Council announces plan for £5m in housing upgrades

Darlington Borough Council confirmed that the spending would be used to enhance properties throughout the town.

Under the plans, more than £2m will be spent on Oban Court, a council-run sheltered housing scheme in the Whinfield area.

Upgrades to all the flats are proposed, including new kitchens and bathrooms, some extensions, and the installation of improved central heating systems.

Major communal improvements are also being proposed, with a new common room and dining area to be created, and a lift installed.

For the first time at Oban Court, Extra Care - a 24-hour care initiative provided by social services - will be available.

It will be available for all residents who have had their needs assessed and have chosen to have their care provided by the social services department. A resident warden will remain on-site.

Phased improvements will be carried out over the next 12 months.

A further £2.5m is to be spent on improving other council properties.

Improvements will include replacing kitchens and bathrooms in 132 houses, mainly in the Parkside and Hundens Lane areas.

There will also be improved gas central heating systems for 243 houses, including some in Dodds Street and the Branksome, Lascelles and Bank Top areas.

Extra energy-efficiency measures are also planned, including upgrading loft insulation in 311 houses in Harrowgate Hill, Albert Hill and Cockerton, and providing new door entry systems for 62 Whinfield flats.

Additional money has been allocated for the private sector.

It will include grants for adapting properties for people with disabilities and help towards making energy-efficiency improvements.

Councillor Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for housing, said: "£5.5m is a major investment in housing in Darlington.

"The plans for Oban Court and our support for private sector housing improvement show our determination to help people live where they are most comfortable, for as long as possible."