your local POLICE service is: Thames Valley Police<br />
For details of the service and your neighbourhood, visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk<br />
Your district neighbourhood service is Hungerford & Lambourn.<br />
Lambourne Information Point:<br />
17a High Street, Lambourn, RG17 8XL<br />
In an emergency please telephone 999.<br />
If you are deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, a text<br />
phone is available on 18000.<br />
You should only use these numbers if:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A crime is happening right now.<br />
Someone is in immediate danger, or there is a risk of serious damage to property.<br />
A suspect for a serious crime is nearby.<br />
There is a traffic collision involving injury or danger to other road <strong>user</strong>s.<br />
For all other non-emergency calls to the police in England, Scotland, Wales or<br />
Northern Ireland please telephone 101.<br />
If you are deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, a text<br />
phone is available on 18001 101.<br />
You should use these non-emergency numbers to:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Report a crime not currently in progress - for example a stolen car, burglary, or<br />
damaged property.<br />
Report a minor traffic collision.<br />
Give information to the police about crime in your area.<br />
Speak to the police about a general enquiry.<br />
Contact a specific police officer or member of staff.<br />
If you wish to report a crime anonymously contact:<br />
Crimestoppers UK - Tel: 0800 555 111 or go online to www.crimestoppers-uk.org<br />
If English is not your main language don’t worry, you can still call on the above<br />
number.
If you need MEDICAL Treatment<br />
Only call 999 or go to the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E) in a<br />
genuine life-threatening emergency, such as:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
loss of consciousness<br />
acute confused state and fits that are not stopping<br />
persistent, severe chest pain<br />
breathing difficulties<br />
severe bleeding that cannot be stopped<br />
Your nearest Accident & Emergency Department is:<br />
The Great Western Hospital<br />
Marlborough Road<br />
Swindon<br />
Wiltshire<br />
SN3 6BB<br />
Tel: 01793 604020<br />
Driving Directions (Bing maps) from RG17 0DJ to SN3 6BB<br />
Approx 17.1miles - 23mins<br />
1. Leave Northview toward Fairview Road<br />
2. Turn Left onto Fairview Road 201ft<br />
3. Left on to Park Street 0.2 mi<br />
4. Turn Right onto A338/High Street 0.1 mi<br />
5. Turn Right onto A4/Charnham Street 0.3 mi<br />
6. At roundabout take 2 nd exit 0.1mi<br />
7. Turn Left onto A338/Eddington Hill 0.1mi<br />
8. At roundabout take 1 st exit on to sliproad 2.7mi<br />
9. Merge on M4 0.3mi<br />
10. At Junction 15, take sliproad left to A346/A419 towards<br />
11.5mi<br />
Marlborough/Swindon<br />
11. At roundabout take 3 rd exit onto A419/Marlborough Road 0.3mi<br />
12. At Junction Commonhead, take sliproad left to A4259 toward 0.7mi<br />
Swindon/Aldbourne<br />
13. Merge onto A4259/Marlborough Road 0.4mi<br />
14. Turn Left on to road 0.2mi<br />
15. Enter roundabout 438ft<br />
16. Exit roundabout at 2 nd exit 137ft<br />
17. Keep straight on to Coatside Way 95ft<br />
18. Bear left onto road 0.2mi<br />
19. Arrive at Destination 127ft
Urgent care centres can provide a variety of services and are an alternative to A&E<br />
in non-life threatening situations. However, not all urgent care centres provide the<br />
same services. You can also call NHS 111 for advice.<br />
Your nearest Urgent Care Department is:<br />
West Berkshire Community Hospital<br />
London Road,<br />
Benham Hill<br />
Thatcham<br />
Berkshire RG18 3AS<br />
Tel: 01635 273300<br />
Driving Directions (Bing maps) from RG17 0DJ to RG18 3AS<br />
Approx 10.7 miles - 19mins<br />
1 Leave Northview toward Fairview Road<br />
2 Turn Left onto Fairview Road 201ft<br />
3 Left on to Park Street 0.2 mi<br />
4 Turn Right onto A338/High Street 0.1mi<br />
5 Turn Right onto A4/Charnham Street 0.3mi<br />
6 Pass through 4 roundabouts, remaining on A4 0.1mi<br />
7 Bear Left and then turn Right on to A339/Western Avenue 8.5mi<br />
8 Turn Left on to A4/London Road 0.2mi<br />
9 At roundabout take 2 nd exit 0.6mi<br />
10 Keep Left on to Rooke’s Way 0.5mi<br />
11 Arrive at RG18 3AS 0.1mi
a. Design<br />
The Main Fabric:<br />
<br />
External Walls<br />
The external walls are constructed in Traditional Masonry, Brick and Block Cavity<br />
Wall Construction.<br />
<br />
Internal partition walls<br />
The internal partition walls are constructed from either metal frame studwork or<br />
masonry block. The masonry block walls are load bearing.<br />
All walls have been covered with Plasterboard. The plasterboard is about 12 - 15mm<br />
thick.<br />
The plasterboard has been fixed to the masonry walls via plaster adhesive and direct<br />
to the metal frame. All walls are finished with Plaster Skim.<br />
<br />
Ground floors<br />
The ground floors are constructed using precast concrete beams with insulation fixed<br />
on top of the beams. A concrete screed is laid on top of the insulation.<br />
<br />
Upper floors<br />
The upper floors are constructed in timber<br />
<br />
The roof<br />
The roofs are constructed in timber. The roof coverings are tiles.<br />
<br />
Stairs and landings<br />
The stairs and landings are constructed in timber
Ceilings<br />
The ceilings are constructed using plasterboard. They are plastered and decorated<br />
<br />
Insulation.<br />
The house is thermally insulated to a high standard<br />
<br />
Air tightness.<br />
The house is constructed to a high standard of air tightness. Unless you leave a<br />
window or your entrance door open, the dwelling will not be draughty<br />
<br />
Fixings – How to Do It<br />
Please be aware that in particular, the wiring from switches and sockets run upwards<br />
and downwards in the wall in a vertical line behind the plasterboard.<br />
It is therefore recommended that an area approx.. 150mm (6”) on either side of the<br />
switch/socket is avoided when using fixings.<br />
It is recommended that a Cable Tracker, available from most DIY shops, be used to<br />
identify the position of all cables/pipes. Please note however, that the major<br />
pipework in your <strong>home</strong> is made of plastic that cannot be detected by a cable tracker.<br />
The system relies on 15mm or 22mm plastic pipework between fittings/equipment (in<br />
the Airing Cupboard these are visible as copper pipes).<br />
<br />
The Code for Sustainable Homes<br />
The Code is the national standard for the sustainable design and construction of new<br />
<strong>home</strong>s. The Code aims to reduce our carbon emissions and create <strong>home</strong>s that are<br />
more sustainable.<br />
The Code measures the sustainability of a <strong>home</strong> against key design categories,<br />
rating the 'whole <strong>home</strong>' as a complete package. The minimum standards for Code<br />
compliance have been set above the requirements of Building Regulations New<br />
<strong>home</strong>s can achieve a rating on a scale of one to six 'Code Levels' depending on the<br />
standard achieved.<br />
The key design categories included within the Code are:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Energy<br />
Water<br />
Materials<br />
Surface water run-off<br />
Waste<br />
Pollution<br />
Health & Well-being
Management<br />
Ecology<br />
The Code builds on the EcoHomes system (the previous method for design<br />
purposes), and apart from the above design categories, it also includes new areas of<br />
sustainability design, and the inclusion of composting facilities. Homes are assessed<br />
at design stage in a similar manner to that of the EcoHomes system, but additionally<br />
require verification at post-completion stage.<br />
It is now mandatory for all new <strong>home</strong>s to be rated against the Code and include a<br />
Code or nil-rated certificate. By building to Code standards, we can make Britain's<br />
<strong>home</strong>s more environmentally friendly for the future.<br />
Your new <strong>home</strong> was assessed and graded in accordance with the Code for<br />
Sustainable Homes Scheme.<br />
The target for this project is level 4 under the CfSH scheme, and your house has<br />
been deemed to comply with this level. This is a very high standard<br />
A copy of the Certificate is available on request.<br />
One section of the scheme is to monitor and ensure that a minimum of 80% of the<br />
Timber used within the construction of your new <strong>home</strong> has been sourced from<br />
certified responsible sources and the relevant certification has been obtained.<br />
The government sets out the Timber Procurement policy and have stated that legal<br />
timber and wood products are deemed to have been obtained from forests that have<br />
met the following criteria:-<br />
1 – The forest owner/manager holds legal rights to the forest<br />
2 – There is a compliance by both the forest management organisation and any<br />
contractors with local and national legal criteria including those relevant to<br />
a- Forest management<br />
b- Environment<br />
c- Labour and Welfare<br />
d- Health & Safety<br />
e- Other parties’ tenure and use rights<br />
3 – All relevant royalties and taxes are paid<br />
4 – There is compliance with the criteria of CITES<br />
Relevant documentation demonstrating the above must be provided or made<br />
available upon request. Certification against any of the timber certification schemes<br />
identified and sections 1,2 & 4 above demonstrate that timber has been legally<br />
sourced
Based on the above, copies of the relevant accredited timber certification for the<br />
various elements of construction within your new <strong>home</strong> are available on request<br />
b. Heating & Hot Water Systems<br />
Your <strong>home</strong> has been designed using modern technology with the specific view of<br />
minimising running costs whilst maintaining comfortable living standards<br />
The Heating is supplied by an energy efficient boiler which has a minimum SEDBUK<br />
(Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK) rating of 91.1%<br />
A shower is fitted over the bath. This operates from the bath tap.<br />
Blending valves have been fitted to the shower and hot water taps to reach<br />
maximum permissible temperatures.<br />
c. Lighting<br />
Where possible your <strong>home</strong> is fitted with 4-pin low energy<br />
light fittings. 2-pin 2d fittings are used in the bathroom and<br />
kitchen, you should find that they are long lasting and will<br />
save electricity<br />
“In most <strong>home</strong>s, lighting accounts for 10-15% of an electricity<br />
bill. Each energy saving bulb HA have included can reduce<br />
your household electricity bill by up to £7 a year. These energy<br />
saving bulbs also last between 10 & 12 times longer than a<br />
normal bulb”<br />
d. Water saving features<br />
Water Meter<br />
Water used in your <strong>home</strong> will be provided through a meter. Thames Water insists<br />
that all new properties have to be connected through one of these meters. You will<br />
therefore pay for the exact amount you use in a similar way to electricity.<br />
The meter is located in the footpath at the entrance to the development . The meters<br />
can be read by the Water Company without the need to enter your property.<br />
Water Butt<br />
Your house has a water butt supplied which will help to minimise water charges.<br />
Water from the butt can be used to water gardens, clean cars and outdoor items. It<br />
should not be used for drinking.<br />
W.C. and Bathroom<br />
The bathroom and Cloakroom toilets (when applicable) have ‘dual action flush<br />
cisterns’ which offer the choice of less water per flush than older systems. This<br />
should help in reducing your water bills.
e. Refuse and Recycling<br />
Information about your local Authority collection scheme – RG17 0DJ<br />
Council web page: www.westberks.gov.uk<br />
Contact: West Berkshire Council<br />
Tel: 01635 42400<br />
The collection of household waste and recycling takes place on alternate<br />
weeks on a Thursday.<br />
Recycling<br />
Each household is provided with two green recycling boxes and a reusable sack.<br />
You can recycle paper and card in one box and glass in the other. The sack<br />
is used for all your plastic bottles, aerosols, drinks and food cans.
Recycling is collected every fortnight.<br />
Your recycling boxes and sack need to be ready for collection by 7am on your<br />
recycling day.<br />
If your recycling hasn't been collected for some reason, you should be left<br />
a note explaining the problem.<br />
Reasons might include:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
large cardboard - cardboard must be flattened and no bigger than 45cm x<br />
45cm<br />
tops left on plastic bottles - please remove all tops from bottles<br />
wrong type of plastic - we only accept plastic bottles in your green sack<br />
mixing your recycling materials - please separate the materials into the right<br />
containers<br />
shredded paper - this shouldn't be put into your green box; it can<br />
be composted or reused for animal bedding (or alternatively put in your black<br />
bin)<br />
As long as the problem has been sorted out, your recycling will then be taken on<br />
your next recycling collection day.<br />
If you have not been left a note, there may be other issues affecting the service<br />
which you can check online at www.westberks.gov.uk For more help, please contact<br />
Customer Services – Waste – West Berkshire Council.
Food Waste Collections<br />
It's simple to recycle your food waste - keep your caddy handy in the kitchen, add a<br />
compostable caddy liner and fill with food waste. When your caddy is full or after<br />
two-three days, tie the caddy liner and put it into your green bin (the same bin you<br />
use for your household garden waste).<br />
Compostable Liners<br />
Please only use compostable liners for your food waste. The kitchen caddies we<br />
have supplied are 7ltr and we recommend using 10ltr caddy liners. BioBag sell<br />
packs of compostable liners at a discounted rate for West Berkshire residents, or<br />
alternatively you can buy them at most major supermarkets.<br />
Wash hands and surfaces after handling food and store it away from heat with the lid<br />
closed.<br />
Refuse Collections<br />
Your black bin needs to be ready for the council to empty by 7am on your collection<br />
day. Any rubbish you put in your black bin goes straight to landfill or Energy from<br />
Waste (EfW). Please make sure you recycle and reduce as much as you can.<br />
To make sure you get a great service, please:
leave your bin handles facing outwards, as this will make the collection<br />
quicker for our crews<br />
ensure your bin lid is closed and that there is no excess rubbish left next to<br />
the bin<br />
don't put liquids in your black bin<br />
don't overload your wheeled bin with heavy items<br />
Only household waste not collected for recycling should be put out for refuse<br />
collection.<br />
Garden Waste Collections<br />
Your <strong>home</strong> has been supplied with a compost bin – see page 39 of this manual<br />
on how to compost<br />
Most households are provided with a green "wheelie" bin that you can use to place<br />
your garden waste and food waste for recycling.<br />
Collections<br />
Your green bin is collected on the same day and week as your recycling, once every<br />
two weeks. Please make sure your green bin is ready for collection by 7am on your<br />
recycling day.
Green Sacks<br />
If you have a green sack collection you can put out a maximum of five sacks for<br />
collection at one time. They must be left open so our crews are able to view the<br />
contents.<br />
Please do not put food waste in these sacks - this should go in the kerbside caddy<br />
you've been provided with. Please make sure all your food waste is contained in<br />
a compostable bag.<br />
Excess Garden Waste<br />
If you have excess garden waste that you'd like to be collected, you can sign up to<br />
the chargeable Extra Green Waste Collection Service.<br />
Alternatively you can take your excess garden waste to one of the recycling centres.<br />
Furniture and appliances Re-use<br />
Instead of throwing usable unwanted furniture and household appliances away, a<br />
number of charity shops sell donated good quality furniture alongside bric-a-brac,<br />
books and clothing:<br />
The British Heart Foundation for queries or to book a free collection visit<br />
www.BHF.org.uk or call 0808 250 0130 - Before organising your collection please<br />
check that:<br />
All the goods are in good condition, clean and complete, and that they work<br />
correctly<br />
All upholstered furniture has a fire label attached. For sets, ie a three piece<br />
suite, each individual item must have its own fire label.<br />
The Community Furniture Project Ring Newbury to arrange to donate any good<br />
quality surplus furniture, household goods, baby equipment or electrical items.<br />
Larger items can be collected from your <strong>home</strong> by a van crew on weekdays. Tel:<br />
Newbury 01635 43933.Collection is free of charge in West Berkshire.<br />
Real Nappies - www.goreal.org.uk<br />
Going real saves money for both parents and our<br />
communities. For every year a baby is in nappies, he or<br />
she will need nearly 2,000 nappy changes. With potty<br />
training averaging at two and a half years, that is nearly<br />
5,000 nappies per child!<br />
At an average cost of 16p per disposable, between them<br />
parents in England and Wales are spending approximately<br />
half a billion pounds on disposable nappies every year.<br />
Recent research by Go Real shows that parents can save anything from £150 to<br />
over a £1000 over the lifetime of using nappies, depending on their choice of<br />
nappies- those are huge savings for cash-strapped families. (And those savings<br />
stack up even further when nappies are used on a second- and a third child...)<br />
Better for the Environment....
Go Real also estimates, with the vast majority of the 813,000 (and rising) babies<br />
born in England and Wales each year using disposables, that’s a staggering 3 billion<br />
disposable nappies being used- which translates into over 355,000 tonnes of waste<br />
produced and an annual disposal cost to local authorities (and tax payers) of £32<br />
million.<br />
It is not just our local community that benefits, but our wider environment as well.<br />
Reports have shown that a 40% carbon saving can be made through using reusable<br />
nappies compared to using disposables- and yes that includes the washing!<br />
Stylish...Comfortable... Modern...<br />
Modern real nappies are stylish, fashionable and come in a range of patterns,<br />
designs sizes and colours. You can even buy bespoke!<br />
If you are inspired to try Real Nappies, explore our website to find out more. You can<br />
make the change to save and go real!<br />
Love Food, Hate Waste<br />
Are you wasting £50 a month by throwing away perfectly<br />
good food? www.lovefoodhatewaste.com<br />
cars off the road.<br />
The food we throw away is not only a waste of resources<br />
and money but some can end up in a landfill site, where it<br />
will rot and release methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. If<br />
we stop wasting food which could have been eaten, it will<br />
have the same impact on carbon emissions as taking 1 in 5<br />
While some of the food waste thrown away is peelings and bones, the majority is, or<br />
once was, perfectly good food. The main reasons for throwing away food is due to<br />
cooking too much e.g. cooking too much rice or pasta which gets left in the pan or<br />
plate and not using food in time e.g. throwing out fruit or vegetables because they<br />
have gone off.<br />
We know there are a lot of reasons why food might not be eaten in time - our plans<br />
change, we forget what food we have in the cupboard, forget to chill/freeze<br />
something to use at a later date or we lack the confidence or knowledge on how to<br />
use up our leftovers.<br />
Using these simple steps can help you to reduce the amount of food you throw<br />
away:<br />
1. BUY the food you need<br />
Plan your meals<br />
Make a shopping list<br />
2. EAT the food you buy<br />
Store food correctly<br />
Cook the right amount<br />
Eat it all or store leftovers
3. RECYCLE the food you can't eat<br />
Use your Food Waste Collection Service<br />
Compost at Home - see later in this manual for composting tips<br />
www.mpsonline.org.uk - Nearly 50,000 tonnes of junk mail hits regional door mats<br />
every year. You can stop it landing on your doorstep by registering with the Mailing<br />
Preference Service on their website. This is a free service set up 20 years ago and is<br />
funded by the direct mail industry to enable consumers to have their names and<br />
<strong>home</strong> addresses in the UK removed from lists used by the industry.<br />
www.wrap.org.uk - WRAP works in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland<br />
to help businesses, local authorities, communities and individuals reap the benefits<br />
of reducing waste, developing sustainable products and using resources in an<br />
efficient way.<br />
Established as a not-for-profit company in 2000, WRAP is backed by government<br />
funding from Defra (Department for the Environment, Food and Rural<br />
Affairs), Scottish Government, the Welsh Government, the Northern Ireland<br />
Executive, and the European Union. WRAP is a private company limited by<br />
guarantee, registered in England.<br />
www.recyclenow.com<br />
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle<br />
Reduce<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Avoid over packaged goods<br />
Use old t-shirts or sheets as rags or polishing cloths<br />
Keep equipment and tools well serviced to give them longer life and repair<br />
what you can rather than throwing it away<br />
Buy long lasting products that are energy efficient or reusable<br />
Buy concentrated products and refills<br />
Compost at <strong>home</strong><br />
Use the mail preference service to remove your name from mailing lists and<br />
stop junk mail.<br />
Reuse<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Use a reusable shopping bag or re-use shopping carrier bags<br />
Try to buy products in reusable packing - sweet tins for cakes or glass jars for<br />
storage<br />
Repair clothes and other goods rather than throwing them away<br />
Use the backs of paper to make rough notes, shopping lists or for children's<br />
drawings<br />
Donate items in good condition to the Community Furniture Project<br />
Advertise your item on your local Reuse group i.e. Freecycle and Freegle.<br />
Recycle<br />
<br />
<br />
Use your kerbside recycling scheme or Mini Recycling Centres<br />
Take additional materials for recycling to your local HWRC
Recycling Centres:<br />
Nearest mini-bank recycling centre is at Hungerford Wbc Car Park, Station Road,<br />
Hungerford, RG17 0DY.<br />
Cardboard – egg boxes; fruit and veg punnets; cardboard sleeves; cereal boxes;<br />
corrugated cardboard; food and drink cartons, toilet roll tubes.<br />
Electricals – cameras; <strong>home</strong> and garden tools; toys and games; hairdryers and<br />
electric toothbrushes; table lamps; telephones/fax; toasters; kettles and vacuums.<br />
Glass – bottles and jars.<br />
Paper – brown envelopes; junk mail; magazines; newspapers; window envelopes.<br />
Textiles – clothing; household linens; shoes and bags.<br />
Nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre is Newtown Road, Newbury RG20<br />
9AG<br />
Newtown Road HWRC is located just south of Newbury on the A339. Tel: (01635)<br />
519080 or visit www.westberks.gov.uk for full details of the site’s rules and services.<br />
Opening Hours:<br />
October to March: 8.30am to 5.30pm; April to September: 8.30am to 7.30pm;<br />
Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day: Closed<br />
This site offers West Berkshire residents a wide range of waste types that can be<br />
recycled which include:<br />
Paper and magazines, card, glass, plastic bottles, cans (including aerosol cans),<br />
textiles, drink cartons* and garden waste. * Please wash and squash drink cartons<br />
At the site you can also recycle:<br />
Engine oil<br />
Scrap metal<br />
Fridges and freezers<br />
Car batteries<br />
Car Tyres<br />
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (including light bulbs)<br />
Fluorescent tubes<br />
Household batteries<br />
Reusable bric-a-brac<br />
Wood<br />
Plasterboard<br />
Shoes<br />
Books, CDs and DVDs<br />
Soil and rubble<br />
Household chemicals<br />
Hard plastics<br />
Paint<br />
Gas bottles, General residual household waste and Asbestos can also be disposed<br />
of here- please contact the centre for full details.<br />
Pro-Grow - recycled soil conditioner is available to purchase at Newtown Road<br />
HWRC:
Pro-Grow is a fine grade, peat-free soil conditioner, made from green garden<br />
material generated by households. This product is rich in nutrients and essential<br />
trace elements, providing plants with an ideal growing medium.<br />
This soil conditioner has an open structure that will break down heavy clay soils and<br />
add humus to light sandy soils. It complies with the rigorous standards of the Soil<br />
Association’s certified product accreditation (Certificate Number I 4430) and is<br />
entirely natural, containing no added fertilisers.<br />
For more information about Pro-Grow, telephone 0800 072 2369 or email<br />
organics@veolia.co.uk.<br />
Community Furniture Project at Newtown Road HWRC<br />
The Veolia-operated HWRC at Newtown Road works with the Community Furniture<br />
Project to reuse waste items as much as possible.<br />
You can donate items to the project at the HWRC (in recycling area 2)<br />
These are the items that can and cannot be accepted by the Community Furniture<br />
Project at all their locations:<br />
Yes Please<br />
Baby goods<br />
Beds and bed<br />
linen<br />
Bicycles<br />
Curtains<br />
Chairs and<br />
tables<br />
Cookers<br />
Fridges &<br />
Freezers<br />
Furniture<br />
Electrical items<br />
Mattresses<br />
Microwave<br />
cookers<br />
Sofas<br />
Stereos<br />
Televisions<br />
Tumble Driers<br />
Wardrobes<br />
Washing<br />
Machines<br />
Vacuum<br />
Cleaners<br />
Video<br />
Recorders<br />
No Thanks<br />
Baby car seats / walkers<br />
Baths, sinks or taps or any household fittings<br />
Clothes<br />
Electric blankets<br />
Electric fires with open bars<br />
Kitchen units including fitted ovens and hobs<br />
Faulty electrical items<br />
Gas appliances, including Calor<br />
Glass-topped items<br />
Glass-fronted items, where the glass is not labelled as safety<br />
glass, and larger than an A4 piece of paper<br />
Night storage heaters<br />
Soft toys and games that do not have CE labels<br />
Upholstered furniture - (anything with foam) - without appropriate<br />
fire label, including: headboards, sofas, chairs, footstools,<br />
pouffees, beanbags and scatter cushions<br />
Flat packed furniture without instructions or fittings<br />
Internal doors<br />
Metal framed sofa beds<br />
Electric beds<br />
Foam backed carpet
f. Sustainable drainage<br />
Your new <strong>home</strong> was assessed and graded in accordance with the Code for<br />
Sustainable Homes Scheme, which is a piece of government legislation whereby<br />
various categories are graded to form an overall grading as to the sustainable assets<br />
of your <strong>home</strong>.<br />
The target for this project was ‘Very Good’ which is level 4 under the CfSH scheme,<br />
and your <strong>home</strong> has been deemed to comply with this level.<br />
Composting<br />
We have provided you with a compost bin, please refer to the Hints and Tips below<br />
along with the “Home Composting Guide” which has been provided with your new<br />
compost bin.<br />
COMPOST HINTS & TIPS<br />
Autumn leaves<br />
These can be added to your compost heap but the best use of them<br />
is to make leafmould. Stuff wet leaves into black plastic sacks (loosely<br />
tied), or an open wire mesh container. The resulting leafmould is<br />
ready to use after a year or two.<br />
Grass Mowings<br />
Mix well with browns to avoid a slimy mess. Alternatively, leave on<br />
the lawn whenever possible – they will soon disappear and feed<br />
the grass; this will not cause ‘thatch’. Can also be mixed into a leafmould heap, or<br />
used directly as a soil mulch.<br />
Diseased Plants<br />
Plant materials suffering from soil-borne diseases such as<br />
clubroot and white rot should not be added to a compost heap.<br />
Anything else can be safely composted in a hot heap. Diseases<br />
that don’t need living matter to survive, such as grey mould,<br />
mildews, and wilts, may survive a cold heap. But heat is not the only factor that will
kill diseases: the intense microbial activity in a compost heap also helps to dispose<br />
of them. Some diseases, such as tomato and potato blight need living plant tissue to<br />
survive and will not last long without it. It is fine to add foliage suffering from these<br />
diseases to your hot or cold compost heap.<br />
If in doubt, leave it out. Problem materials can be sent to your local council green<br />
waste recycling facility where the composting methods are hot enough to kill any<br />
problem organisms.<br />
Perennial weeds<br />
Some perennial weeds will be killed in a hot heap; avoid really<br />
persistent horrors such as celandine, docks, bulbous buttercup,<br />
ground elder and bindweed. Don’t burn or dump these weeds –<br />
they are rich in plant goods. Mix with grass mowings in a plastic<br />
sack. Tie it up and leave for a few months until the weeds are no longer<br />
recognisable, then add to the compost heap. Or send them to your local council<br />
green waste recycling facility where the composting methods are hot enough to kill<br />
them off.<br />
Weed seeds<br />
Weed seeds may survive a cool heap, but should be killed in a hot<br />
one. If your finished compost tends to grow weeds, dig it in rather<br />
than spreading it on the soil surface.<br />
Hedge clippings and prunings<br />
Chop or shred tough prunings and clippings from evergreen hedges<br />
before adding to a mixed compost heap. Compost large quantities<br />
separately; even unshredded they will compost eventually. Mix with<br />
grass or other activating material; water well. Tread down the heap,<br />
then cover. In anything from a few months to a few years you will<br />
have coarse mulch which can be used on perennial beds.<br />
Animal manures<br />
Strawy horse and cattle manure composts well. Manure mixed<br />
with wood shavings should be left to rot until the shavings have<br />
decomposed. If it is dry, water well and mix with grass<br />
mowings, poultry manure or other activating (i.e. green or nitrogen rich) material.<br />
When rotted use as a surface mulch.<br />
Small pets, like hamsters, don’t produce many dropping but you can still use their<br />
waste as a strawy addition to the compost heap. Guinea pigs are marvellous – they<br />
love eating weeds and convert them quickly to prime compost material!<br />
Paper products<br />
Newspaper can be added to a compost heap, but in any quantity it<br />
should go for recycling into more paper. Cardboard, paper towels<br />
and other paper items can be scrunched up and composted. They are particularly<br />
useful where kitchen scraps make up a high proportion of the compost ingredients.<br />
Glossy paper takes a long time to rot down. Coloured inks are quite safe to<br />
compost.
Sawdust and wood shavings<br />
Very slow to decay. Raw or uncomposted wood shavings<br />
incorporated into the soil can lock up soil nitrogen, making it<br />
unavailable for plants for a year or more. Add in small quantities;<br />
balance with quick-to-rot activating materials. See also ‘Animal manures’ above. Do<br />
not use if treated with wood preservatives.<br />
Composting questions answered<br />
Is garden compost the same as bagged ‘multipurpose’ compost?<br />
No. Sowing, potting and multipurpose composts that you buy in garden centres are<br />
mixtures of various materials such as shredded bark, sand, coir and fertilisers.<br />
These are used for raising seedlings and growing plants in pots.<br />
Will a compost heap breed pests?<br />
Compost is made by a host of small and microscopic creatures. These are not pests<br />
and will not overrun your garden. Slugs are often found in compost heaps – some<br />
species feed on decaying organic matter and are a valuable part of the composting<br />
process.<br />
Do I need any special equipment?<br />
A garden fork is the only essential item for turning and spreading compost. A<br />
compost bin keeps everything neater but it is not essential.<br />
Will a compost heap attract rats?<br />
Rats may visit a compost heap if they are already present in the area but composting<br />
does not generally attract the rats in the first place. If rats or mice are nesting in your<br />
compost heap, this is a sign that the heap is too dry. Add water until it has the<br />
consistency of a wrung-out sponge.<br />
Is compost safe to handle?<br />
Yes, if the usual garden hygiene rules are followed. Keep cuts covered, wash hands<br />
before eating and keep your anti-tetanus protection up to date.<br />
Does a compost heap have to get hot?<br />
No. A medium-sized compost heap can heat up to 60° in a few days. The heat helps<br />
to make quicker compost, and to kill weeds and diseases. But your compost may<br />
never heat up, especially if it is made over a long period. The compost can be just<br />
as good, but it will take longer to be ready for use.<br />
Does compost spread weeds and diseases?<br />
Some weed seeds and plant diseases will survive in a slow, cool compost heap – if<br />
you add them in the first place.<br />
Do I need a shredder to make compost?<br />
No. A shredder can be very useful where there is a lot of woody material to be<br />
composted, but it is not essential.<br />
Can I compost poisonous plants?<br />
Yes. The toxins from rhubarb, yew, laurel and other poisonous plants are all broken<br />
down during the composting process and will not cause any damage to you or your<br />
garden.<br />
Ants are nesting in my compost heap. Help!<br />
Ants do have some small part to play in the composing process but the presence of<br />
nests in the heap is a sign that it is too dry. Water it thoroughly, or, if some parts are<br />
wetter than others, give it a good mix or turn.<br />
Every time I open my bin I am assailed by masses of tiny ‘fruit flies’ – why is<br />
this?
These are part of the decomposition process but their numbers can be reduced by<br />
burying any fruit waste among other ingredients. Flies are also a sign that the<br />
compost is a little too wet or has too many ‘green’ ingredients. Make sure that the<br />
bin has a lid and add ‘brown’ ingredients such as straw, cardboard or paper to rebalance<br />
the heap. Mix it in well.<br />
There’s a wasps nest in my bin – what shall I do?<br />
There is no ‘organic’ way to get rid of wasps. However, they do not return to the<br />
same nest every year so the problem will be over when autumn comes. If you can,<br />
leave the wasps alone as they are useful predators for garden pests. If they cannot<br />
be left (in a school garden, for example) then call your local council’s Environmental<br />
Health Department for advice. To avoid the problem in future, make sure that your<br />
heap does not get too dry – make sure it has a lid and that the sides are solid, with<br />
no air gaps.<br />
WHAT YOU CAN DO<br />
g. Energy Saving Tips<br />
Your <strong>home</strong> has been designed to reduce the amount of energy needed in heating<br />
rooms and providing hot water.<br />
All of the walls, roofs and floors are well insulated; the windows and doors are<br />
double glazed and draught proofed. This will help in reducing the costs of heating<br />
your <strong>home</strong>.<br />
Homes have been arranged to make best use of the heating effect of the sun. Where<br />
possible, windows on the warmer south facing walls are larger than the ones that<br />
face to the North. During the winter you should allow the sun to help heat your <strong>home</strong><br />
by allowing it to shine into the south facing rooms. However, during warm summer<br />
days some shading of windows will help keep rooms cooler.<br />
Slatted or lightweight material blinds are a good way of allowing light into your rooms<br />
whilst stopping direct sunlight.
General low cost tips:<br />
Curtains<br />
Heating<br />
Water<br />
Lights<br />
Television and<br />
Hi-Fi<br />
Fridges and<br />
Freezers<br />
Washing<br />
machines<br />
Dishwashers<br />
At night, pull the curtains to stop heat being lost through the<br />
windows<br />
You can save on running costs by heating your <strong>home</strong> for an hour<br />
less each day<br />
- Use the shower and you'll save time, money and<br />
water<br />
- Remember to put the plug in your basin or sink –<br />
having hot water taps running is both wasteful and<br />
expensive<br />
- If you have a dripping tap ensure it is repaired<br />
quickly. In just one day, you could waste enough hot<br />
water to fill a bath<br />
Remember to turn off lights when you leave a room for long<br />
periods<br />
Switch off your TV, video and Hi-Fi at the set. Standby can use as<br />
much as 10%-60% of the electricity that would be used by the<br />
device if it was switched on.<br />
- Defrost fridges and freezers regularly to keep them<br />
running efficiently<br />
- Don't put hot or warm food straight into the fridge -<br />
let it cool down first<br />
- Where possible, position your fridge or freezer away<br />
from cookers or heaters<br />
- Where possible wait until you have a full load before<br />
using your washing machine<br />
- Alternatively, use the half-load or economy<br />
programme if your machine has one<br />
- Remember: modern washing detergents work<br />
just as well at low temperatures<br />
If you have a dishwasher use the low-temperature programme<br />
unless you have very dirty dishes<br />
Cooking - Use the right size pan for the food and cooker hob<br />
- Keep saucepan lids on - this enables you to turn<br />
down the heat<br />
- Don't use more water than you need<br />
- Use a kettle to boil water for cooking<br />
- Use a toaster rather than the grill to make toast<br />
- Avoid over-filling the kettle for just one drink but be
sure to cover the element<br />
When choosing a new appliance refer to the Energy Saving Leaflet
Clothes Washing:<br />
A rotary clothes dryer is provided in your garden, or if you are in a flat, an over-bath<br />
dryer has been provided for energy efficient drying of clothes.<br />
h. Sustainable DIY<br />
Some DIY products contain chemicals which are hazardous to the environment and<br />
to your health so think carefully before you buy. Avoid solvent based paints,<br />
varnishes and glues. Water based are much better. When buying strong cleaning<br />
agents, avoid chlorine bleach.<br />
One further issue to be made aware of is Volatile Organic Compounds:<br />
Volatile Organic Compounds are materials which evaporate readily from commonly occurring sources<br />
such as vehicle exhausts, cleaning agents, furniture polish and fabric softeners. These also include<br />
solvents used in coatings, as well as thinners and brush cleaners.<br />
In the presence of sunlight, these VOCs can react with nitrogen oxides to create ground level ozone<br />
and photochemical smogs. These in turn can contribute to pollution of the atmosphere. The UK<br />
government and the coatings industry are committed to reducing VOC emissions under international<br />
conventions. Although the impact of household coatings on atmospheric pollution is very small (less<br />
than 2% of the total amount of VOCs emitted), manufacturers believe the amount of VOC s in<br />
decorative coatings should be reduced and consumers given the choice of using lower VOCcontaining<br />
products.<br />
Coatings suppliers have introduced a labelling system to inform you of the VOC content of each<br />
decorative coating product – a 5-band classification shows the VOC content as Minimal; Low;<br />
Medium; High or Very High<br />
In your garden; It is particularly important to avoid peat products. Peat is an<br />
internationally rare and declining habitat of high conservation importance, many<br />
species depend upon it. There are plenty of peat free alternatives. Avoid using weed<br />
killers and insect treatments that contain pesticides and toxic chemicals, especially<br />
around children and pregnant women.<br />
i. Sustainable transport<br />
Details of Cycle Storage<br />
Your <strong>home</strong> is provided with a securely fixed bicycle stand which is permanently fixed<br />
within the dedicated cycle storage facility provided for your new <strong>home</strong>.<br />
Each house is provided with a timber shed in which a Sheffield<br />
style cycle hoop is fixed to the rear of the shed, allowing for<br />
provision of 2no. cycles to be securely fixed to the stand.
Why Cycle ?<br />
Swap your car journeys for bike rides<br />
Many car trips are under 3 miles. That’s bad for your car, bad for the environment,<br />
and leads to unnecessary traffic.<br />
For short trips, cycling is the most obvious alternative to driving: you can go where<br />
you want, when you want, lock up your bike when you get there, and even carry<br />
hefty loads of shopping if you fit panniers to your bike.<br />
Top 10 reasons to cycle<br />
1. It’s easy! Cycling is often the easiest way to get around– you can ride<br />
quickly and directly to the shops, to school or to work, and not have to<br />
worry about parking the car.<br />
2. It’s fun! Cycling is a really enjoyable way to get around and spend your<br />
time, whether you’re riding alone, or with your friends or family. Take a<br />
picnic, go to a lovely country or canalside pub and make a day of it!<br />
3. It’s fast! During the rush hour, cycling can be up to twice as fast as<br />
going by car.<br />
4. It’s free! With a bike there’s no fuel to buy (apart from your own food!),<br />
no road tax or parking fees. Go where you want anytime, and enjoy the<br />
freedom of your city.<br />
5. It’s a great family activity. Sunday afternoons were made for cycling –<br />
get all the bikes out, with stabilisers or trailer bike for learner riders, so<br />
you and the whole family can feel the wind on your faces!<br />
6. It makes you feel younger. Regular cyclists have the improved overall<br />
fitness of someone up to 10 years younger, and can live up to 2 years<br />
longer!<br />
7. It helps you stay trim and healthy. Riding a bike is a great way to<br />
protect yourself against heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and<br />
stress! Twenty minutes of gentle cycling can easily burn 100 calories –<br />
why go to the gym when you can work out in the fresh air?<br />
8. It boosts the brain cells. Cycle to work, school, college or university,<br />
and you’ll arrive feeling refreshed, motivated and ready to concentrate<br />
on the day ahead.<br />
9. There are safe, quiet and exciting places to ride! There is a growing<br />
network of cycle lanes and traffic-free routes for safe and easy rides.<br />
10. You can enjoy the freedom of your area. Best of all, more cycling<br />
gives you a new perspective on your surroundings and helps reduce<br />
traffic and pollution. More riders on the road generally means fewer<br />
accidents.<br />
Walking and cycling around the district is fun and easy, with a large number of<br />
planned routes to help keep you safe, avoid busy roads, and get you to your<br />
destination faster. There's a number of different walking and cycling maps to be<br />
found on the West Berks council website (www.westberks.gov.uk/roads transport
and parking/ transport / walking and cycling - to help you find the best way of getting<br />
around town, or to explore the area. They have been individually drawn to<br />
show paths and routes which are open for you to use on foot or by bike.<br />
The Newbury and Thatcham Cycle Map shows a number of colour-coded routes<br />
which can help plan your journey in the way that suits you, whilst other cycle maps<br />
on the website can help you explore the district by a number of leisurely routes.<br />
In addition, Reading Borough Council have published Reading Cycle Routes, a<br />
comprehensive cycling map of their area, extending into West Berkshire including<br />
Calcot, Tilehurst and Purley.<br />
The council also have a number of recreation cycle routes in and around West<br />
Berkshire available in the digital GPX format, which can be uploaded onto a<br />
compatible GPS device. These routes have been developed by members of West<br />
Berkshire Spokes, and can be used in real time while on the move, a simple click on<br />
each individual route will enable you to download direct from the website<br />
(www.westberks.gov.uk)<br />
The sustainable transport charity Sustrans can give you details of walking and<br />
cycling along the Kennet and Avon Canal, and along the National Cycle Network<br />
Route 4, linking London to Bristol and into Wales. The Newbury Visitor Information<br />
Centre also provide a range of recreational walking and cycling maps within the<br />
district and beyond via their Visit Newbury website. www.sustrans.org.uk;<br />
www.visitnewbury.org.uk<br />
For more information about cycling nationally, take a look at the British Cycling, CTC<br />
(The National Cycling Charity), and Sustrans websites. They give advice on riding for<br />
fun, to work or competitively. There's local groups in West Berkshire too, including<br />
West Berkshire Spokes, and Newbury Road Club. www.britishcycling.org.uk;<br />
www.ctc.org.uk; www.westberkshirespokes.org.uk; www.newburyrc.co.uk<br />
All of thewalking and cycling maps are available to either download, or as hard<br />
copies. contact West Berks Council if you'd like to request a printed copy.<br />
Cycle Hire - You can reserve a bicycle for collection using the Newbury Cycle Hire<br />
online form. Bikes are collected/returned to the Newbury Visitor Information<br />
Centre during opening hours.<br />
Planning your journey by bike - If you're looking to travel more by bike, either<br />
locally or further afield, there are a number of online journey planners you can use.<br />
CycleStreets.net provides good online cycle journey planning tools and directions<br />
to help you to tailor a route to your specific needs.<br />
West Berkshire Cycle Forum - The West Berkshire Cycle Forum meets on a<br />
regular basis to help liaise with us regarding all things cycling. It's made up from<br />
representatives across different organisations, with the needs of the cyclist at heart.<br />
West Berkshire Cycling Newsletter - If you want to know more about recent<br />
cycling activities taking place within the district, you can read about them and any<br />
cycling related news by downloading from the council website.
Park & Ride Schemes<br />
Park and Ride sites are provided to enable visitors to park their car on the periphery<br />
of a city and travel onwards by bus to the city centre or other destination. There are<br />
no park and ride sites in the West Berkshire district.<br />
Car Parks<br />
There are two council managed car parks in Hungerford:<br />
Church Street which has 55 spaces<br />
Station Road which has 104 spaces, two of which are for blue badge holders<br />
For a full list of car parks in Lambourn, Newbury, Pangbourne, Thatcham and Theale<br />
visit the council website. www.westberks.gov.uk<br />
Car Share & Lift Share Schemes<br />
Car sharing<br />
Car-sharing is when two or more people share a car and travel together. Car-sharing<br />
is a simple way to cut the costs of fuel and parking, reduce congestion and pollution,<br />
and cut the stress of driving. Berkshire Car Share is focused on providing commuters<br />
living and working within Berkshire, the opportunity to meet with others travelling<br />
similar journeys to promote taking a single vehicle between them, rather than one<br />
each. Berkshire Car Share is part of the National, shareAcar.com group and<br />
promotes a safer environment for car sharing. Visit www.shareacar.com/berkshire for<br />
full details.<br />
Liftshare is an online scheme whereby you can create and manage your journeys<br />
and also match up with someone to carshare with. You can also search for a BUDi to<br />
share your bike, walking or taxi journey. www.liftshare.com/uk<br />
Car Clubs - Carplus is the UK’s pioneering transport NGO supporting the<br />
development of affordable, accessible and low-carbon car-sharing clubs and ridesharing<br />
service.<br />
Car clubs are about providing a car when you need it. Ideal for those require a car on<br />
an infrequent basis for longer journeys. Instead of buying a car or considering the<br />
need for a second car, join a car club and ‘hire’ from someone in your local<br />
community. Hire charges include insurance. Cars can be hired for an hour, a day or<br />
a week. If you have a car, but don’t fully utilise it, you can offer your car to others.<br />
www.carplus.org.uk<br />
Car clubs are a local solution to individuals or families who don’t need a car for all<br />
their regular journeys; share with someone else. The benefits are financial and<br />
reduce the number of cars in use, reducing emissions and congestion. For full<br />
details, terms and conditions, please see the web site.
j. Sustainable shopping<br />
By watching what we buy we can make a huge impact on the environment, wildlife<br />
and on our own families’ health. Responsible purchasing isn’t easy, but here is a<br />
<strong>guide</strong> to help:<br />
Before you buy<br />
Ask yourself if you really need it. Do you have something else you could reuse<br />
or recycle? For example, you could make notepads from the blank side of<br />
used paper!<br />
Remember recycled<br />
Try to buy recycled items, especially recycled paper and glass. For a good<br />
selection try www.naturalcollections.com, www.recycledproducts.org.uk or<br />
www.re-markable.com<br />
The problem with plastic<br />
Avoid unnecessary plastic items especially PVC - plastic isn't biodegradable<br />
and can release hazardous chemicals when burnt. PVC has also been linked<br />
to toxic carcinogenic chemicals.<br />
Excessive packaging<br />
Many items are sold with excessive packaging. Let your retailer know how<br />
you feel about this by refusing to take excessive packaging with you and by<br />
refusing to take plastic bags.<br />
A question of sustainability<br />
When buying wood products, ensure it is sustainably harvested by purchasing<br />
items carrying the FSC logo (try B&Q and IKEA for a good range). Be<br />
cautious about toiletries containing rosewood, sandlewood, musk &<br />
eaglewood essence oil as they're all from endangered species.<br />
Fairtrade<br />
The Fairtrade Foundation exists to ensure a better deal for disadvantaged<br />
third world producers (www.fairtrade.org.uk) and by purchasing Fairtrade<br />
items you are helping these producers set up sustainable businesses which<br />
support local communities! Fairtrade items are available from Oxfam and<br />
many supermarkets.<br />
Organics<br />
Purchasing organics will help protect your family from the chemical residues<br />
found in various food products. Organic items are grown without<br />
petrochemical fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides and are GM free. Most<br />
supermarkets do an organic range for you to choose from or visit the Farmers'<br />
Market
Your Local Farmers Market:<br />
On the 4th Sunday of the month there is a farmers' market in the High Street,<br />
10am - 1pm<br />
Wednesdays there is a street market in the High Street, Hungerford 8am - 3pm<br />
For a full list of markets throughout West Berkshire visit www.visitnewbury.org.uk<br />
Organic Box Schemes near you: www.soilassociation.org/boxschemes<br />
The popularity of box schemes has taken off in recent years, with more and more<br />
households now receiving a regular delivery of fresh organic produce, often<br />
delivered not far from where it was grown.<br />
Food that is grown closer to us has travelled a shorter distance to reach us –<br />
meaning less environmental pollution. Locally produced food can also be<br />
fresher,healthier and more nutritious having being spared lengthy periods of<br />
storage,chilling and travel. And culturally, local organic food has its own story,<br />
bringing a shared meaning at mealtimes and a deeper connection to the land and<br />
the people.<br />
Organic crops, fruit and vegetables are produced without the use of unnecessary<br />
artificial pesticides or weed killers, benefiting your health and the environment.<br />
Animal welfare is paramount on organic farms where animals are free-range and the<br />
routine use of antibiotics and vaccines are not permitted. In addition, organic<br />
standards prohibit the use of genetically modified ingredients in food as well as in<br />
animal feed.<br />
Many people choose a box scheme or direct delivery service because it’s an easy<br />
way to ensure they get plenty of fresh, organic food in their diets.<br />
Healthy Start Scheme<br />
Many organic food suppliers have joined the Healthy Start Scheme. With Healthy<br />
Start, you can get free vouchers every week which you swap for milk, fresh fruit,<br />
fresh vegetables and infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamins. Healthy<br />
Start replaces the Welfare Food Scheme. Click onto www.healthystart.nhs.uk and<br />
follow the steps to see if you qualify.
d. Cracks<br />
During the construction period, many buildings take in moisture and may take<br />
up to 12 months to completely dry out. As the building dries out, the wood<br />
and plaster in it will shrink and might cause small cracks to appear. Do not be<br />
alarmed! These do not affect the structure of the building and can be filled<br />
when the house is redecorated.<br />
If there are any very large cracks, the builder will fill them in at the end of<br />
the12 month defects period. Please do not re-decorate in the first 12 months,<br />
as any wall repairs will be carried out by the contractor and any re-decoration<br />
will be to original colours.<br />
e. Condensation<br />
Condensation is formed when steam or water vapour in a room touches a<br />
cold surface – it then turns to water. This is a common problem in new<br />
buildings.<br />
These steps will help reduce the condensation in your <strong>home</strong>:<br />
Produce less moisture:<br />
o Some ordinary daily activities produce a lot of moisture very quickly<br />
o Cover pans and do not leave kettles boiling<br />
o Dry washing outdoors on you rotary line, or put it in the bathroom with the<br />
door closed and the window open or fan on.<br />
Ventilate to remove moisture:<br />
o If you have a mechanical ventilation system built in, make sure it is on all the<br />
time.<br />
o Keep a small window ajar when someone is in the room, breathing creates<br />
moisture.<br />
o Ventilate kitchens and bathrooms when in use by slightly opening the<br />
windows<br />
o Close the kitchen and bathroom doors when these rooms are in use, to help<br />
prevent moisture reaching other rooms.<br />
o Ventilate cupboards and wardrobes, avoid putting too much in them to allow<br />
air to circulate. Leave a small gap between walls and furniture, don’t leave<br />
items leant against walls for long periods of time.<br />
To kill and remove mould: wipe down frames and walls with a fungicidal wash which<br />
carries a Health and Safety Executive ‘approval number’. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions precisely. Deal with the basic problem of condensation and mould<br />
should not then reappear.<br />
f. Efflorescence<br />
Another sign that a building is drying our may be the appearance of white<br />
staining on the outside walls. This is caused by salts in the brickwork leaking<br />
out and is known as efflorescence. This will eventually disappear.<br />
g. Caring for your new <strong>home</strong><br />
Windows and doors<br />
For cleaning the glass, just use a simple window spray cleaner with a cloth, or a<br />
soap that mixes with water.<br />
Whether you have uPVC windows or uPVC doors (or both), they do need taking care<br />
of once in a while. Maintenance-free just means they will never need to be coated or<br />
painted in order to stay in fine shape.<br />
Like most surfaces, they will pick up dirt and dust in the air, especially during hotter<br />
seasons. uPVC doors that are opened regularly will likely get dirty from being<br />
constantly touched and letting dirt and dust in the air come through. This is<br />
particularly the case for internal doors if you’re at <strong>home</strong> a lot.<br />
For the actual frames on your uPVC doors and windows, just use a liquid soap or<br />
mild detergent, mixed with warm water. Don’t forget to also wipe out the drainage<br />
channels. The cleaning part really is that simple.<br />
Vents<br />
Opening vents on windows require an even push or pull when being opened or<br />
closed. Where two handles have been fitted, both should be used together to avoid<br />
damage to the friction stays. Vents left open for long periods may sometimes result<br />
in an accumulation of windblown dirt on the stays, leading to clogging and restriction<br />
action. If this should occur do NOT use force, but remove dirt and free the action<br />
with WD-40 spray or penetrating oil.<br />
Patio Doors & French Doors<br />
Tracks should be kept clean for smooth running, and drainage channels kept clear.<br />
For maintaining the functionality of your uPVC windows and doors, you need to keep<br />
the mechanisms lubricated from time to time. It’s recommended that you use<br />
periodic lubrication with WD-40 spray, whether it be for windows, external doors or<br />
internal doors. The mechanisms to keep lubricated include the handles, lock<br />
assemblies, hinges, letter plate springs and striking plates.<br />
The overall cleaning and maintenance does not have to be done too often –<br />
basically, if something is dirty, clean it, and if a mechanism is not up to scratch,<br />
lubricant it!<br />
Stainless Steel Sink:<br />
This should only be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner.
Baths:<br />
The Bath is made of pressed steel with an enamel coating.<br />
To clean:<br />
o If bath salts are used, add whilst the tap is running.<br />
o Clean immediately after use, whilst the water is running out and the bath is<br />
still warm. To preserve the surface use warm soapy water and wipe dry.<br />
o Dripping taps should be repaired promptly.<br />
o Cleaners should be non-abrasive.<br />
Do not allow the following to come into contact with the bath:<br />
o Cleaning agents.<br />
o Paint strippers.<br />
o Spirits or bleaches.<br />
o Cigarettes, etc.<br />
Wash Hand Basin and Toilet Pan and Cistern:<br />
These are ceramic, and can be cleaned using a non-abrasive cleaner.<br />
Make sure that only wastewater, toilet tissue and human waste goes down<br />
your toilet and into the sewer – wrap up sanitary products, nappies, wet wipes,<br />
cotton buds, dental floss and condoms and put them in the bin.<br />
‘Flushable’ Products? – Even items that are marketed as ‘flushable’ or<br />
‘biodegradable’ contribute to blockages. Although these items<br />
disappear when you flush your loo, they do not break down in the<br />
sewers, as they take a number of years to disintegrate.<br />
Medicines, tablets, syringes and needles should be taken to a<br />
pharmacist, local hospital or health authority for safe disposal.<br />
Kitchen Units and Worktops:<br />
These can be cleaned using warm soapy water or a mild detergent. Do not allow<br />
water to stand on work surfaces or shelves.<br />
Avoid Blocked Drains! -<br />
Think not the sink – After cooking, fat, oil and grease should be left to cool – it<br />
can then be disposed of in the bin or mixed with seeds and nuts to make a<br />
feeder for birds.<br />
Chemicals, solvents, engine oil and paint should be taken to your local refuse<br />
site<br />
Ceramic Wall Tiling:<br />
These can be cleaned using a mild detergent or a glass-cleaning agent.<br />
Floor Vinyls:<br />
These can be cleaned using a mild detergent or a proprietary floor-cleaning agent.<br />
Surplus water should not be allowed to accumulate and should be removed.<br />
Fitting Carpet<br />
The doors have been fitted with a clearance to allow for when your carpet is fitted.<br />
Please be sure when choosing new flooring that you allow enough clearance<br />
beneath the doors. Neither the contractor or the housing association are responsible<br />
for re-fitting doors to allow for new flooring.
Your Garden<br />
Your garden is yours to enjoy and maintain, but please do not remove any of the<br />
turf, plants or trees that may have been planted in your garden without<br />
consulting the <strong>Housing</strong> Officer. The planting scheme is a Planning Condition and<br />
if we have to replace the planting that you have removed, you will be charged.<br />
A shed has been provided in your rear garden, this is lockable and a key should be<br />
provided at handover.<br />
Please note that before carrying out any changes to fencing or paving<br />
permission MUST be obtained from the <strong>Housing</strong> Association.<br />
Maintaining your lawn<br />
During the first few months after new turf has been laid, it is important to help<br />
maintain it to allow the grass to establish its roots, try not to use the grass too heavily<br />
in the first few months to allow the ground to settle.<br />
<br />
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<br />
In dry weather, frequent watering may be necessary to keep the new turf<br />
constantly moist. During dry periods in mid- to late summer, water every five<br />
to 10 days. At other seasons water during dry periods every 14 days.<br />
Be careful not to over-water, as this can lead to shallow rooting and<br />
encourages the weed grass, annual meadow grass.<br />
Mow, with the blades set high, as soon as the grass has grown to about 5cm<br />
(2in).<br />
Don’t leave anything on the lawn for long periods.<br />
Once established, mowing little and often is the recipe for success. Regular cutting<br />
keeps the lawn thick, tidy and deters weeds. For most lawns, at the start of the year<br />
set the mower blades to 3cm (1.25in) and cut the lawn about once a week.<br />
When the grass grows faster during the spring and summer, lower the blades to 2cm<br />
(1in) and you may need to cut up to twice a week.<br />
During long dry spells, mow less frequently, let grass grow longer and don't<br />
use summer feeds that will make lots of new growth. If you are in a drought<br />
area your lawn may turn brown in summer, but learn to live with this rather<br />
than using a sprinkler and it will soon recover when it rains in autumn<br />
Removing weeds:<br />
Learn to tolerate a few weeds in the lawn, but if small patches or single weeds<br />
need to be removed, pull up by hand with the help of a daisy grubber tool or<br />
similar device. This helps to get the deeper roots of perennial weeds out.<br />
Alternatively spot-treat with a dab-on weed killer that can be bought in tubes.<br />
Use a selective weed killer on lawns with large colonies of weeds, such as<br />
creeping buttercup<br />
Repairing patches:
If your lawn has a sunken patch, repair by making an H-shaped spade cut<br />
across it with a half-moon edging tool and then peel back the two flaps of turf<br />
over the hollow. Add some<br />
topsoil, level and firm down the flaps. Fill in the gaps left by the cuts with more<br />
topsoil.<br />
Feeding:<br />
Feeding regularly with a lawn fertiliser will make it greener and thicker, which<br />
helps it resist weeds and moss. There are different formulations depending on<br />
the time of the year you are feeding, and there are also feed and weed<br />
products, which will kill moss, while providing nutrients to the grass.
a. A list of contacts and links<br />
The Local Authority<br />
www.westberks.gov.uk<br />
West Berkshire Council<br />
Council Offices<br />
Market Street<br />
Newbury<br />
Berks RG14 5LD<br />
Tel: 01635 42400<br />
www.hungerfordcouncil.co.uk<br />
Hungerford Town Council<br />
Hungerford Library<br />
Church Street<br />
Hungerford RG17 0JG<br />
Tel: 01488 686195<br />
The company responsible for the construction of the property<br />
www.egcarter.co.uk<br />
E G Carter & Co Ltd<br />
Bybrook House<br />
Lower Tuffley Lane<br />
Gloucester GL2 6EE<br />
Tel: 01452 529194<br />
The company responsible for the management of the dwellings<br />
www.sovereign.org.uk<br />
22-24 Bartholomew Street<br />
Newbury<br />
Berkshire RG14 5LL<br />
Tel: 0800 587 2325 (all enquiries and out-of-hours emergencies)
Other useful Website &/or telephone numbers<br />
For Local Bus & Train information<br />
www.traveline.org.uk<br />
T: 0870 6082608<br />
Cycle Networks<br />
www.sustrans.org.uk<br />
T: 0845 113 00 65<br />
E: info@sustrans.org.uk<br />
Energy Saving Trust<br />
www.est.org.uk/my<strong>home</strong><br />
T: 0800 915 7722<br />
Recyclenow<br />
www.recyclenow.com<br />
T: 0845 331 3131<br />
Responsible purchasing <strong>guide</strong><br />
www.responsible-purchasing.org<br />
Helplines: www.helplines.org<br />
Age Concern 0800 169 6565<br />
Disability Rights Independent Living 0300 555 1525<br />
Childline 0800 1111<br />
Womens Aid & Refuge Domestic Violence 0808 2000 247<br />
Mankind (men suffering from domestic 01823 334244<br />
violence)<br />
Cruse Bereavement Care 0844 477 9400<br />
Samaritans 0845 790 9090<br />
NHS 111 Service 111<br />
Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555<br />
Gamblers Anonymous 020 7384 3040<br />
Macmillan Support Line 0808 808 0000<br />
NHS Stop Smoking Helpline 0800 169 0169<br />
Talk to Frank (Drugs Helpline) 0800 776 600<br />
Veterans Helpline 0800 169 2277<br />
Citizens Advice Bureau<br />
0300 222 5941<br />
(Hungerford/Newbury)<br />
Job Centre Plus 0845 604 3719<br />
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
Your Constituency is: Newbury<br />
Your Electoral Division is: Hungerford<br />
Your local Member of Parliament is: Richard Benyon MP<br />
Your local county councillors are:<br />
Paul Hewer (Cons)<br />
James Podger (Cons)<br />
www.westberks.gov.uk for contact details<br />
A <strong>guide</strong> to your neighbourhood – local facilities<br />
All local amenities listed can be reached by either: foot, cycle, car, train or bus.<br />
Foodstore<br />
One Stop Community Stores<br />
32 Fairview Road, Hungerford, RG17 0BN<br />
Distance:<br />
Supermarket & ATM<br />
Tesco Superstore<br />
Everland Road, Hungerford, RG17 0DX<br />
Distance: 0.3 miles<br />
Postal Facilities<br />
Post Office<br />
6-7 High Street, Hungerford, RG17 0DN<br />
Distance: 0.5 miles<br />
Pharmacy<br />
Boots Pharmacy<br />
125 High Street, Street, RG17 0DL<br />
Distance: 0.5 miles<br />
Medical Centre<br />
The Hungerford Surgery<br />
The Croft, Hungerford, RG17 0HY<br />
Distance: 0.6 miles
Dental Centre<br />
ADP Dental Co Ltd<br />
32b Fairview Road, Hungerford, RG17 0BN<br />
Distance: 0.1 miles<br />
Community Centre<br />
Hungerford Youth & Community Centre<br />
Priory Road, Hungerford, RG17 0AL<br />
Distance: 0.5 miles<br />
Library<br />
Hungerford Library<br />
Church Street, Hungerford, RG17 0JG<br />
Distance: 0.5 miles<br />
Leisure Centre<br />
Hungerford Leisure Centre<br />
Priory Road, Hungerford, RG17 0AN<br />
Distance: 0.5 miles<br />
Public House/Inn<br />
The Borough Arms<br />
77 High Street, Street, RG17 0NA<br />
Distance: 0.3 miles<br />
Primary:<br />
Hungerford Primary School<br />
Fairview Road, Hungerford, RG17 0BT<br />
Distance: 0.1 miles<br />
Secondary:<br />
John O’Gaunt Community Technology College (11-19yrs)<br />
Priory Road, Hungerford, RG17 0AN<br />
Distance: 0.5 miles<br />
Nearest Childrens Play Areas<br />
Ramsbury Drive and Salisbury Road have play parks for 3-10 year olds.<br />
The Triangle sports field in Priory Road is a multi-purpose sports field.<br />
Parks, Gardens and Open Space<br />
West Berkshire has two Green Flag Award winning parks:
Northcroft and Goldwell Parks are two attractive adjoining parks in Newbury. The<br />
parks feature a mature landscape of trees, a play area and zip slide, BMX facilities,<br />
outdoor sports pitches for football and cricket, woodland walk, River Kennet and<br />
Kennet Canal links and cycle paths.<br />
Holybrook Linear Park is a beautiful green space in Calcot with woodland, river<br />
basin, meadow grassland, play areas, sports pitches, a basketball court and<br />
changing rooms. Linear park has an active Friends of Holybrook Linear Park group.<br />
Other areas of Local Beauty, Wildlife and Conservation<br />
The Kennet & Avon Canal Path visit www.visitnewbury.org.uk to find maps and<br />
information<br />
Berks, Bucks and Oxford Wildlife Trust has over 80 nature reserves www.bbowt.org.uk<br />
The following are within 5 miles of your new <strong>home</strong>:<br />
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<br />
<br />
Audreys Meadow, butterflies and wildflowers<br />
Averys Pightle, for birdwatching, butterflies and wildflowers<br />
Greenham, Crookham Commons for birdwatching, historical interest and reptiles<br />
Bowdon Woods, for family days out, ancient trees, birdwatching, butterflies, fungi,<br />
lichens and mosses, reptiles, spring flowers, wildflowers and getting away from it all!<br />
Berkshire’s biggest woodland reserve.<br />
Hosehill Lake, Theale – Wetland wildlife and wildflower meadow<br />
Padworth Common – heathland birds, reptiles, butterflies,<br />
Paices Wood Country Woodland, Nr. Aldermaston – tranquil wildlife haven, ancient<br />
woodlands, waymarked woods and seven lakes for fishing.<br />
Snelsmore Common, Newbury: Heather and gorse, woodland, wet bog, reptiles, <strong>home</strong><br />
to nationally rare wildlife such as the nightjar.<br />
Wokefield Common, nr. Burghfield Common: Dragonfly Pond and Pullen’s Pond,<br />
Heathland<br />
Thatcham Reedbeds, for reedbed wildlife and birdwatching<br />
Nature Discover Centre, Thatcham set in a peaceful lakeside setting offers a wide<br />
ranging and varied programme of activities throughout the year, a great day out for<br />
all the family<br />
Useful websites: www.landscapesforlife.org.uk and www.naturalengland.org.uk<br />
Allotments<br />
There are allotments at Fairfields and Marsh Lane to enquire please contact the<br />
membership secretary of Hungerford Allotment Holders Association via www.hahahungerford.org.uk<br />
or by contacting the Hungerford Town Council.<br />
Places of Worship<br />
<br />
St. Lawrence C of E Church, The Vicarage, Parsonage Lane, Hungerford<br />
RG17 0JB
Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Priory Road, Hungerford RG17<br />
0AG<br />
The Hungerford United Reformed Church, High Street, Hungerford RG17 0NF<br />
Methodist Church, Bridge Street, Hungerford, RG17 0EH<br />
St. Cassians Centre, Wallingtons Road, Hungerford RG17 9SR<br />
Local transport<br />
The following information provides details of the Local Transport Information<br />
available to you as well as the methods of travelling to and from local amenities.<br />
Please see the following websites for more details;<br />
Bus network www.westberks.gov.uk ;<br />
www.traveline.info/se<br />
National Rail local train stations<br />
Cycle network<br />
www.nationalrail.co.uk<br />
www.westberks.gov.uk/cycling<br />
Your local bus services are as follows:<br />
Connect Service 3 – Newbury-Hungerford via Hamstead Marshall, Kintbury,<br />
Inkpen Operated by Newbury & District – Tel: 01635 33855<br />
Thamesdown Service 20 – Marlborough – Bedwyn – Hungerford<br />
Thamesdown Service 46 & 46A – Hungerford-Swindon via Ramsbury-<br />
Aldbourne Operated by Thamesdown Transport Ltd Tel: 01793 428428<br />
Hungerford Town Service H1 – via Priory Estate,-Sanden Close-Charnham<br />
Park-Garden Centre. Operated under contract to West Berks Council.<br />
To find most current local bus timetables download the District-wide Travel Guide<br />
from the West Berks website www.westberks.gov.uk – roads, transport and parking<br />
– documents<br />
Or Telephone the Transport Services Team on 01635 503248 to request a copy.<br />
For local cycle networks – see Section 5j of this manual for details on cycling.<br />
Your nearest rail station is:<br />
Hungerford (HGD)<br />
Station Road<br />
Hungerford<br />
RG17 0DY<br />
Managed by: First Great Western<br />
Tel: 03457000125
Contact the station for current parking charges
a Heating, radiators and thermostats Copy across information<br />
supplied by engineers.<br />
b Showers and hot water Copy across information<br />
supplied by engineers.<br />
c Alarms Copy across information<br />
supplied by engineers.<br />
d Consumer Units Copy across information<br />
supplied by engineers.<br />
e Door entry systems Copy across information<br />
supplied by engineers.<br />
f Kitchen appliances Copy across information<br />
supplied by engineers.
a<br />
b<br />
c<br />
Boiler<br />
Shower<br />
Kitchen appliances
a - Electrical Installation Certificates<br />
- TV aerial and satellite Certificates<br />
- Ventilation Certificates<br />
b - Gas Installation Certificates<br />
- Benchmark Certificates<br />
c - Energy Performance Certificate<br />
d - Building Warranty Certificate/Cover Note