Winter warmer creates a buzz in the community

Published by Diana Maccarthy for Frank Haslam Milan in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

IMPROVEMENTS carried out to homes in the former Nottinghamshire colliery village of Newstead have created a real buzz in the community.

Regeneration specialist Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) has carried out major work to 47 back-to-back terraced properties, dating back to the 1920s.

Improvements to the homes, owned by Gedling Homes, include brand new kitchens and bathrooms, where tenants could chose styles and colours, as well as damp proofing to make them weather tight and warmer – in time for this winter.

The project, part of Gedling Homes’ £41.9 million Decent Homes programme, has created a big buzz in the village - with tenants talking about the difference it has made to their lives.

FHM held a celebration event on 1 December for Gedling Homes and Newstead tenants to mark the end of the improvements in the village, which have seen homes in Chapel, Chatsworth, Foundary, Garden and Stonehouse Terraces as well as Tilford Road worked in.

Tenant Debbie Bingham is delighted with the improvements carried out in her home in Chapel Terrace. The 33-year-old mum-of-two, who has lived in Newstead for six years, said: “It’s really great to see the difference improving the homes is making in the neighbourhood, everyone is talking about it.”

“I love my new kitchen and bathroom, they’re so modern and I got to pick the styles and colours that I like. It feels like I’ve practically got a new house.”

Tenant Becky Clifton, who has lived in Newstead on-and-off since her childhood, is also pleased with the work carried out in her Chapel Terrace home. The 31-year-old mum-of-two, said: “I was looking forward to a warmer home and that’s happened straight away, I’ve already had to turn the heating down.”

Becky, who is recovering from leg surgery after an accident, added: “The team were excellent, they worked around my personal circumstances after my operation. The improvements I had in my kitchen and bathroom have really spruced up my home, I’m thrilled with the work.”

Paul Senior, FHM Contracts Director, said: “These have been life changing improvements for Gedling Homes’ tenants in Newstead. It is incredibly rewarding to hear that such work is creating a talking point in the village and that tenants can look forward to a warmer winter this year.”

Lynn Clayton, Managing Director of Gedling Homes, said: “We are delighted to see our Newstead tenants benefitting from major improvements to their homes as part of our £41.9 million Decent Homes programme. The improvements, particularly the brand new kitchens and bathrooms, have made a real transformation to tenants’ lives.”