News and press releases
Decent Homes Delight For Tenants
News
Director of Housing, John Musson and Councillor Alex Donaldson with Prince Edward Court resident Mrs Helen Freeman.Older residents at an East Shields sheltered housing unit are celebrating the completion of improvements to their homes.
Those living in Prince Edward Court, in Prince Edward Road, met with officers from South Tyneside Homes and Cleadon Park ward member, Councillor Alex Donaldson to mark the end of the Decent Homes work at the housing scheme.
The tenants enjoyed a cup of tea and a buffet as they talked about the improvements in their flats, which have included walk-in showers and new kitchens being fitted, electrical upgrades and new composite front doors.
Tenant Helen Freeman, aged 96, said: "It's lovely. They've done a wonderful job." Mr Walter Robson added: "I've been here three and a half years now. It was nice before but it's even nicer now." Mrs Elsie Gunn also said: "I love how it looks now. It's a great improvement. I love the walk-in shower."
It was also agreed that the workers had been as "good as gold" and had shown the highest standards of customer care.
Councillor Donaldson commented on how impressed he was with the up-grades to the communal areas, which included improvements to the communal lounge, a new DDA compliant WC, a multi-function room and a new hair-salon.
He said: "Prince Edward Court has always been nice, but it's so important to keep these accommodation types up to date, and now it's even nicer. It's a credit to both South Tyneside Homes and the tenants here."
Councillor George Elsom said: "It is important that our elderly residents are given the best possible facilities that we can provide. It was extremely important to complete these works before the bad weather set in and this has been achieved. I am delighted that the residents are happy with their new facilities. I am sorry that I was not able to attend as I was out of the country at the time."
South Tyneside Homes' Director of Housing John Musson said: "Not one person said 'no' to this work. From the chats I've been having with tenants this afternoon, by all accounts it's been a positive experience despite the initial upheaval, and the work looks fantastic."
The improvements, which began in April 2011, were coordinated by South Tyneside Homes' Asset Management Team with works carried out by the Property Services workforce.
