WREXHAM Council has been turning empty properties around to provide excellent quality, lifetime homes for tenants.

They stated that the work they do now is like nothing they have done before, as these properties are completely refurbished from top to bottom, including new kitchens and bathrooms, plastering, electrics, external works and more.

Previously, the council were not in a financial position to offer new tenants a refurbished property and they were given it in whatever condition it was left in, with only work to make it safe being carried out before moving in.

However, they have highlighted they have moved far from that now, and have exceeded the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

The Leader:

A council spokesman, said: "We are now signing new tenants up to ‘show home’ like properties which they can be proud of, and we can be proud of.

"Now though – it’s a complete transformation.

"The whole of the property is renewed from top to bottom and we’re now using our skills to their full potential, not just repairs.

"We’re actually providing people with homes they love and don’t have to do anything with."

They stated that the 'superior' end product that they offer now, through much needed investment into their housing stock, means they are also reducing the cost of their responsive repairs and thereby reducing the disruption to their tenants too.

They have also had the opportunity to offer trade apprenticeships and jobs to local people, helping the local economy, supporting communities and making them places to be proud of.

Cllr David Griffiths, lead member for housing at Wrexham Council, said: "It’s great to see that the hard work and investment is paying off - job satisfaction, happy tenants and thriving communities."