ARK+ was established in late 2007 to represent the views of all residents living
within Area K+, one of the newest housing developments within Whiteley, enabling
them to exercise their rights to oversee the maintenance of their amenities and
environment.
We also take an active interest in future development, planning, parking,
transport, crime, environmental and social issues within the area.
The committee is made up of local volunteers who freely give up their spare
time to care for the area in which they live.
The Association liaises with the local Police on security and anti-social
behaviour problems as well as with Whiteley Parish Council, Winchester City Council
and other statutory and voluntary organisations.
ARK+ is a non-profit making, non-political organisation open to everyone
who resides in ARK+
Latest news and information
New Countrywide representative visits Area K
12 Jul 2009
Derek Olver, our representative from Countrywide has now left the company (we
wish Derek all the best). Michelle Hill has taken on Derek's role. Michelle is
keen to continue the good relationship between Countrywide and the Residents'
Association and has already visited Area K and undertaken a 'walkaround' of the
area with Chairperson Pat Thew.
The following items were highlighted:
Garage areas within Countrywide remit:
Michelle will get the gardener to quote for spraying weed killer in all the
garage areas and for removing vegetation in
the garage area in Silver Birch that is taking over the parking lot.
Play Park - Rowan Close/Maple Rise:
In March, the gardener provided an estimate to clear the area that is covered in
weeds and waiting to be
landscaped. The estimate covers clearing and turfing the area, planting a hedge
between this area and the play park and planting a feature tree. The estimate
was sent to Barratts, but no response has been received to date.
Michelle promised to chase.
'Presumed Abandoned' Cars in Maple Rise:
Michelle promised to look into removing the abandoned cars (which are now
untaxed) parked in the Maple rise area. This will incur some expense and take
time.
Fences:
The gardener will look at and repair the boundary fence near Meadowside.
Other eyesores:
The gardener will provide an estimate to cost the maintenance of the communal
patches of ground in Area K that are
not being looked after at present.
2009 AGM minutes
31 Mar 2009
The AGM was held on Monday 30th March at 7pm at the Meadowside Centre, Whiteley.
The minutes are now available on the meetings page.
Graffiti in Whiteley
25 Feb 2009
In the past week there has been a considerable amount of graffiti in Whiteley, particularly in and around the Meadowside Playing Fields. This behaviour is unacceptable and can be offensive. If you see any graffiti, please report it to Winchester City Council. This can be done via the WCC website or by emailing neighbourhoodwardens@winchester.gov.uk.
Live in our 'Plus' area? Dissatisfied with Solitaire Property Management?
11 Aug 2008
If so, it would appear you are not alone. There are others like you all around the country. A website, http://www.thetruthaboutsolitaire.co.uk/ has been set up to try and publicise their shortcomings and hopefully bring about change.
Check it out and voice your opinion of them over there.
Area maintenance news
11 Aug 2008
The concrete post has been repaired and the fence re-instated, thus securing the pumping station once again. Thanks go to Derek Olver who gave up on Barratts and actually arranged to have the fence repaired through his Countrywide Contacts. He is sending the bill to Barratts.
Meeting minutes now available
03 Jul 2008
At the meeting on the 17th June, members of ARK+ had an opportunity to hear news of local policing issues and question the PC and PCSO in attendance.
In addition, Derek Olver from Countrywide Property Management answered questions and concerns about the services Countrywide provide.
You can download the full minutes from the meetings page.
Mark Oaten visits Area K+
11 Jun 2008
On Monday 9th June, Mark Oaten, accompanied by Pat Thew and Susan Mcbride of
ARK+, district councillor Vivian Achwal and Derek Olver of Countrywide property
services, visited Area K+.
As a result, he is going to ask the District Auditor to investigate whether
we are getting value for money regarding services and management charges. He
will also be writing to the builders, Bovis and Barretts to ask when the
management contracts are up for renewal. In addition, he is going to suggest to
the builders that the contracts for the Solitaire houses are combined to cut
costs for the residents.
He also suggested that we write to the Solitaire owners in the 'Plus' area
asking if they would like to see their bill reduced as it is likely that a
reduction of £100 a year would possible if it were possible to change management
company, which is something that can be done once 66% of households have joined
ARK+.
Mark saw for himself the good job that Countrywide are doing in the area and
accepted that Winchester City Council are unlikely to be able to keep the area
looking as well kept as the Countrywide team.
Whiteley Parish Council awards ARK+ grant
15 May 2008
At their meeting on Wednesday 14th May 2008, Whiteley Parish Council awarded the Association £400. This will provide us with funds to publicise the Association using leaflet drops, to pay for the website and to hire the Meadowside Centre for future meetings.
About Whiteley
Whiteley is located between Portsmouth and Southampton in Hampshire, UK. Over the
last 12-15 years it has developed into a popular development with a
diverse community. You can find out more about it from the links on the right.