First-class verdict for homes revamp

BLOOMING success . . . Forrest’s Resident Liaison Officer Sarah Bodell, left, presents a bouquet of flowers to tenant Marie Griffiths in her new kitchen, watched by FCHO Chief Executive Cath Green

HOUSING chiefs have begun to deliver on their pledge to revamp Oldham’s council properties.

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) took over the ownership of the borough’s council homes in February.

It pledged to install 200 new kitchens and bathrooms within the first 100 days.

The housing association says it’s proud to begin delivering its pledge with tenants starting to see the results of the five-year, £149million investment programme they voted for last year.

Delighted Marie Griffiths became one of the first tenants to benefit from a home upgrade with her Leslie Avenue property in Chadderton receiving a new kitchen. Contractor Forrest is installing the new kitchens and bathrooms.

Marie said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with my new kitchen and Forrest has done a fantastic job making it more modern.

“I voted in favour of transfer as I thought it was a good idea and I’m so glad I did as the workmanship is wonderful and it’s made such a big difference to my home compared with what it was like before.”

FCHO chief executive Cath Green said: “It gives me a real sense of pride to see the completion of our first home upgrade as the new FCHO. Customers can see that we are delivering on the promises made in the offer document.

“This is an important moment for First Choice and I know all too well how important this work is for our customers.”

Forrest chief executive Lee McCarren said: “FCHO’s commitment to building strong and sustainable communities mirrors our own core values based on creating and supporting sustainable neighbourhoods.

“We are so pleased to be working alongside First Choice, making lasting change for the better.”