Ashfield Homes will provide help and support to people who are unable to maintain their gardens, but will take action against any tenants who consisently fail to maintain their gardens to an acceptable standard, or accept help to do so. Untidy gardens detract from the appearance and surrounding environment of Ashfield’s estates.

Your tenancy agreement states:

Part 3.12 - You must keep your garden area well maintained at all times. You are responsible for the upkeep of all parts of your garden. This includes, but is not restricted to grass, trees, plants, bushes and hedges.

Part 3.13 - You must pay the costs (including any administration costs) of works reasonably incurred by us in removing rubbish from the property and/or returming an overgrown garden to reasonable cultivation following the failure by you to do such work within the period specified in a notice served by us. The period specified will be no less than 28 days.

Ashfield Homes can apply to the County Court for an injunction against tenants who have breached the above terms of their tenancy agreement and who have not maintained their garden to an acceptable standard following visits and warnigs from us. An injunction can compel someone to comply with the terms of their tenency agreement and improve the condition of their garden within a certain timescale. Please click here for more information on injunctions.

How we can help:

Hedge Cutting Service

Ashfield Homes now provides a goodwill hedge cutting service for tenants who meet a qualifying criteria.

We recognise that some people are unable to maintain their gardens in a tidy and safe condition. This new scheme will help our tenants who are unable to manage gardening work themselves, and will help to enhance the estates of Ashfield. The service is available to help with trees, shrubs and hedges. Please click here for further details.

Skips

Groups of three or more tenants can make a request for a free skip by applying in writing to your Housing Management Advisor. You must have enough rubbish or garden waste to make effective use of the skip, and each rent account must be clear.

Collection of Bulky Items

Ashfield District Council will collect bulky items for a small charge:

• 1 item                    £7.50  + VAT
• 2-3 items              £15.00 + VAT
• four to six items   £25.00 + VAT

If you have a Passport to Ashfield Services (PASS) card (which will cost £2.35 and can be obtained from any Council office, if you are in receipt of certain welfare benefits), you will recieve a  50% discount.

Details of these services can be obtained by telephoning 01623 457922. Or you can visit any Ashfield District Council Office.