Aire Valley Homes, the arms-length management organisation which manages over 15,000 homes in south and south east Leeds, began work on 74 rented properties on Coal Road, Whinmoor, in March.

The completion of the project will bring them into line with the Government's Decent Home standard, first launched in 2002 with over 220,000 homes nationally benefiting.

Refurbishments carried out for Whinmoor residents include insulated roofing, high security doors, and measures to reduce energy wastage including a wall insulation system and UPVC double glazing. Homes were also re-wired and new kitchens, bathrooms and boilers were installed where necessary.

The home improvement initiative , carried out by contractors Keepmoat PLC, was open to owner occupiers, of whom 18 took up the opportunity to upgrade their properties.

Jane Greenwood, Aire Valley Homes Investment Manager, said: "We are delighted with the standard of the work we have arranged for our tenants and private owners in Whinmoor.

"One of Aire Valley Homes' primary functions is to upgrade its existing stock to the Decent Homes standard and this work means we are well on the way to completing this.

"Upgrading these homes means more than just making the tenants comfortable, it gives the whole area a new lease of life, attracting new residents, both private and rented, and improves everyone's pride in the area."

Aire Valley Homes completed a first phase of refurbishment of 32 properties on the same estate in 2005. The "5M" building design, dating back to 1963, consists of a flat roof construction with a lightweight steel frame, internal drainage and limited thermal insulation.
The second refurbishment phase follows a consultation with tenants in 2007.