A scheme, which has seen £57million invested in improving affordable homes across Amber Valley, has reached a key milestone.
Amber Valley Housing’s major improvement programme, which upgrades former council homes with new kitchens, bathrooms, double glazing and central heating, has now reached the 4,000 property mark.
The success of the programme, carried out in partnership with contractors Connaught Partnerships Ltd and Lovell Partnership, means all Amber Valley Housing’s traditionally-built homes are set to meet the Government’s Decent Homes Standard.
Resident Kelly Brady, of Alfreton, whose home became the 4,000th to be improved, got an extra bonus this week when she was presented with a bouquet of flowers and £50 shopping vouchers to mark the milestone.
Kelly, 23, said: “The flat has been improved 100 per cent as a result of the works. I have had a new kitchen, bathroom, boiler, double glazing and the house has been re-wired and some external repairs were done. I am so pleased now it is all done and the flowers and other goodies were a lovely surprise.”
Paul Parkinson, chief executive of Amber Valley Housing, said: “When tenants voted to transfer their homes from Amber Valley Borough Council to Amber Valley Housing in 2003, we pledged to bring all our traditionally-built homes up to the Decent Homes Standard.
“I am delighted to be able to say that we are on track to meet this target, and deliver on our promise to tenants. It also means that these homes will meet the standard for the Government’s target of 2010.
“For our tenants it means modern, warm and comfortable homes of a standard which they deserve. The new windows and doors are also improving the appearance of local neighbourhoods for the benefit of all.”
The improvements are being carried out by Connaught Partnerships and Lovell Partnership alongside Amber Valley Housing’s own works team, which includes a number of locally-recruited apprentices.
