New jobs are set to be created
as work begins to replace windows in 11,500 former council houses in
Coventry.
Replacement windows will be
installed in around 16 homes every working day for the next three
years to meet targets.
And unemployed people in the
city who are suitable to do the work could be given jobs by
contractors, to help them complete the programme on schedule.
The work is being carried out
by Graham Holmes Astraseal and Anglian Windows, after they were
awarded contracts by Whitefriars Housing Group.
Whitefriars, which has taken
over the running of the city's 20,196 former council homes, says the
work has been the most eagerly awaited amongst tenants.
Astraseal will work on homes
in the north of the city, while Anglian looks after those in the
south.
Astraseal deputy managing
director David Nunley said:
"We are working very
closely with Whitefriars on what is a major project, and we have set
up a depot in Coventry to be able to be close to the job.
"We intend recruiting
and training people in Coventry, including young unemployed people,
who will be trained to National Vocational Qualification Level 2 and
3 by our own trainers.
“But we are also keen to
recruit people who may already have window fitting experience."
Anglian divisional director
Steve Lawrence said:
"We already have an
established labour base that will help us to complete the work,
which includes local staff who would not otherwise have work in the
area, and we have already set up an installation depot in the south
of the city."
Whitefriars chief executive
Howard Farrand said:
"We knew before the
windows work began that it was what tenants wanted done first, above
all else.
“Not only did they want
the look of their homes improved, but those opting for double-glazed
windows will be able to heat their homes more efficiently, so
they'll save money.
"Several homes will
have to be worked on every day throughout the next three years for
that to happen, but it does not mean quality will be compromised.
“Indeed, high levels of
quality and of customer service were key factors in the awarding of
the windows contracts, and we are confident Astraseal and Anglian
will meet our exacting standards."
Other work Whitefriars will
carry out in its first year includes:
- re-wiring
in more than 1,000 homes
- re-roofing
- central
heating installation
- boiler
replacements
- security
door fitting in 50 blocks of flats
- repairs
to fascias, soffits and bargeboards on 500 homes
- loft
insulation upgrades to 2,000 home
- environmental
works
