THOUSANDS of former council houses across Manchester are to be revamped under a £92m scheme.
Many will be fitted with new kitchens, bathrooms and windows, following their transfer to a housing association.
About 4,500 homes in Fallowfield, Hulme, Moss Side and Whalley Range have been taken over by City South Manchester Housing Trust.
Company bosses say they will start a five-year investment programme that will see 1,800 homes fitted with new kitchens and bathrooms, 2,300 homes receive external improvements and 2,000 properties fitted with new windows.
The transfer of the properties into housing association hands follows a ballot of council tenants last year.
Benefit
Leonard Hogg, from Platt Lane, Fallowfield, is one of the first tenants to benefit, with his home earmarked for new windows.
He said: "It's great to see first hand the effect that our `yes' vote is going to have.
"We are very proud of our homes in this part of the city, but it was clear the council was not able to afford the improvements that were needed.
"We have put our faith in voting for City South Manchester Housing Trust and look forward to seeing all the improvements, not only to our homes but to the whole community."
As part of the celebration to mark the transfer of the properties, 97-year-old Adassa Tate - who has been a council tenant for more than 60 years - was presented with flowers by Lord Mayor of Manchester Coun Mavis Smitheman.
David Power, chief executive of City South Manchester Housing Trust, said: "We are delighted to mark the official transfer of homes and can't wait to get started with the job.
"There is no doubt this transfer will have a big effect on the lives of tenants and the future looks very exciting.
"Tenants will see us on estates from day one - we are determined to repay their faith in us and make a big impact in this part of the city."
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ace, manchester (05/06/2008 at 15:01)
Marc (05/06/2008 at 15:57)
good news for these residents. its about time they got some improvements to their homes.
jj openminded (05/06/2008 at 17:29)
If you look at the bigger picture, as well as residents getting better homes, the Council is getting rid of a lot of staff that have many years of service and therefore entitled to a decent pension, which is underwritten by Central Government!!!Hence, by transferring the staff, the underwriting of pensions is passed on to the companies created!!!As many pension schemes have failed to deliver, leaving people badly hit, the Governemnt has distanced itself from liability!!!
alvinlwh (05/06/2008 at 22:46)
ace, manchester (06/06/2008 at 20:43)
How many years have some of these MCC residents been living in poor housing ,damp Etc.I know we lived in a house that was damp and full of black mould.it was that damp in the winter our TV used to ark out inside.
Andy, Wythenshawe (07/06/2008 at 19:24)