West Lancs begins £60m housing programme

Preston-based contractor Forrest has won a £4m contract with West Lancashire Council to replace windows and doors in 1,200 houses.

The scheme, which will mean every West Lancashire council house will be fitted with UPVC double-glazed windows, started this month and will complete by Christmas 2012.

The contract is the first stage of a £60m investment programme by West Lancs in its housing stock in the next five years.

Forrest is creating seven new apprenticeship and trainee roles and is looking to appoint several experienced window and door fitters to fulfill the contract.

The social housing contractor works across the North of England and undertakes planned maintenance programmes in approximately 21,500 homes every year including roofing and kitchen and bathroom installations.

Lee McCarren, chief executive of Forrest, said: "We've been working with West Lancashire Borough Council for many years and their commitment to regeneration projects like this is exemplary.

"Our operatives work in tenant homes every day and have seen first-hand the positive effect these home improvement schemes can have on communities."

Cllr Adrian Owens, portfolio holder for housing finance, regeneration and estates at West Lancs, said: "The decision to invest in replacement windows and doors was made in agreement with tenants and was identified as a priority for improvement following a comprehensive stock survey.

"This scheme will benefit the tenants greatly as not only will it help make their homes more comfortable and smart it may reduce their heating bills."