Success in Sholing – the satisfaction of being a block rep

As one tenant from Sholing explains, being a block rep is a great way to help improve your neighbourhood and deliver lasting benefits for you and your neighbours.

Kevin, who acts as the link between the council and his neighbours at a block in Dempsey Close, says he is pleased to have helped resolve some important local issues.

“I first volunteered to become a block rep 18 months ago as I felt it would benefit our flats to have a voice connecting the residents and the council. We had an ongoing issue with flooding in between the blocks that was affecting people who lived here. As a block rep I was able to liaise directly with the council and pass on concerns and comments raised by my neighbours, whilst relaying information back to the residents to keep everyone up to date on progress. I am pleased to say that the flooding issue has now been resolved, much to the relief of our local community.

“I have also petitioned the council to replace a glass recycling bin that was removed during improvement works and never reinstated. Again, this was an issue that residents asked me to communicate with the council about, which has now been sorted. Being a block rep isn’t massively time consuming, but it is really satisfying knowing you are able to suggest and help implement improvements for your local area and convey information back and forth between the council and residents.”

Kevin says he is enjoying the role of block rep so much that he has recently offered to cover the other three blocks within Dempsey Close. The Tenant Engagement Team will now write to everyone in the blocks and if any other tenant wants to put themselves forward for the role there will be an election. 

As well as working with neighbours and the council to find opportunities to improve neighbourhoods, block reps are also on hand to advise local residents with any queries or problems. Our block reps regularly help neighbours by directing them to the right council team, showing them how to use the website to report issues online, or liaising with the council on their behalf.

Look out on noticeboards for details of your local block or street rep who you can talk to if you have any issues, problems or ideas you want to raise.

If you would like to volunteer as a block or street rep to represent your neighbours and work with us ensure your area is better maintained and a nicer place to live, please complete the online form, email or call our Tenant Engagement Team on 023 8083 3185.

It is a voluntary role, but we are happy to cover any out-of-pocket expenses.