More New Homes for Old

A Handover of properties at the end of March marked the completion of a housing improvement project that started in 2002.

The scheme, which forms only a part of Trent & Dove Housing’s overall strategy to ensure that the former East Staffordshire Borough Council’s housing stock meets the Government’s “Decent Homes Standard” by 2010, has seen 130 run down, decrepit, concrete panelled houses either stripped back to their frames and restructured using modern, energy efficient materials or demolished and the area used to rebuild new homes. 

Many families have already benefited from the modern facilities through increased comfort and lower fuel costs as the houses they replaced were either too hot in the summer or too cold and damp in the winter due to the original methods of construction. 

The handover is also a major milestone for one of the returning residents. Mrs Banton was one of the first to take up residence when her house in Waterside was originally built 56 years ago. She has seen her 5 children grow up there and has many happy memories. For the last 8 months she has lived in temporary accommodation in the area whilst her old home was demolished but is looking forward to returning to her new home.

She has had the opportunity to look around other completed houses and she says, “I chose to stay in the area when I was asked by staff from Trent & Dove and decided on a temporary move whilst the work was carried out. The company were very supportive during the upheaval but I have missed having room at the temporary address for my family when they visit, so I can’t wait to go back.” She added, “I was able to choose from a selection of floor-coverings and Kitchen & Bathroom schemes and I am also pleased with the layout of the bedrooms, which appear to give me more space.” 

Also returning are Mrs Banton’s neighbours, Mr & Mrs Robinson. Mrs Robinson agreed with Mrs Banton about the relief at returning after spending the last few months living in a nearby flat. She said, “I’m really pleased with our new house and can’t wait until we have the carpets down and our furniture back to make it our home once again.”  

Steve Grocock, Director of Property Services at Trent & Dove Housing was quick to praise all of the staff and contractors involved in the various projects. He also said, “This major series of projects, at a cost of around £5million, has been delivered on time evidences the commitment put in by everyone concerned, and we also extend thanks to all of the residents directly affected by the work.” 

Ron Dougan, Chief Executive of Trent & Dove added, “The new properties have completely transformed the neighbourhoods giving local residents modern homes. In Horninglow we even managed to build an extra 6 much need affordable homes in the area through better use of the space following demolition. The use of modern energy efficient systems will further enhance the quality of life of our residents and we wish them well in their new homes. The success of the project can be attributed to all of the contractors and staff involved, and of course thanks are due to our funders, Britannia Building Society, who have provided the financial assistance required on a project of this scale.”

Guy Higgins, managing director, William Davis Ltd said “we are very pleased to be involved with Trent & Dove in their first major development project since it’s formation.  The contracts have gone extremely well from our point of view providing a total of 80 new homes, and it is always pleasing to be involved where existing residents move back into brand new accommodation.  This was a real team effort.“

In the handover ceremony, local councillor Tom Dawn gave a short account of the history of the area before Martin Latham of the Britannia Building Society presented the returning families with flowers and wine. 

Residents were consulted and given the opportunity to select some of the finishes and  fittings that will go into the new homes.

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