COUNCIL house tenants are benefiting from the expansion of a repairs-by-appointment scheme, according to officials.

They are now able to book morning or afternoon slots for gas repairs and servicing, while two gas fitters are available to carry out work from 4pm to 6pm on weekdays.

Hartlepool Borough Council officials hope the arrangements will enable them to build on the initial success of the scheme, which began with minor plumbing and joinery.

About 20 per cent of all repairs are now carried out by appointment and statistics show that since April last year more than 1,100 appointments for repairs have been made at Neighbourhood Services offices.

Building services manager Graham Frankland said: "This system is more convenient for tenants because they now know when a tradesman is going to call. Another benefit is that the number of wasted calls, and the costs these generate, is falling."

The council is hoping to expand the scheme further by offering appointments for electrical repairs