Basildon council tenants today had cause to celebrate, thanks to a £100million housing makeover programme.

Work towards creating better homes is already under way with wide-ranging schemes in place to provide residents with comfortable and affordable housing.

The council's double-glazing installation programme is nearing completion with almost 7,000 homes improved and another 2,000 to be finished by the end of the year.

By December more than 4,000 houses and flats will have benefited from a £1million painting programme. There have also been improvements in repairs and maintenance, and a with the construction of an Assessment Centre, less bureaucracy in helping people without homes.

Basildon Council Leader, Malcolm Buckley praised the hard work of councillors and housing officers.

He said: "In just a few short months we have ensured the council's housing management is in better shape than ever before.

"We are now equipped to continually raise standards and provide the high quality services that our tenants need and want."

Tony Ball, portfolio holder for housing, claimed that although much had been achieved more help was required by council tenants.

Published Monday, May 19, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo