Mayor On Board For Mansbridge Upgrade
After the unveiling for the newly refubished Tyrrell Court, the Mayor of Southampton toured the revitalised Mansbridge estate to meet residents of Kelly House before heading on to the Red Bus, which has been present on site all week, to meet some of the younger residents and enjoy a free BBQ.
The Mayor, Councillor Brian Parnell, officially unveiled a commemorative plaque at a ceremony on 1 August 2008 with Lindsay Todd, the Cheif Executive if the Radian Group. The flats were renamed Tyrrell Court in memory of Ronald Tyrrell, a former member of staff who sadly passed away just months after his retirement and whose sons will attend the ceremony.
Swaythling Housing has tried to combat the soaring number of local people living in fuel poverty by providing 42 one bedroom flats for rent on the open market for only £425 per calendar month, with all heating costs included!These flats were refurbished and renovated to a high standard, with modern bathrooms including power showers and kitchens complete with freestanding ovens. Many of the flats have been let to people who grew up on the estate but that until now, could not afford good quality housing in the area, or were stuck on the waiting list.
The Red Bus is a youth centre on wheels. The bottom deck has seating and a kitchen area to make hot drinks and the top deck is clear to provide a big space that is used for music, decks, pool tables and Playstations. This is just one of the activities that Swaythling has provided in a bid to involve the local community. Other successful activities have included clean up days and belly dancing lessons.
