As with most large contracts, there were initial “teething problems” at the start of the works however these have been identified and addressed and the project is now running smoothly.

Tenant satisfaction has shown steady increases over the course of the South Lakes programme reaching 97% overall on the Kirby Lonsdale project with Aprils satisfaction levels reaching 100%.

Many of the tenants wrote in letters of thanks to the site team for their efforts and commitment while working in their properties. Paul Fothergill, Site Manager said “The tenants were great in Kirby Lonsdale; they were really helpful and worked alongside us like one big team. It made the job run smoothly and any issues, of which there were few, were combated together”

 

Tim Farron MP for Westmorland & Lonsdale along with representatives from South Lakeland District Council - Cllr Brenda Gray, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Lawrence Conway, Head of Neighbourhood Services and David Sykes, Regeneration and Housing Manager, were invited to come and view the work that had been carried out on properties in Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale.

 

They were then taken to visit Binfold Croft, a sheltered housing scheme in Kirkby Lonsdale, where residents laid on a lunch, after which they looked round fully completed homes and met some local apprentices who are training with us.

 

Margaret Pritchard, Chair of South Lakes Housing Tenants’ Committee said: “Although the Decent Homes Programme did get off to a rocky start, we have all pulled together to ensure that there is greater communication between the residents and construction team. Any problems are now dealt with quickly and effectively and residents are genuinely delighted with the professionalism of the contractors and the quality of their work. The visit has been a great opportunity to show the MP and SLDC that the residents are very satisfied with the work that is being done here and that the residents, SLH and Bramall are all working together seamlessly.”

 

The £26m four year project will see 3200 homes brought up to the Government’s Decent Homes Standard across the region. The Bramall’s team who are carrying out the work have been liaising closely with local residents to try and ensure as little disruption as possible is made to their every day lives. Peter Robinson Contracts Manager said “Tenant participation, community engagement and communication has been key to the success of the project, with Bramall and other suppliers setting up a community fund designed to help support local projects and initiatives.”

 

Peter Thomas, Chief Executive of South Lakes Housing commented: “With any major project of this nature, there are always some early teething problems. Through hard work with Bramall’s team and our own, we have really turned around customer satisfaction. The residents felt it was important to show the MP and Councillors all the hard work that has gone into the project and the positive impact it has had on the community. I think we have been overly criticized in the past, so today has really demonstrated what residents genuinely think and all the positive good work which is going on in the area.”