New KHT board chairman appointed

AN award-winning housing professional, Helen White, has been appointed as Knowsley Housing Trust’s new board chairman after a vote on 5 October 2010.

Helen, aged 33, who has nine years experience in the housing sector, was named The Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru “Young Housing Professional of the Year” in 2003 for her innovative and inclusive approach to working with tenants.

She has since progressed to be at the forefront of housing and regeneration in the North West and North Wales.

Originally from Wales and now based in Chester, she started her career with Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd Housing Association and went on to work for North Wales Police Authority and Chester City Council as Housing Strategy Manager.

Helen, who speaks fluent Welsh, became chairman of North Wales Housing Association in 2005 – the youngest chairman in its 30-year history.

Her first priority at KHT will be to ensure the organisation can continue to deliver better outcomes for local people in an increasingly challenging financial environment.

She says her impressive rise through the housing sector has come from hard work and a passion for her job.

“Having started my career in tenant participation and housing management, I have always been committed to engaging service users in determining how services are developed and delivered. Tenant participation is a hugely powerful way to drive forward regeneration. I also believe that increasing the number of affordable homes is key to meeting the needs of the communities we serve. These areas are two of KHT’s strengths. The investments and building projects that KHT has already begun are fantastic and show a real commitment to regenerating Knowsley. I look forward to playing my part in driving further improvements for our customers.” said Helen.

Helen was Chair of the North Wales RSL Equality Partnership in 2003/04 and has also worked as an affordable housing consultant for EC Harris.

At Chester Helen was responsible for the development and delivery of council housing strategy and was instrumental in the delivery of 300 additional affordable homes.

During her five years as chair at NWHA, Helen’s focus on growth and business development led to the creation of a 3 year development programme estimated at £32million.

She has also represented North Wales and the North West on a Rotary Group Study Exchange to New South Wales, Australia, in 2004.

KHT Chief Executive Bob Taylor said:- “We are very pleased to welcome Helen to our team and we are confident she will be an integral part of our organisation. Her experience and vision will help steer us towards our goals and a brighter future for Knowsley.”

A Shoe Box Full Of Goodies

SOUTHPORT Lib Dem MP Mr John Pugh and his wife Annette have donated a shoe box full of goodies to send out to our troops in Afghanistan to the local representatives of the charity Support Our Soldiers. Anyone else wishing to donate can contact Southport S.O.S. via email or phone:- 07915102692 after 6pm. This year’s appeal ends on Saturday, 13 November 2010, due to M.O.D regulations. For more information about the charity visit:- supportoursoldiers.co.uk. Support Our Soldiers Registered Charity, number 1120684 and is based in Blackpool.

Prescott festival Latest...

ON Thursday, 28 October 2010 from 7.30pm, the Prescott Festival at the Prescott Parish Church are holding the 7th Annual Parish Organ Recital with Parish Organist Tim Hall.  Admission free.  Also on  Saturday,  27 November from 7.30pm at the Prescott Parish Church, the group will be holding an Anniversary Celebration Concert with Foden's Brass Band,  followed by fireworks.  Tickets £10 available from the Parish Church and The Wool Shop, Eccleston Street.

HAVE YOU SPOTTED ANY MOBO AWARD STARS?

YES... the MOBO Awards have been in Liverpool on 20 October 2010 and many stars have been sited in and around Merseyside. Freelance pap Ian Fairbrother snapped R'n'B star Skepta as she got ready for the MOBO awards by launching his new single in Liverpool One's HMV. Skepta was joined by ex-East Enders star Preeya Kilidas, who played Amira in the soap, Preeya is featured on Skepts new single. Our Editor Patrick also snapped other stars in Liverpool, but do you know who they are?  Did you get any snaps, if so, let us know by emailing our newsroom to:- news24@southportreporter.com.