Residents party to celebrate the end of work

Merlin Housing Society residents have been partying to celebrate the completion of improvement works to their homes.

Improvements have been made to 238 properties on the Staple Hill flats estate over the past year as part of Merlin’s Decent Homes Programme.  Partner company Rok has fitted 111 new kitchens, 62 new bathrooms, as well as new windows and front doors and a new roof for one of the blocks.

Last week Rok threw a party for residents to celebrate the end of the work and to thank them for their patience during the past year.

Andy Graham, Director of Investment at Merlin, said: “Our Decent Homes Programme continues to go from strength to strength and the completion of the works at the Staple Hill flats is an important milestone. This was the single biggest piece of work in the programme due to the number of properties on the estate.

“We are delighted to have finished this work and are pleased that residents are now enjoying their new kitchens and bathrooms and thanks to the new windows, also have warmer homes.

“More than 95% of our homes now meet or exceed the Government’s Decent Homes standard and we are on track to ensure that all properties meet the standard by the end of 2010.”

Adrian Marshman, Area Leader for Rok said: “Having a permanent presence on site during the work has allowed us to build an excellent relationship with the local community. We have been made to feel very welcome and have enjoyed working at the flats. The success of this project is an excellent example of successful partnership working and we enjoyed celebrating with residents at the party.”