Riverside has helped out a former hoarder get their tenancy back on track.

Penelope Clark from Wilmslow had reached a point in her life whereby she was struggling to manage her home and the standards within the property had become very unsafe for her. This was identified by Riverside and their Officer, Carl Beacock became involved.

The first steps involved a partnership approach with Social Services, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and local charities. Penny recognised the severity of the issues and cooperated fully with Riverside and other agencies and even signed a Property Condition Contract committing to regular visits and a progressive clearing of the address. It was also identified that Penny Clark had been living without heating and hot-water, so this was immediately remedied via assistance from Riverside’s Affordable Warmth Officer.

Over a six month period, Mrs Clark kept every appointment arranged and made reasonable improvements to her home so far as she was physically able to. Mr Beacock assisted Mrs Clarke in applying for emergency assistance through Changing Lives, Cheshire and was successful in obtaining her necessities which included a washing machine, fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle, toaster, single bed & mattress, sofa, wardrobe and drawers to replace those that were unusable.

Carl said: “It’s taken 10 months to reach this point, but Penny is where she is now by merit. It’s been an intensive piece of work, but worth it and we will continue working with Penny to assist in her tenancy management and the sustaining of her tenancy.”

Penny commented “I am really grateful to Riverside for the assistance they have given me. This is a whole new start for me and I feel I have a new lease on life”

By contrast, Riverside have recently obtained a Court Order against another Colshaw Farm resident with regards to unacceptable property conditions. It is always Riverside’s intention to work with residents in resolving such issues, but where cooperation isn’t achieved then Riverside will take legal steps to ensure that properties are restored to a safe and acceptable standard.

In this particular instance the Courts were satisfied that Riverside have been very thorough and holistic in their attempts to resolve the issues outside of Court and subsequently ordered that the address was cleared within 56 days and remained at a fit and safe standard thereafter.

Riverside have a number of Officers who can work with tenants who are struggling to sustain their tenancies to a satisfactory level, including Money Advisers, a Sustainable Housing Officer, an Employment & Training team and an Affordable Warmth Officer. If you are having difficulties please contact us on 0345 111 000.