SEDGEFIELD Borough Council has appointed a partner to help improve its housing stock.

Faithful and Gould has entered into a two- year agreement with the council for the project, which is valued at £1m a year.

The partnering team's first task will be to appoint contractors to carry out repairs and maintenance on some of the council's 9,500 properties.

The contractors will carry out work on empty properties, bringing them up to the required standard before they are relet.

They will also adapt properties for disabled tenants, as required, and provide a service to cater for emergency call outs.