THE Northern Ireland Housing Executive has announced that 393 homes in Ballynahinch, Killyleagh, Newcastle, Dundrum, Ardglass, Killough and Drumaroad, Downpatrick are to benefit from new uPVC windows through schemes costing £1.1million.
The NIHE tries to maintaining its properties to the highest standards possible and regular maintenance works have been carried out on homes throughout the Down District.
The scheme to replace the windows will be carried out in two phases. The first phase includes Ballynahinch and Killyleagh, with work commencing in the Langley Road estate this week. The second phase includes various parts of Newcastle, Dundrum, Ardglass, Killough, Drumaroad and Downpatrick and will commence in Newcastle mid-October 2012. Work should be completed by the end of February 2013.
Delighted that these schemes are underway Aidan Brannigan, NIHE Downpatrick Housing Manager said: “This is a major boost for our residents living in these estates and we are delighted that we are able to start these schemes. The windows being replaced in these properties had come to the end of their useful life. By replacing them now, tenants should benefit from greater energy efficiency, noise reduction as well as lower heating costs.
“The schemes are being carried out by Mascott Construction, and their representatives will be liaising with residents and the Housing Executive during the course of the contract to ensure that the work achieves the high standards set and expected.”
Newcastle SDLP Councillor Carmel O’Boyle said that “This initiative will be welcomed by residents and local politicians who have been lobbying for the replacement of windows for many years.
“The importance of the scheme is that homes will be warmer and more energy efficient. The new windows will also help to reduce noise and to lower heating costs for tenants.
“While tenants will be consulted throughout the duration of the scheme to ensure that they are satisfied with the work that is being carried out, I would urge them to bring to the attention of elected representatives and to the NIHE, any issues that may be a cause for concern. It is better to deal with these while the contractors are on site rather than have to wait for remedial work to be carried out once the contract is complete.”
