Julius Court Jubilant

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

Julius Court Jubilant.

Tenants of Julius Court Housing Plus Scheme, South Shields, are looking forward to Christmas in their recently modernised flats following the completion of Decent Homes work by South Tyneside Homes.

As well as the full range of improvements to 25 flats, (which include new showers and kitchen units), the accommodation has received comprehensive refurbishments to its communal area, DDA compliant doors and new carpets. The work was carried out by the company’s own in-house team.

Officers and workers from South Tyneside Homes joined local Ward Members John Wood, John Anglin and Audrey McMillan and tenants from the scheme on Thursday December 6th for a buffet, cuppa and chat to mark the end of the works.

The tenants were full of praise for the modernisations and the workforce that had carried them out, complimenting the tradespeople on the respect that they had shown to everyone.

Mrs Ettie Hendry said, “The difference in the place now – it’s like a luxury hotel. Visitors here are remarking on the difference as well. It’s so pleasant and the passages are so bright now,” while Mrs Jessie Whittaker said, “We love everything about it – the bathrooms, the kitchens – everything.”

Councillor John Wood said, “We’ve seen fantastic work done to these homes. I’ve been to several other accommodations and it’s always a high standard. The residents are enjoying the changes here.”

Councillor McMillan said, “Both the residents and the councillors are absolutely delighted with these improvements, and can’t praise the workers highly enough, while Councillor Anglin added, “My own reaction, and the reaction of everyone else, is that what’s been done here is wonderful. It’s always had a good atmosphere, but now the surroundings match it.”

Outgoing Chief Executive Isobel Riley, who retires this month, told the residents, “We just want to thank you for welcoming us into your homes, and complimenting not just the work, but also the people who did the work. This is the only part of the country where we have had zero refusals of work in accommodations of this type, and that’s a great testament to the reputation of the workers, which goes before them.”