A £4m investment by Conservative-run West Lancs Borough Council means that 1,200 tenants are likely to have cheaper heating bills this winter.
The authority signed a £4 million contract with refurbishment and regeneration specialists Forrest to replace windows and doors at 1,200 of its homes. The move will also create jobs and Apprenticeship place.
Work will begin in June and when it is finished every West Lancashire Council house will have double glazed windows.
The new windows and doors are the first stage of a £60 million investment programme in the Council’s homes over the next five years.
Councillor Adrian Owens, Conservative Group spokesman for housing finance, regeneration and estates, said: “The decision by this Conservative council to invest in replacement windows and doors was made in agreement with tenants and was identified as a priority for improvement following a comprehensive stock survey, and at a recent consultation event tenants confirmed that energy efficiency was their top priority for investment.
“This scheme will benefit the tenants greatly as not only will it help make their homes more comfortable and smart it may reduce their heating bills.
“The contracted works will also provide employment opportunities for local people, including seven apprenticeship and trainee vacancies.”
The new windows and doors will all have upvc double glazing and will replace the last of the single-glazed windows and doors in houses and bungalows across the borough.
A large number of flats will also get new windows and doors. Others will get them in future housing programmes.
Forrest are looking to take on a number of experienced window and door fitters.
They will also take on a trainee labourer, trainee office administrator, trainee tenant liaison officer and four apprentice joiners.
The apprenticeships have been created through the West Lancashire Challenge and they will be employed through Constructing the Future Lancashire.
Forrest are holding a local recruitment day targeted at Jobcentre Plus customers at Skelmersdale Jobcentre, Whelmar House, Skelmersdale, WN8 6NS, on Thursday 7 June 2012, from 10am-1pm. Please contact Skelmersdale Jobcentre on 01695 714022 for further details.
Lee McCarren, chief executive at Forrest, said: “We’ve been working with West Lancashire Borough Council for many years and their commitment to regeneration projects like this is exemplary.
“Our operatives work in tenant homes every day and have seen first-hand the positive effect these home improvement schemes can have on communities.”
Changes in the way council housing is financed mean the Council will have increased funds to improve services and homes, for the benefit of tenants and the whole borough.
The Council is looking to invest £60m over the next five years, £7.7 million of which will be used to improve tenants’ homes before the end of March 2013. This money includes the £4 million being spent on windows and doors. About £2 million will be spent on making homes more energy efficient.
The West Lancashire Challenge aims to create apprenticeships as well as training and work experience opportunities within businesses, and increase participation in volunteering. It is delivered by a core partnership of West Lancashire Council for Voluntary Service, West Lancashire Borough Council and West Lancashire College. It is funded by central Government through the West Lancashire Local Strategic Partnership.