Plymouth residents help shape future home improvements service

Plymouth residents whose homes have undergone dramatic improvement works have been offered an opportunity to have a real influence on the way future similar projects are completed in the area.

Connaught Partnerships Ltd, who have recently completed improvements to 28 Camden Street flats on behalf of Plymouth City Council, offered residents the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the team working on the scheme. Completed on schedule over a period of 16 weeks, the works included the strip and renewal of the roof, balcony repairs and the rendering of external areas and all existing chimney stacks. In addition, new railings, gutters and down pipes were installed and improvements made to all window sills.

Representatives from Connaught and improvement partners Staydry and Truclad were on hand to openly discuss what worked well and what perhaps could be improved on the scheme including scheduling, minimising disruption, protection from dust during the works, the conduct of the teams and the availability of customer experience staff throughout.

Jamie Spencer, Connaught partnerships director, said: “Events such as this offer a real opportunity to receive feedback on the completed works from those who are best placed to comment, namely the residents. By listening to those who experienced the improvements process we can look to further enhance the service on future similar works which will prove invaluable to ensuring we offer the best possible service for Plymouth City Council tenants.”

Denise Adams of Camden Street, whose home had received external improvements, said: “The site staff were polite and approachable throughout and while there was a lot of disruption which caused some concern, we were kept well informed about the works at every stage. Nothing was too much trouble for the team and the work was carried out to a great standard, with the colour of the new cladding in particular really brightening up the area. Overall the service was brilliant.”

The tenant feedback event was held at the Mind Community Café in Freedom Fields Park that was recently refurbished as part of a work experience programme offered by Connaught. After initial roof improvements donated free of charge by Connaught, local young people joined the team to receive valuable work experience and training while also receiving an insight into some of the skills required for a career in the building maintenance sector.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Connaught, a FTSE250 plc with a turnover in excess of £500M, is the UK’s leading integrated services provider operating in the social housing, public sector and compliance markets. Connaught’s service range includes planned and response maintenance; estate cleaning and grounds maintenance; gas, electrical, water and fire safety; health and safety consultancy and training.
• Connaught Partnerships Ltd is committed to providing better homes, safer houses and well managed neighbourhoods across more than 140 partnerships in the UK
• For more information visit www.connaught.plc.uk

For further press information, please contact:
Gary Bolton on 0113 220 3886 or email gary.bolton@connaught.plc.uk