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Face-lift for Flintshire homes

Published: 25/01/2016

Hundreds of council owned homes are being given a face-lift in a £4 million-plus Flintshire County Council project. As part of its commitment to the Welsh Government’s initiative of achieving The Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) for its properties by the year 2020, the first major scheme in underway in Holywell. Work has already started to improve more than 300 properties in the town, including new roofs, roof line and render systems. Around 70 properties will receive external wall insulation including new windows and doors which will improve security, cut heat-loss and reduce carbon emissions. The work will be completed for April 2016. Council Leader Aaron Shotton said: “The first phase of our significant investment programme is something we are incredibly proud of and over 300 families will enjoy their improved homes very shortly. As we continue with our ambitious investment plans for our communities, we are confident we can create modern, sustainable and fit-for purpose homes of which we can all be proud.” Over the next five years, the Council will invest over £100 million in improving council homes and communities across the County to ensure that every property meets the WHQS. Holywell resident Mr Kenneth Williams of Ffordd Fer said: Everyone carrying out the work has been very friendly and it’s great that the Council is helping residents keep their homes safe and warm with the new improvements The 40 week contract in Holywell will also create a number of opportunities for employment and suppliers. Contractors, A. Connolly Ltd, a Wigan-based family firm is opening a new office in Flintshire to facilitate the project. It has already held a “Meet the Buyer” event to talk to prospective new local suppliers to support the scheme, with more than 40 local businesses registered including sole traders and small local companies. Managing Director Simon Harrison said: “We’re delighted to be working with Flintshire County Council and have a great opportunity to invest in the Flintshire economy with job opportunities and also to have a positive impact on the refurbishment of homes in the county. We will apply a strong focus on quality, skills development and service levels that will enable us to add value and bring enhanced standards of living to local residents.” Councillor Helen Brown, the Councils Cabinet Member for Housing said: “The County Council has predominately concentrated on internal works to people’s homes in recent years. This project demonstrates our commitment to the WHQS Programme by beginning to concentrate on the external fabric of our houses. These schemes will tackle many repair issues and will also improve the appearance of clusters of housing around the County”. Caption: Mr Williams is pictured with Paula Eaves Tenant Liaison Officer and Brian Winrow Site Manager, A. Connolly Ltd, Karen Stevens,Tenant Liaison Officer and Tryfan Jones, Contract Surveyor, Flintshire County Council.