HOUSING PROJECT LEADS TO JOBS BOOM

CAPTION: Contractor Dyfrig Dalziel (in the red coat) shows apprentices from Coleg Sir Gar work being carried out at Hillfield Villas, Kidwelly.  Picture: Jeff Connell

HOUSING PROJECT LEADS TO JOBS BOOM

 A £200 MILLION project to improve Carmarthenshire’s council homes has created a jobs bonanza in the county.

An ambitious programme to upgrade the county council’s 9,200 houses has sparked a boom for the construction industry.

Jobs have been created for local companies, and more than 100 apprentices have secured work placements during difficult economic times.

Research shows that the Homes Standard scheme injects around £25 million a year into the industry and local economy.

The 10 year programme is aimed at improving the council’s housing stock and regenerating housing estates.

New kitchens and bathrooms are being installed for thousands of tenants, along with windows and doors and garden improvements.

Painting and rendering works are being carried out along with cavity and wall insulation programmes.

The council has set up an innovative Contractor Partnership, with eight companies chosen to carry out all the major works.

The aim is to ensure that the programme can be delivered on schedule with a strong pool of local contractors, and a guarantee to the workforce of work for several years ahead.

The council’s Head of Building Services Phil Lumley said: “The Homes Standard programme injects over £25 million a year into the industry and local economy.

“This is a huge boost for the construction industry and we are supporting many jobs in the building trade.

“The Contractor Partnership has been an opportunity to improve skills within the county and increase job and training opportunities for local people.

“The programme has also strengthened the relationship with Coleg Sir Gar, which is the main construction training provider in the county.”

The works programme is helping to reduce heating costs for thousands of tenants, improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions in council homes.

There are also benefits for tenant’s health because cold conditions can lead to respiratory conditions and are also linked to depression and anxiety.

The scheme has been praised by tenants, who say they are happy with refurbishment works at their homes

Housing Executive Board Member cllr Hugh Evans said: “The council is committed to providing the very best housing service for tenants and I am delighted that the Homes Standard programme is creating so many economic spin-offs in the county.

“It is helping to maximise job and training opportunities, during difficult economic times.”