WORK to improve more than 100 council houses has started.

The £750,000 Richmondshire District Council programme aims to refurbish 116 homes in the next seven years.

The council's housing unit manager, Colin Dales, said: "Council tenants will have their homes rewired and have an upgraded central heating system installed.

"In addition, new kitchens and bathroom suites are being offered and, where necessary, houses will be cavity wall insulated and re-roofed later in the year."

The first residents to benefit live in Catterick Village, where 17 homes are being upgraded in Mowbray Road.

The council's technical services team began surveying the homes last summer.

Hugo Westhoff, the head of technical services, said: "It has been a substantial job for us.

"Each home is an individual project in itself, with the optional kitchen and bathroom renovation available where tenants want them.

"We anticipate we will spend upwards of 2,000 man-hours seeing this scheme through."

Tenants have been able to choose the colour and style of their bathrooms and kitchens.

Community committee chairwoman Councillor Yvonne Peacock said: "I am delighted this project is under way.

"Our tenants are very important to us and it is vital their homes are maintained and improved to the highest standard wherever possible."

Council tenants in Tunstall, Colburn, Richmond and West Witton will be the next to benefit from the programme.