£11m transformation planned for three Black Country tower blocks

The funding for the homes in Smethwick is on top of a further £2 million that has also been announced to improve the street scene in roads and pavements around the town.

Regeneration specialist Keepmoat will carry out the major improvement programme to the 270 flats known as The Crofts, in Windmill Lane, on behalf of Sandwell Council.

The high-rise blocks will get new roofs, external cladding, and residents' flats will benefit from new windows and balconies.

Work is expected to start imminently and will take two years to complete.

The 270 homes will be given a refreshed look, and the work should help to reduce fuel bills for residents.

Meanwhile an 84-week scheme with employment and training opportunities has been created by the construction company for local people.

As part of its commitment there will be provision for 12 apprenticeships, as well as a graduate position and work experience placements for over 16s looking to start their career in the construction industry.

Keepmoat has also been appointed to deliver a range of improvements including kitchen and bathroom upgrades and rewires, new boiler installs and decoration works to void properties.

Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: "This is a significant amount of investment into Smethwick. We have invested heavily in West Bromwich and other towns across the borough and now it is Smethwick's turn.

"I am delighted that we are not only improving the housing but also generating employment and apprenticeship opportunities through our partnership with Keepmoat.

"In addition residents will be consulted about the street scene investment in Cape Hill running through to Bearwood.

"This comes in addition to the £9 million European funding we secured earlier in the year for improvements around Rolfe Street and Galton Valley."

Sandwell Council will also be spending £2 million on improving the street scene in town centres and pavements in and around Cape Hill, Bearwood, Soho and Victoria.

Work on these improvements will start later in the autumn after consultation on the details to street lighting, pedestrian crossings, tree planting and bollards with residents.

The regeneration has been announced just a day after the green light was given to the construction of a new super hospital, known as the Midland Metropolitan Hospital, in nearby Grove Lane.

Chancellor George Osborne made the announcement that he was giving his blessing to the plan while on a tour of Rowley Regis Hospital.

The hospital is due to take up 16 acres on Grove Lane but a further 31 acres of land between Grove Lane, Cranford Street, Heath Street and Dugdale Street is due to be transformed and filled with other employment opportunities and housing schemes.