A sheltered housing complex in Llanelli has been turned into a mini palace. Tenants at Clos Llanfihangel are celebrating after major refurbishment works were completed at their homes.
Brand new kitchens have been installed in all the flats and bungalows at the Dafen site.
Bathroom upgrades have been carried out, with wet rooms developed for some tenants.
Double glazing and new boilers have been installed to make the homes warmer and more energy efficient, and new fire surrounds have been added.
Smoke and heat detectors which are directly linked to the council’s 24 hour emergency response service Careline have also been put in.
The work is part of a £200 million scheme to improve Carmarthenshire’s council homes.
The County Council is behind the award winning Homes Standard programme, aimed at improving its housing stock and regenerating housing estates.
Sheltered Scheme Officer Beth Warton said the tenants were thrilled with the works.
She said: “The refurbishment works have provided real improvements and we are delighted that the council has carried out such extensive improvements.
“The feedback has been very positive and all the work has been done to a very high standard.
“The contractor has been very considerate to the tenants at all times. We are all very pleased with the results.”
Under the 10 year work programme, new kitchens and bathrooms are being installed for thousands of tenants, along with windows, doors and garden improvements.
Painting and rendering works are being carried out along with cavity and wall insulation programmes.
The scheme is well underway with some parts, including the energy efficiency measures, years ahead of schedule.
It has been praised by tenants, who say they are happy with refurbishment works at their homes.
The council’s Head of Housing Services Robin Staines said: “The Homes Standard programme is a huge investment which is bringing major benefits to thousands of people.
“It is designed to make sure that houses are suitable for the people that live in them, and it is very pleasing to receive such positive feedback from tenants.”
Housing officers say the programme is helping to reduce heating costs for tenants, improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions in council homes.
There are also benefits for tenant’s health because cold conditions can lead to respiratory conditions and are also linked to depression and anxiety.
It has created job opportunities during difficult economic times, and created training placements for over 100 apprentices.
Housing Executive Board Member cllr Hugh Evans said: “We are committed to delivering excellent housing that will help to improve the health and well being of people in the county.
“I commend everyone who is working to roll out this programme, and working so diligently to deliver such an excellent service.”
