Next phase of mass home revamp begins in Sandwell

Sandwell Council will spend £21 million upgrading kitchens and bathrooms, and installing new heating, doors and windows and roofs.

Since the programme began in January last year, 2,200 properties have been refurbished at a cost of £16.5m.

The council is now turning its attention to homes in areas across West Bromwich, Tipton, Wednesbury and Smethwick during the coming months.

Councillor Steve Eling, deputy leader and cabinet member for strategic services, said the council was committed to improving homes as quickly as it can as well as building new ones.

"The council is very proud of the work we have undertaken to improve the living standards of people across the borough in recent years, despite the problems we face in a difficult economic situation.

"We are pleased that so many more families have improved facilities and living conditions after work has been completed on their homes as we continue to work on refurbishing homes to very high standards."

"Approximately 2,200 properties have been improved and nearly £16.5m spent on schemes since the start of Sandwell Council's new Housing Investment Programme, in January 2014.

"Improvement work has been carried out across the borough with a range of improvements to individual properties. The range and extent of the improvements depends on a council survey to determine which components actually need improving, based on age and condition of existing facilities.

"There are a range of improvements that can include one or more, or even all of the following: kitchen, bathroom, heating, electrical rewiring, external doors and windows and roof.

"The main programme focuses on the estates attached (progress in which is highlighted), although a considerable amount of work has been carried out in many other parts of the borough too."

Dozens of new council homes will be built in Sandwell as part of a £12.5 million scheme to meet the growing demand for properties across the borough.

Sandwell Council is looking at developing sites around the borough during the next four years.

Land earmarked for development includes the former Bolton Court site in Ocker Hill and Tibbington Terrace, both in Tipton; Doulton Road, Rowley Regis and Kent Close in West Bromwich. A total of 145 homes will be built.

They will include 36 new council homes, seven at Tibbington Terrace and 29 at Kent Close. There will be a further 109 homes for private sale across the Boulton Court, Tibbington Terrace and Doulton Road sites.