Major £2m Housing Executive double glazing scheme wraps up
A major Housing Executive double glazing scheme in Ards and North Down costing almost £2million has been completed.
As a result, around 1,000 local homes are warmer and tenants’ carbon footprints have been lowered.
Tenant Linda McIlroy said she was delighted with the recent work carried out to her Trasnagh Drive home in Newtownards.
“The window frames were pretty old and drab but were replaced with white PVC. They have smartened and brightened up the whole estate,” she said.
“It makes the inside of the house much brighter and fresher too, it inspired me to redecorate my sitting room.
“I’m really happy with the work that’s been done. It has made a big difference – the new double glazed windows have made my home feel a lot warmer and they are noticeably quieter too,” she said.
“Although the weather has been mild recently, it’s still only April so there could be a few storms ahead yet. I’m glad there won’t be any drafts whirling around me.
“The new windows also feel safer with an added security clasp and they make me feel more secure in my home.
“Work was carried out to a high standard and the workmen didn’t stop until all of my new windows were fitted, thanks to the Housing Executive.”
Phase 1 of the Scrabo scheme completed last summer with an investment of £246,800. A total of 112 properties had their windows upgraded by contractors, Engie Regeneration and Peter O’Hare Ltd, who finished the scheme over a month ahead of schedule.
Phase 2 of the Scrabo scheme has now also been completed with 198 homes upgraded with a further investment of £400,000 in the area.
Bowtown Estate finished in January with 294 properties improved costing £480,000. Work has also been carried out on homes at Rathgill estate in Bangor, Comber, Carrowdore, Breezemount and Conlig.
Owen Brady, the Housing Executive’s Area Manager for Ards and North Down welcomed the ongoing investment.
He said: “It is encouraging to see that nearly 1,000 properties within the borough have been fitted with new double glazed windows.
“Overall, this is a major investment by the Housing Executive for our tenants and has been very well received with a lot of positive feedback to date.
“Our tenants had been looking forward to getting their new windows fitted which is making their homes much warmer and quieter, especially in the colder months of the year.”