We’re always on the lookout for ways to improve our communities and make them great places to live. Following some visits to Downley, specifically to the Imbies estate, we noticed there was a big issue with waste management and knew we needed to do something to help our tenants.
The issue at hand was the waste collection system in place. Buckinghamshire Council provide bin bags for residents to store rubbish in and ask for them to be left directly outside front doors to be collected on designated days. However, a pressing concern has arisen, tenants are reluctant to leave smelly bags of waste outside their homes for up to two weeks. As a result, many have resorted to placing their sacks on the roads.
This has led to significant problems. Wild animals rummage through the sacks, scattering litter across the area and additional bags start to pile up – which causes fly tipping.
In response to this issue our Estates Manager and a member of staff from Bucks Council brought it to the attention of our tenant-led Environmental Improvement Group (EIG). They were presented with the application and voted to fund and provide bins to those in need.
On Wednesday, 31st July, our Estates team embarked on a 'bin drop' mission in the Imbies estate, delivering bins to around 40 homes and providing a year's supply of bin bags donated by Buckinghamshire Council to every household.
The team's effort was commendable, not just for the hard work but for the community spirit it created. Tenants in the area offered their help and refreshments, which was appreciated on what felt like an unbearably hot summer's day.
Do you have an idea which could improve the community you live in?
Fill in our EIG application form! We have a dedicated fund that is available to spend on neighbourhood and environmental improvements. Since the creation of our Environmental Improvement Group, we've been able to use this funding to make a difference to the places where our tenants live. We've helped invest in playgrounds, community projects, communal spaces and more. Take a look at other projects we’ve done so far.
