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
Coffee Morning at the Meadowside: Saturday 4th October
13 Aug 2008
We will be holding a coffee morning on Saturday 4th October between 10:30 and 12:30 at the Meadowside Centre. All members and owners of properties within Area K+ are welcome. This is an opportunity to air any issues or concerns you have with regards to your service management company or just to meet the other homeowners and committee members for a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. Hope to see you there!
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.