A COUNCIL has invited its tenants to help choose new interiors for their homes as part of a major refurbishment programme.

Chester-le-Street District Council is hosting an open day where would-be contractors will be displaying examples of kitchens and bathrooms.

The event will be staged at the Salvation Army Conference Hall, Chester-le-Street, from 9am until 7pm next Thursday.

The event is intended to get the views of tenants on the potential contractors displaying their wares, as part of the authority's drive to refurbish its housing stock.

In addition to refurbishing works, exhibiting contractors will also be displaying adaptations for the disabled, gas central heating, and electrical appliances.

Tenants will be able to express their views on their preferred refurbishment option and be able to see the proposed colour schemes and materials on display.

Tenant choices on the refurbishment options displayed will be noted throughout the day to be taken into account when the final choice is made by a Partnering Working Group.

The Partnering Working Group comprises about 20 tenant members and four council representatives. The group in turn will feed the preferences to the council, which will ultimately make a decision on the best option, with consideration to the feedback.

Interim property services manager Guiseppe Coia said: "This is an excellent opportunity for tenants to have a say in the refurbishment of their home and enable the council to supply materials to the highest specification, which will add value, quality and comfort to their homes."

"The partnership with both tenants and potential contractors will result in a consistent standard, and ensure the long term availability of replacement materials for cost-effective future maintenance."

Tenant liaison officer Lisa Coverdale added: "I am delighted that tenants have been invited to participate. It is very important that we involve tenants in this decision as they are the end-users and beneficiaries of the Council's refurbishment programme."

Tenant panel representative George Downey said: "By getting involved, tenants can make a real contribution by simply expressing their preferences on the refurbishment options on display."