Press Release

Newton Charles is Homes for Islington’s Caretaker of the Year 2010

9 July 2010

Newton Charles, the caretaker for Wedmore Estate in Holloway, has been chosen by residents as Homes for Islington (HFI)’s caretaker of the year – an award presented every year to the caretaker who is judged to have provided the best service.

“Charles” as he is affectionately known, was nominated by a number of residents, and HFI staff, who were impressed with his work and his efforts on the estate. He provides an excellent service and carries out duties out of hours if there is a problem. Residents on the estate believe there has been a drop in anti-social behaviour as a result of Charles building relationships with young people.

A resident who nominated Charles said he “is always ready to give assistance. He attends all the Tenants and Residents Association meetings contributing his ideas and opinions and he always volunteers to help with both the communal flats and gardens. He is very friendly to both kids and adults around the blocks. He is so courteous and polite. He has a friendly word and smile for everyone. As a caretaker he has also managed to build a good relationship with the kids on the estate who listen to him and it has helped with the reduction of noise and unruly behaviour. In my opinion, he provides an outstanding service.”

When asked how he felt on winning the award Charles, who has worked on the estate for three years, said “it feels great knowing that residents appreciate the work I’m doing on their estate, I enjoy the job and try to treat the areas on the estate like the inside of my house”.

Theresa Coyle MBE, Chair of the HFI Board said, “Charles should be rightly proud of this achievement. Our caretakers are a very visible part of our service to residents and so are in the public eye. It is good to see that residents on the Wedmore Estate appreciate the effort that Charles puts in. Congratulations!”

Thank you to all those residents who nominated for this year’s caretaker of the year award.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact Jaime Goumal in the HFI communications team on 020 7527 4370 or email jaime.goumal@homesforislington.org.uk

Notes to editors:

1. Homes for Islington, one of the UK’s largest arms length management organisations (ALMO), which began operations in April 2004, is charged with managing council housing stock throughout the borough. It is owned by Islington Council and managed by a Board of Directors, made up of Islington tenants and leaseholders, council representatives and independent members.

2. HFI was awarded the highest rating (3 stars with excellent prospects) from the Audit Commission in 2008, putting it in the top 4% of ALMOs in the country.

3. Image 1: Newton Charles, HFI’s caretaker of the year 1
4. Image 2: Newton Charles, HFI’s caretaker of the year 2