Brighter outlook for tenants as homes get new windows

 

Residents on the Longley Hall estate in Sheffield are delighted with the first part of a modernisation scheme to bring their homes up to a decent standard.

 

Over the last year around 620 properties – mainly flats – have had new UPVC windows fitted in place of the old metal ones, which were draughty, prone to condensation and less secure. 

 

Bob Swain, Secretary of Longley Hall Tenants and Residents Association (TARA), says local people are delighted with the work done.

 

“I’ve had a lot of positive feedback – people around here are very happy,” he said.

 

“We have a lot of elderly tenants on the estate and feeling safe, warm and secure is very important to them. People are delighted with the new windows, the quality of the workmanship and the fact that their homes are much warmer and quieter now.”

 

Resident Jack Barnett, 73, of Longley Hall Road, said: “The new windows look smashing. They keep a lot of noise out and save on heating. They’re a lot easier to open and the vents at the top mean you can have fresh air coming in all the time.”

 

Sheffield Homes has been working with contractor Keepmoat on modernising homes in the north of Sheffield under the Decent Homes programme, a scheme that will see thousands of council properties modernised by the year 2010 at a cost of £669m.

 

Over the next two years modernisation work on the Longley Hall estate will continue, with further improvements including new bathrooms and kitchens.

 

“We’re delighted to get such positive feedback from residents at Longley Hall,” said Gary Lund, Project Manager with Sheffield Homes.

 

“Bob has told us that the vast majority of feedback to him has been very positive, with only two minor complaints. This is impressive for a project of this size, which does involve a certain amount of upheaval and disruption, which we aim to keep to a minimum.”

 

“The feedback from residents at Longley Hall is greatly appreciated by all at Keepmoat and is recognition of the teamwork being displayed by everyone in the Partnership at Longley Hall and North Sheffield,” added Allen Hickling, Keepmoat’s Strategic Director for the Decent Homes Project.

 

Photograph: Pictured are: (Front Row) – Bob Swain, Secretary of Longley Hall TARA, Steve Cambell, Keepmoat Site Manager, John O’Neill, Keepmoat Site Manager and Jackie Helliwell, Keepmoat Tenant Liaison Officer. (Back Row) – Resident Mr Shepherd, Gary Lund, Sheffield Homes Project Manager, and residents Mrs Shepherd and Mrs Griffin.