News story

30 July 2008

Southall families go green this summer

Residents in from a housing estate in Southall became eco-warriors on Wednesday 30 July, as Catalyst Communities Housing Association launched the ‘Driving Forward – Going Green’ initiative in their neighbourhood.

Staff from Catalyst Communities laid on an afternoon of fun activities and education to encourage all residents to be more environmentally friendly. As a result, residents enjoyed free bike MOTs, made musical instruments out of old rubbish, and learned about the benefits of eating fresh, local produce.  Meanwhile parents found out more about reducing their monthly utility bills by saving energy at home. The day ended with judging of the best kept garden, and a raffle with bike safety gear as prizes.

As well as teaching the merits of being green, staff also wanted to hear how residents feel about living on Windmill Park. This will help us tailor our community development activities in the neighbourhood – ensuring that they are engaging and relevant to as many people as possible.

“As a responsible landlord, we want to encourage every resident on the estate to learn more about green issues, and the benefits of being more environmentally aware – whatever their age. But the ‘Driving Forward – Going Green’ programme isn’t just a one-way conversation. We want to residents to tell us what they think of life on their estate. Their views will help us to find ways to improve the neighbourhood, making it a place that they will enjoy living from year to year.”

‘Driving Forward – Going Green’ is one of the many eco-friendly initiatives taking place on the 500-home Windmill Park estate. Residents are already reaping the rewards of the £280,000 regeneration of three on-site play areas made out of sustainable materials, which completed earlier this year.

Media contact: Anstey Leigh, Publications and Media Manager, on 020 8832 3124 or 07800 667485. Anstey.Leigh@chg.org.uk.