Residents celebrate as £1.2million project is completed at tower blocks

Published by kerri smith for Homes in Havering in Housing and also in Communities

Tenants of two tower blocks in Havering are enjoying their sleek new homes thanks to a major £1.2million regeneration project.

Work on Thomas England and William Pike Houses, in Waterloo Gardens, Romford, has been carried out by Homes in Havering (HiH), which manages Havering Council’s housing stock, and was part of the far-reaching £62 million government Decent Homes programme.

As part of the work the roof areas of both tower blocks have been insulated and re-felted.

Front and balcony doors have also been replaced, along with the lifts in both buildings and double glazed windows have been fitted throughout. Bird netting has also been installed on balconies to prevent fouling from pigeons and other birds and the buildings have been jet washed.

Rob Dennington, 46 who was a William Pike House resident for 19 years and has recently moved to neighbouring Thomas England House, said: “It’s fantastic. I can’t fault the work that’s been done. The contractors were polite and just wanted to get on with the job at hand.

“We’ve had all new double-glazed windows, balcony doors, front doors and new insulation - it’s really heated my place! I’ve undoubtedly noticed the difference - I don’t even need to put my heating on anymore, so I’m saving money too. It’s really brightened the place up. Now it’s somewhere to be proud of.”

Tenancy and Neighbourhood Services Officer at Homes in Havering, Val Poulter, said: “Overall the residents were very pleased with how the contractors dealt with the refurbishment and with all the work that has been carried out.

“'All works were carried out with as little disruption to residents as possible. Residents were kept informed and were also invited along to open days to talk to contractors directly. The project ran smoothly and the estate looks transformed.

“We would like to thank all residents for their patience and cooperation over the past six months while work has been in progress.”

Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Lesley Kelly, said: "We've worked really hard to improve the homes at Waterloo Gardens. The changes will hopefully make the two tower blocks a much more pleasant and energy efficient place to live. The new doors, windows and insulation will not only make flats lighter and brighter, but also reduce energy bills."