Neighbourhood inspections

Our neighbourhood inspections take place during spring and summer and they are an opportunity for tenants to meet with staff and contractor representatives to share any concerns and help us identify problems in their area.

As part of the inspection, tenants help check the condition of their neighbourhoods, buildings and communal areas. They can also feedback on issues such as caretaking, rubbish and fly-tipping, as well as reporting any repairs they feel are needed in their neighbourhood.

The issues identified are separated into two categories by the neighbourhood officers:

• Immediate - minor or day to day repairs or other issues that can be solved quickly.
• Long term - landscaping issues, planned repairs, external decoration, fly-tipping, anti-social behaviours, quality of cleaning or other services.

The team then actions the issues identified, including referring to other council teams.

Here are just a few examples off the issues raised this year and how they were actioned/referred:

• Weeds along footpaths – to be cleared by caretaking team.
• Blocked gullies – to be cleared by Mears.
• Fly-tipping – clearance ordered.
• Vegetation above sheds to be removed - Request to cut back sent to grounds maintenance and caretakers.
• Trees to be cut back - Requests to cut the trees back sent to ground maintenance.
• Loose kerb stone outside homes – passed to Kent Highways to action.
• Roof tile replacement and work – Mears to attend.
• Garden note drops took place where needed with Neighbourhood Officers to follow up if the situations do not improve.
• Old signs – to be removed and replaced.
• Soft verge damage – Kent County Council contacted.

The table below shows how many issues were raised in the 2024 inspections and how many have since been action or referred.

If you would like further information please email: tenant.involvement@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk.