A £1.5 million contract to upgrade more than 100 new homes for the needy in East Durham.
East Durham Homes, the company that assumed responsibility for Easington Council's housing portfolio earlier this year, has chosen three firms to carry out the project.
And officials are hoping to press ahead with a further five year housing programme worth £117.5m if the Audit Commission gives the firm a positive insepction in January.
The three housing companies selected to carry out the improvements are Frank Haslam Milan, Kier Northern and Wates Construction. Work to upgrade more than 100 homes in Seaham, Peterlee and Easington Village in January.
Alan Caygill, Chief Executive of East Durham Homes said: "We are delighted to welcome on board our new prospective partners who have been selected for their high quality, excellent service delivery and commitment to customers' needs.
"We look forward to working together and hope that on achieving a two star rating, the partnership will be a long lasting one.''
A recent study carried out for the North-East Assembley, the unelected body made up of local council representatives, said Easington would need 135 new homes every year for the next 15 years.
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