£392,000 Housing Executive investment in Coleraine District

The scheme focuses on homes mainly in Windyhall, Coleraine and Lever Park, Portstewart, but also includes a number of properties at Aghadowey, Harpur’s Hill and Ballysally.

Dixons Contractors Egan Scheme Contracts Manager, Mark Cunningham said: “It is great that this contract in the Coleraine District got the go-ahead in December. We know from the consultation we do with tenants that having a decent, modern kitchen means a lot to them.

“This work also means jobs for our workforce and in turn for the suppliers that we depend on. So ultimately it helps boost the economy in these times of recession. While each contract is a huge task logistically, the processes and procedures we have developed have been successfully tried and tested.

“We work in close partnership with the Housing Executive who expect us to meet the targets and standards they have set. We consult with residents on details of work, including giving choice in worktop finishes and kitchen units. When work is finished, we carry out customer satisfaction surveys to help assess and monitor our performance.”

Commenting on the scheme, Housing Executive District Manager Gerry McCloskey said: “It’s great to see this investment coming into the Coleraine District, particularly when it means that so many tenants are going to benefit from brand new kitchens in their homes. District Office staff have worked closely with Dixons Contractors and tenants in preparing for this work, a partnership that is continuing as work proceeds and paying dividends in the end result.”

Windyhall resident and Housing Community Network representative, Rosemary McCaw, is delighted with her new kitchen. She said: “The new kitchen is first class, the units and worktops are all good quality and the standard of workmanship is excellent. I hope that as this contract progresses others will be as pleased as I am.”