Eccles flats to undergo major refurbishment

City West Housing Trust has started work on a £20m scheme to transform 349 homes in Eccles.

The Ladywell Green development will see four of City West's 12 tower blocks refurbished. The first will be Kemball House, where work is already underway. Workmen will move on to Craunton, Cremer and Ewood Houses in January.

Preston-based social housing contractor Forrest has been awarded an £11m contract to carry out the phase one external works to the 1960s properties following a competitive tender exercise. There will be new storage heaters and boiler systems, doors and windows, structural repairs undertaken and insulated render fitted.

The second phase of the works will deliver new kitchens and bathrooms, re-wiring and see grounds landscaped and communal areas refurbished.

Colette McKune, City West Housing Trust's director of asset management, said: "The Ladywell Green scheme is a really exciting project for our customers who will see their homes improved beyond recognition.

"We have accelerated our plans so work could start on-site before the festive break so tenants can benefit from all the improvements as soon as possible as the regeneration will significantly reduce their fuel bills and improve their quality of life.

"The wider community will also benefit with a far more attractive landscape being created by using LS Lowry's signature colours that will help restore the blocks to their former glory."

The work is expected to be completed by September 2012.