Tuesday 25 May 2006
Homes honour for former tenant

A man who fought for the rights of housing association tenants is to be honoured by his former landlord.

Rod Gascoyne, a former tenant board member at Bedford-based housing association BPHA, died suddenly in 2004 aged 63.

To recognise his work helping tenants to have their say, BPHA is to name a new development of affordable homes in his honour.

Rod's widow, Marian, got behind the controls of a bulldozer to help clear the site at Wood Lane, Cotton End, Bedford, where the homes will be built.

Rod Gascoyne had been a BPHA tenant for 10 years and quickly became involved in fighting for tenants' rights, at first through his local tenants' association in Bromham and the work of the Tenants' Federation.

He went on to become a BPHA tenant board member in 1998 and also served on the regional committees and audit committee. Rod was a significant contributor to the Bedfordshire Tenant Participation Group, which he chaired for four years.

John Cross, chief executive of BPHA, said: "Despite on-going ill health, Rod was always committed to attending meetings and actively contributing in all debates, demonstrating his broad understanding of the complex world of housing.

"He was a great ambassador for BPHA and a committed enthusiast fighting for tenants' involvement in decision making and improved services, throughout his six years on the board.

"We are delighted to name this new development in his honour, as a mark of respect for all his hard work and enthusiasm to make a difference."

Mrs Gascoyne, who lives in Bromham, said: "Rod was always very keen to get involved in the issues close to his heart. As a tenant, he knew the things that concerned other tenants and was happy to have the opportunity to speak out on their behalf.

"I am delighted that he is to be honoured in this way. The homes will offer much-needed affordable accommodation for local people, something Rod would always have been proud to put his name to."

The site at Wood Lane previously comprised a block of 20 maisonettes, built in the 1970s and needing considerable improvement.

In consultation with the remaining tenants, it was decided to remove the block and rebuild a range of 18 new homes including two bedroom flats and two, three and four bedroom homes, offered at affordable rents and through shared ownership.

The former tenants have moved to other accommodation nearby and will be given the option to return once the new homes are completed.

BPHA is in discussions with the Post Office about how to best use the name Gascoyne in the new street name.