1000th new kitchen means better homes for Russet residents

Published by Barbara H for Russet Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment, Health, Local Government

A delighted couple living in East Malling became the 1000th Russet resident to receive a new kitchen or bathroom since the start of a successful partnership 18 months ago with Lakehouse, the contractor responsible for Russet’s interior home improvements.

Residents living in Russet properties across Tonbridge and Malling are enjoying the results of the four year kitchen and bathroom improvement scheme. At the start of the contract Russet promised to replace 500 kitchens and/or bathrooms each year. The milestone 1000th completion ahead of target is great news for residents and shows the benefits of close working in partnership.

Residents get their pick of a range of kitchen unit styles and layouts as well as choices of colours for the tiling and flooring.
Russet go the extra mile where there is the need to design in special features and for Mr and Mrs Perkins, who welcomed the 1000th new kitchen, work incorporated a range of special adaptations to help make life easier for Mr Perkins who is disabled.

Mr Perkins who suffers from poor eyesight said: “I have always had a table and chairs in my kitchen so I can sit and watch a TV close up but the new kitchen layout meant there wasn’t the space for it. So I was thrilled when Lakehouse came up with a solution and adapted the layout by removing a larder and repositioned my cooker so I could keep it. We were so impressed with the workmen they really worked hard and finished the kitchen quickly which meant less disruption for us.”

Maggie Sherlock, interim MD for Russet, said: “We have put a great deal of time and effort into making sure the home improvements run smoothly. In January 2010 our residents told us they were 100% satisfied with the overall quality of our products and workmanship, and with the level of our service. I think that’s something to be really proud of.”

Part of Circle Anglia – one of the UK’s largest providers of affordable housing in the UK - Russet own and manage around 6,600 properties in Tonbridge and Malling.