Projects we worked together on...

Fire Fun Day

Residents in Barters Close and William Macleod Way, Millbrook were treated to an afternoon of fun by Firefighters from Redbridge Fire Station. Hampshire Fire and Rescue hosted the fun filled event on Thursday 25^th August with the support of staff from Radian’s Housing and Community Involvement Teams. The event aimed to inform residents of the danger of fires through fun activities.

Children (and even some adults) explored the Fire Engine, finding out more about equipment firefighters use when tackling a fire. Children got to have a go at being a ‘firefighter’ by learning how to use different hoses for different fires. One firefighter explained to the children about using hydrants located in the ground to get more water to tackle fires and showed them how this was done.

A special unit that shows what happens when a chip pan catches on fire was also used during the event. Residents gasped in amazement at the heat from the fire. Amy Beams from Hampshire Fire and Rescue explained to residents that “if you think the heat coming from this fire is hot, imagine what it would feel like if you were inside your home.

Mansbridge Forum

The Mansbridge Forum is a group of local people and agencies who meet on a quarterly basis to discuss issues and improvements in the Mansbridge Area. At the last meeting in June it was suggested to look at putting a youth shelter somewhere in Mansbridge.  A local councillor is now researching this idea.

Join us at the next meeting on 20^th October 2011 from 12:30 – 13:30 at the Gilbury Close office. 

School Nature Walk

Children from Mansbridge Primary School had great fun finding out about local wildlife during a guided walk led by local resident Bob Painton.  Although very excited about the trip, the children rose to Bob’s challenge to keep quiet long enough to listen out for the birds and to look closely at the butterflies, fish and insects.  After a picnic lunch in the meadow, they sketched the wild flowers as a reminder of the trip. 

Bob is encouraging local residents to visit the meadow in order to help protect it from potential future development.  The children will tell you it is well worth a visit! See the ‘what’s on’ page for more information about Nature Walks.

Derelict Wickes site now a vibrant community with Radian’s name on it

Radian has overcome the challenges posed by the recession to deliver enhanced levels of affordable and high quality sustainable homes in the heart of a well established community. In partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency and Southampton City Council, Radian has regenerated the formerly derelict DIY depot into modern, stylish, sustainable, affordable homes. The new homes in Fullerton Place, Portswood Road, Southampton were formally opened on Friday 24^th June, with a garden party, to which all the residents were invited, together with local dignitaries, VIPs and local businesses who have helped the new development. Kevin Bourner, the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA’s) Head of Area unveiled an engraved stone be laid into the paving at the entrance to the site.

Mansbridge Walkabout

Walkabouts are a chance for residents to meet with representatives from Radian and other local agencies to highlight issues in the area.

In July the Mansbridge Neighbourhood Officers and a Community Development Officer met with local residents to do a walkabout in Mansbridge. Issues that were highlighted were a broken fence in Octavia Road, a leaking pipe in Northleigh Corner, bin stores in Northleigh Corner, overgrown shrubs on Monks Brook Path and overgrown weeds near Octavia Road.

The issues raised have been reported to the relevant agencies. We will revisit the areas at the next walkabout which is on Tuesday 4^th October 2011 starting at 2.00pm from the Gilbury Close Office. Come and join us or let us know if there is anything in particular you would like us to look at on 0300 123 1 567.

Community opening for Pirelli Arch

Residents of the Pirelli site came along to Pirelli Park at Bright Wire Crescent to celebrate the official opening of the Pirelli Arch by the Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor Wayne Irish. The eye-catching six metre high Pirelli Arch, that now forms an impressive gateway to the Pirelli Park, is the result of a year long community programme between the design company ‘Cod Steaks’ and local residents, school children and the disability forum. A series of workshops and events were held throughout the year that culminated in a grand ‘Art in the Park’ day where 300 members of the local community created a temporary willow arch to the same scale as the finished piece.