Work almost complete on massive refurbishment of a Burry Port estate

WORK to improve Burry Port’s Isgraig estate as part of the council’s £203million Carmarthenshire Homes Standard programme is almost complete.

Despite a few teething problems, the work has gone well with tenants now enjoying warmer, more comfortable and better looking homes.

The Isgraig improvement scheme started in 2011, with tenants engaged in a consultation to decide on three different options for improvement.

The non-traditional build of the properties has meant the council, and contractors TRJ Ltd, have had to carefully plan the works which has involved demolition of part of the site.

Structural repairs have been made to the steel-framed fabric of the houses, as well as retaining walls.

Internally, homes have undergone extensive refurbishment.

New kitchens have been installed, with new units, work surfaces, electrical re-wiring and new energy-efficient boiler systems.

Bathrooms have also been revamped, with over-bath electric showers or disabled shower conversions installed, along with non-sip flooring and new wall coverings.

New PVC windows and doors have been installed where required, as well as cavity wall and loft insulation to help keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer.

External works include the repair of footpaths and installation of handrails at individual properties, and the whole estate will benefit from landscaping enhance the green spaces.

Tenant Pauline Kelly said: “I’ve had everything done – the kitchen, the bathroom, the windows, and the outside rendered. All I’m waiting for is for now is the garden works. It’s been a big improvement, it used to be draughty before, but now I don’t feel the cold as much.”

And neighbour Kay Hurley added: “The project has been good – everything has been going fine. I’m very pleased with the workmanship, and the contractors.”

Cllr Tegwen Devichand, Executive Board Member for Housing, said: “Officers have worked closely with tenants throughout to deliver this huge improvement scheme. It’s great to see that works are almost complete, and to hear from tenants that their homes are more comfortable and welcoming.”