TRT Extra (Spring 2008) - News

Additional information on articles in the "News" section of Three Rivers Times.

Give blood

Chairman of the District Council, Councillor Amrit Mediratta, backs the call for more blood donors in Three Rivers:

“Giving blood is so important – it only takes an hour of your time and could save the lives of up to three people. It is especially vital for those belonging to an ethnic community to donate, as certain blood groups are more prevalent in these communities. Currently only three per cent of daily blood stocks come from people of an ethnic background. This is a figure that can be improved if more residents make the commitment to be a regular donor.”

Donors can ring the 24-hour National Donor Helpline on 0845 7 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk to register their details, find the venues and times for their nearest blood donation session and book an appointment.

Affordable housing

Denham Way, Maple Cross

As well as properties for Open Market sale, the development includes 5 x 3 bedroom houses and 15 x 2 bedroom apartments for affordable rent, plus 6 x 2 bedroom apartments for shared ownership. Through the Shared Ownership Scheme it is possible to buy a 50% share in one of the two bedroom flats and pay rent on the remaining. The cost of a 50% share starts from £107,500 with the option to buy additional shares in the future. Nominations to the affordable units will be made by the District Council’s Housing Department to Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association, who will manage these properties.

Hunton Bridge, Abbots Langley

This development of 144 properties includes 22 social rented properties and 22 shared ownership properties. The affordable rented properties consist of 15 x 2 bed flats, 5 x 2 bed houses and 2 x 3 bed houses. The shared ownership units consist of 18 x 2 bed flats and 4 x 3 bed houses. Purchasers can buy between 12.5% and 75% of the shared ownership units with the option to purchase further shares after 12 months. The affordable housing properties will be managed by Paddington Churches Housing Association on behalf of Assettrust. Nominations to these properties will be made by the District Council’s Housing Department.

Gosforth Lane Supported Housing, South Oxhey

Aldwyck Housing Group is working in partnership with the District Council to develop special supported accommodation for vulnerable young people between the ages of 16 and 25. The scheme, which is due to be completed in May, will provide 12 one bedroom flats with 24 hour staff cover 7 days a week. The scheme aims to equip residents with the skills to access employment or training and develop independent living skills

Applicants will need to be on the District Council’s Housing Register to be considered for affordable housing at the above schemes. To register for housing or find out more about shared ownership properties contact the Housing Needs Team at Three Rivers District Council on 01923 776611.