Tenants and Residents make a difference

We hear politicians talking about the big issues: health, education, jobs and the economy. But how do we get our views heard on the grass-roots issues like crime, street lighting, parking, fly-tipping and graffiti?

Tenants and Residents Association representatives are often the people who pass on issues and concerns to councillors, MPs and housing agencies.

With 19,000 tenants, Parson Cross is one of South Yorkshire's biggest estates and it has had a chequered reputation for years.

Norma Ashmore is TARA rep for the Margetson & District Tenants and Residents Committee. She has lived in the area for 28 years and 12 years ago decided that instead of standing by and grumbling about the problems, she would do something:

"Everybody has issues and complaints about where they live. The area was really run down and there wasn't a Tenants Association twelve years ago. It's alright to complain but you've got to try to make a difference.

"Since setting up the Margetson & District TARA we've seen vast changes, vast improvements. It's been hard work but we are seeing its fruition. We try to unite the community."

TARA reps run activities and courses, and work closely with city councils and housing agencies to promote and defend residents' interests. The Margetson reps walk around with councillors to point out hotspots for graffiti and other problems, and they listen to residents' problems:

"Yesterday somebody phoned to ask what we're going to do about a dog which kept howling outside her front door," says Norma. "I phoned Street Force and Environmental Services, and they should get it sorted out in a couple of days."

But is this not the job of the local councillors? Should they not be the ones seeing to residents' problems?

"After all, who knows a community better than the people who live in it? We know all the issues."

"Yes we do have local councillors, and they support everything we do, but they don't live in the local area and they're not here every day," Norma explains.

"The council respects what TARAs do. People might say we're doing the councillors' jobs for them but in fact we bridge the gap between the needs of local people and the council."

Young blood

After 12 years of driving change at Parson Cross, Norma has no intention of giving up any time soon, but she would be very happy to let the next generation take control:

"The problem is that the TARA is made up mostly of elderly people like me. We want younger people to bring in new ideas. We want a better area for the young ones - we want them to get involved and benefit from the changes as they get older."

The TARA committee members meet voluntarily every month. Members can give as much or as little time as they like, and it is good for employment prospects in tough economic conditions:

"People think they don't have time to volunteer, but if you're keen on where you live then you can make that bit of time. Employers also look favourably on CVs that show the person has done voluntary work.

"I can see a difference from when I first came to live here - it's a lot more open and bright, there's a lot more community spirit. You still get your pockets of nuisance and antisocial behaviour, but we've made a difference. It is a nice feeling. I've had satisfaction out of it."

Become a TARA rep

You do not need to be a council tenant to be a TARA rep; you can be involved if you own your own home, too.

Find your nearest Sheffield TARA by visiting the Sheffield Homes website - or elsewhere in South Yorkshire by visiting your local council TARA websites. Links are on the right of the page.

Parson Cross TARA is based at St Thomas Moore Community Centre, Margetson Crescent, Parson Cross, Sheffield, 0114 3279727.

Sheffield Homes: Find your TARA
Barnsley TARAs
Doncaster Council
Rotherham TARAs
SY Police: Safer Neighbourhoods