Maz making the difference on estate

Maz Aslam... “transformed estate”

A HOUSING officer who has gone beyond the call of duty to transform an estate has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.


When Maz Aslam was moved to Coldhurst Hollow for First Choice Homes Oldham 10 months ago he found it run down and full of drugs, anti-social behaviour and dog fouling.

But he has helped stamp out the crimes, inspired community cohesion and tidied the estate up to make it a brighter and better place to live.

Residents weren’t mixing but different communities are now united and he has set up meetings in his own time for residents to express their concerns. Elderly tenants have his personal number so he can be straight round if they have a problem.

Mr Aslam (39), a dad of three who is also a carer for his mum, gave up a business as a shopkeeper in Longsight, Manchester, to become a housing officer.

He said: “I don’t normally get acknowledged but it’s wonderful. It’s taken me back a bit.

“It’s been quite tough. When I came to the estate it was quite run down. We have been focusing on the environment and community cohesion. It’s been a challenging time in terms of dealing with the youngsters. There was a lot of drug issues. I have been working with the police to get tenants involved and how they want to improve the area.”

Mr Aslam added: “Thanks to the tenants they have all participated and told me what they wanted and I took it on board and did my best for them.

“Tenants have said it looks better and is more peaceful. It was a place where people did not want to live but now it looks attractive and I want to maintain that.

“It’s been good and I enjoy it. I used to be a council tenant and I know what it’s like on estates that are run down. Being in business I love meeting people face to face and love helping people.

“I have been brought up the old-fashioned way to look after the elderly and help people in need and do something constructive to help them. I still love doing that and the job is about getting out there and helping people not being stuck at a desk.

Sue Brierley, who nominated Mr Aslam, said: “I have been an active member of Coldhurst Hollow Tenants’ and Residents’ Association for a while now. Maz has done wonders.

“With anti-social behaviour he is not scared to go and tell people to stop. All the youngsters think he’s great. The estate is a lot cleaner as he has organised clean-up campaigns.

“Maz goes above the call of duty. He has brightened up the whole estate and made it a better place to live.”