THE latest council fixtures and fittings can be viewed at three new showhomes.

Under a programme of works, most properties in Thornaby, Stockton and Billingham, Teesside, will be inspected.

A schedule will beprepared to provide new bathrooms, kitchens, windows and central heating, in most cases.

To help tenants understand what is involved, and let them see the scale of the improvements, showhomes have been opened in each of the three towns.

The homes are in Laburnum Avenue, Thornaby; Reddich Avenue, Stockton, and Corfe Crescent, Billingham.

Each will be staffed by an investment officer and tenant liaison officers.

Tony Barratt, contracts officer for Tristar Homes, which manages the area's council houses, said: "They are all standard three-bedroomed properties similar to others in their area, but they have been fitted out with all of the improvements tenants can expect to get to their own homes.

"They will also act as general information centres for anyone with queries about work being carried out under the investment programme and respite centres for those whose homes are being worked on."

Appointments are not needed to view the homes.