Borrowdale House -"Like a Four Star Hotel"

Published by Michael Ord for South Tyneside Homes in Housing and also in Communities

Borrowdale House : Now Like a Four Star Hotel.

The tenants of Borrowdale House in South Shields have been celebrating the official end of Decent Homes refurbishments to their scheme by enjoying an informal cuppa, buffet and chat with local Ward Members, officers and workers from South Tyneside Homes.

The programme, which was coordinated by the company’s Asset Management Team and carried out by its own Property Services workforce, saw the tenants’ flats receiving new walk-in showers and electrics (with four also having new kitchens fitted), as well as major modernisations to the reception area, kitchen and communal lounge. The accommodation now has a scooter store and hairdressing salon, and has had upgraded lighting carried out to all the corridors. Tenants’ front doors are now colour coordinated and corridors freshly painted and also colour coordinated to DDA compliance.

The residents are clearly delighted with the work, with more than one saying that they hadn’t realised how much it needed modernising till the modernisations were carried out.

Mrs Doreen Ward said, “It was an upheaval but it’s beautiful. I have been here for ten years and it’s a big improvement.”

Speaking of the workers who carried out the improvements, Mrs Olive McIntosh stated, “They’re all good lads. You couldn’t fault them or praise them enough”, while Mr. George Robson said, “I cannot really add anything to what’s already been said. It’s smashing. I had one or two problems to begin with but they were sorted out and it’s hunky dory now.”

The Ward Members were equally as enthusiastic on seeing the finished job. Councillor Olive Punchion said, “It’s very smart. Like walking into a four-star hotel,” – a sentiment which was echoed by Councillor Anne Walsh who declared, “It just looks so modern now – very tasteful, and the feedback from the residents has been very positive.”

Sheltered Housing Officer Shirley Briggs, who looks after the scheme and acted as a crucial bridge between the tenants and the workforce, is due to retire in July, and was praised by Councillor Tom Pigott, who said, “We’ve had an excellent Sheltered Housing Officer here in Shirley Briggs, and I’m sure that the future staff will be equally as excellent. As for the works – what a change! I’m delighted that the tenants are delighted. The important thing is that tenants are happy and safe.”

Speaking before the buffet opened, Director of Investment Mark Whittle said, “I’m mightily impressed. It doesn’t resemble the place we began work on last year. It’s good to receive your feedback that the workforce, who bring a wealth of experience with them, have been great, and that we’ve brought about such massive changes to your homes.”

The company’s workforce is continuing Decent Homes refurbishments in similar Council schemes throughout the borough.

ENDS