Tina Manners is an Irwell Valley Ranger. Currently based in Haughton Green, Tina is responsible for maintaining the neighbourhood, and also provides support for vulnerable residents.
“I wake up fairly early, ready for my 8:00am start in Haughton Green. I make my way over to the office on Tatton Road, where I check my emails to find out what work needs to be done around the neighbourhood. At the office I talk to colleagues and find out if there are any other requirements for the day.
After picking up my workload, I set out on my first task.
Every morning I climb aboard my Irwell Valley pick-up truck and drive around the estate to spot any obvious maintenance or environmental issues. Unfortunately there are incidences of fly tipping in Haughton Green, so to make sure we keep the neighbourhood clean and tidy for our residents, I remove any unwanted rubbish and take it to the tip.
Looking Good
At 10.00am I head over to the flats to check the condition of communal areas, such as the stairs and landing. Irwell Valley rangers have a caretaking role within their community and aim to make the homes look their best at all times.
Often I have a chat to residents to find out if there’s any work that needs doing within the building. It’s an important part of my job to make sure residents are happy with the service Irwell Valley provides, so this is a good way to get their views.
Offering Support
At 11:30 I head over to another of my appointments. As a ranger, I provide support for vulnerable residents who are unable to maintain their own gardens. Irwell Valley has a number of residents who can’t look after their outside space for a number of reasons. My job is to make sure their gardens stay tidy. This not only benefits the individual resident, but it also makes the neighbourhood more appealing for everybody.
I’ve always been a keen gardener and have my own allotment, so I really enjoy helping residents to take care of their outside space. I used to work in a garden centre too, so I’ve learnt a few tricks of the trade. After cutting a resident’s lawn and removing some overgrown weeds, I receive a call from one of our Neighbourhood Officers with another task for me to do.
Most of my time is spent outdoors, which is great in the summer, but it also means I get a lot of phone calls throughout the day. This time, our Haughton Green Neighbourhood Officer has spotted some litter while inspecting the estate, so I head over straightaway to clear it up.
Green Fingers
Rangers have a close relationship with Neighbourhood Officers, as we both work to make the area the best it can be for residents. We’re very lucky in Haughton Green as most residents take pride in their home. This year we are holding the Haughton Green Fingers gardening competition and I’ve been selected as one of the judges. It’s a great way to build community spirit, and it also makes my job of maintaining the area much easier!
After plenty of physical work this morning, it’s time for lunch and a catch up at the office. Following a quick, but much needed break, it’s time to crack on.
Every day, contractors visit the neighbourhood to carry out essential maintenance. One of my jobs is to make sure they have access to different sites and make sure work is carried out properly. Today a contractor requires access to one of flats to repaint a communal area. On my way I noticed one residents’ well-kept window box so I stop and suggest they enter it into the Green Fingers competition.
The rest of my afternoon is spent preparing a home that is due to be re-let. I make sure any repairs that are needed are reported, the grass is cut and any rubbish is removed for the new residents. I throw the grass cuttings into my pick-up truck and head back to the office.
I normally finish my day at 4.00pm after finding out what I’ve got scheduled in for tomorrow. After arriving home I’d like to say I relax for the evening, but during the summer months I often head to my allotment and put my own green fingers to the test! Eventually, I take some timeout and enjoy a well-earned rest.