HOUSES on a council estate are set to get a new look thanks to an unexpected local authority windfall.

The residents in Jedburgh Drive, Branksome, Darlington will benefit from an investment of more than £300,000 to their properties.

The borough council came into the money when it realised it had over-estimated the cost of improvements at other properties and had an extra £382,000 to spend.

It has decided to spend the money on 63 homes on the Branksome estate. This year the council is focusing on improving the conditions for tenants in Branksome and the extra money will allow the work on the inside of properties on the estate to be completed.

The chosen homes will be fitted with new kitchens and bathrooms and will also be rewired. All the homes will be inspected before work is carried out but it is estimated the work will cost £310,000. The remaining money will be used to renew and repair roofs, guttering and the outsides of houses on the estate.

A total of £302,000 had already been put aside for roof work following a survey of properties in 2001.

This figure was increased to £500,000 after more detailed inspections were made of the properties and more urgent work was discovered.

Paul Baldwin, cabinet member for housing, said: "The excess means that many families will benefit from the work that is planned and it will also allow us to complete the improvement programme on the Branksome estate."

The council carries out a rolling programme of improvements on its houses throughout the year. Last year, 200 homes were fitted with new central heating and another 300 received new kitchens and bathrooms.