£2 million Housing Executive investment in local homes

"IT'S great to get all this work done - the house is like brand new. The kitchen extension has made a real difference and with the new heating and all the other improvements, it was a pleasure to move back in, especially before Christmas." Yvonne Crothers is one of 44 Queen's Park residents whose homes have been included in a major £1.74 million refurbishment contract carried out by Merit Construction for the Housing Executive, the final phase of this work programme in the estate

In addition, in Ballyclare, more than 70 Housing Executive homes have been included in a kitchen replacement programme now nearing completion, representing investment of almost 300,000 in this area.

Housing Executive District Manager, Mairead Flatley, has described the schemes as a major boost for these housing areas and is pleased at the high level of customer satisfaction in both contracts.

She said: “At Queen’s Park, refurbishment involved an extensive range of work to give residents good quality, modern homes. This included extending and refitting kitchens, new heating systems to replace homes still using solid fuel systems, together with new bathrooms, rewiring, upgraded plumbing services and general repairs both inside and out. The contract included some environmental improvement and so this popular housing area has really been given a facelift.

“The Ballyclare scheme also means that residents in George Gardens, Close and Avenue, Elizabeth Gardens and Charles Drive now have the benefit of modern, better designed kitchens, more suited to today’s way of life. This work involved minor structural work in some homes. We also used the opportunity to upgrade electrics in the kitchens and fit smoke alarms and heat detectors in all the properties in the contract.

“Consultation was a key aspect in planning both schemes, to discuss work details with tenants and to ensure they had choice in kitchen finishes for worktops and units in their new kitchens. Staff in the District Office continued to help with enquiries and liaise with residents as work progressed on site, an approach that contributed to the smooth running of these schemes. This investment underscores the Housing Executive’s continued commitment to improving homes and communities locally in the Newtownabbey 2 District.”