New Life in Carwood TARA

Carwood TARA (Tenants and Residents Association) under went a revitalisation in Autumn 2006, when local residents Gwen Askham-Clark, Dave Fisher, Valerie Henry, and Wynn March decided to get together to tackle some of the problems on the estate. Since then more members have joined and things are starting to happen.

The First AGM

Story: Michelle Wood

Carwood TARA’s first AGM on 13th June at St Peter's Church hall was chaired by Dave Fisher, a new committee was voted in and the accounts read.

Rob Bullock spoke about the work Green City Action were doing to brighten up the estate. Hanging baskets have been distributed, with the help of Carwood TARA at the cost of £4. This has proved very popular and has been an excellent way of encouraging neighbours to compete for the best looking gardens. GCA are also tidying gardens for the over 75's. Contact 244 0353 for this.

Cllr Hussain commented that Area K has a pot of £20,000 which can be applied for to do work on the estate.

Gladys, from AKTARA (Area K Tenants and Residents Association), explained the benefits to Carwood becoming a member and having a stronger say on issues. The AGM voted to join.

Andy Shallice, the Council’s Area Coordinator, spoke about Sheffield Street Champions. TARA member Gwen Askham-Clark has registered to become the eyes and ears of the Carwood estate and report any environmental problems.

“What's it like to be a Street Champion?”

Story: Lisa Swift

The Messenger spoke to Gwen about what the task involved:

“I go round the estate once a week. I make a note of any problems – litter, overgrown grass, trees or hedges and any problems in the public areas. The main problem is keeping on top of the greenery. Sometimes you report things and nothing happens. You just have to keep telling them. It does work.”

“We all need to work on it – litter is a real problem, if the Council weren’t dealing with litter they could be looking after other things. And we can all do our bit by looking after our gardens.”

If you spot a problems you can report it to Carwood TARA at their drop in sessions, Tuesdays 4.30pm till 7pm.