TRADESMEN are being invited to take part in a scheme offering low-cost housing repairs to residents in the east of Durham City.

The Belmont and Gilesgate Community Alliance, launched last year to generate closer links between the two areas of the city, wants to set up a repair and maintenance project for house owners.

Residents who join will be able to have work done to their homes that will be of guaranteed quality and at a discount price.

The alliance plans to draw up a register of tradesmen and small firms who will tackle the jobs.

It is holding a meeting tomorrow night, at 7.30pm, in New Durham Workingmen's Club, Gilesgate, to explain its proposals.

The alliance is on the look-out for tradesmen such as electricians, plumbers, bricklayers and plasterers.

Local county councillor Pat Nolan, a leading light in the alliance, said there was a lot of interest in the scheme from people in the area.

Last year the alliance held two public meetings that were well-attended and interest is growing in the proposals.

He said: "There are 6,000 houses in the area and the great majority are owner-occupied.

"There are a lot of people who are over 50 and don't have the DIY skills to do repairs themselves.

"We would offer a guaranteed service. The tradesmen who join would be under strict guidelines about the quality of work.

"If work isn't done correctly, they will have to go back and do it again. If they don't, they will be taken off the register.

"We have had a lot of interest from residents and tradesmen have been calling to find out more.

"The Three Rivers Housing Association's housing manager has a lot of expertise and will help us get the scheme off the ground.''

The Durham Co-operative Development Association, of which Coun Nolan is chairman, is helping to establish the scheme.

If all goes well, it could be up and running later this year. Anyone interested but unable to attend the meeting can contact coordinator Abi Thompson on 0191-384 9111 for details.