HOUSING chiefs are to spend up to £2.7m on properties in Darlington to meet new Government standards.

Darlington Housing Association said it planned to invest the money in maintaining and upgrading its stock, to comply with regulations coming into effect in 2010.

In his annual report, chairman Arthur Hare said: "This does not imply that our properties are not presently in good order and maintained to a high standard.

"But it reflects the work necessary to ensure that they remain so and, where appropriate, are brought up to modern levels to meet the requirements of our tenants in 2005 and thereafter."

The organisation also hopes to secure long-awaited funding over the next year to refurbish the Mind hostel, in Borough Road.

Mr Hare said: "We continue to hope that eventually funds will be made available by the housing corporation and that Darlington Borough Council and the corporation will support our efforts to go ahead with the proposed refurbishment of the hostel.

"Both Mind and ourselves have felt frustrated by the difficulties and delays associated with trying to bring our bid for funds to a conclusion and we trust this year will bring finalisation to our proposals."