Champagne, flowers, chocolates and £50 worth of vouchers were just some of the gifts presented to Homes for Haringey’s 2,000th Decent Home recipients Carol and David Henderson.
To mark the occasion, the couple who live in Boyton Road, Hornsey, received the gifts at their recently refurbished three bedroomed home from Haringey Council leader, Cllr Claire Kober and the Chief Executive of Homes for Haringey, Paul Bridge on Thursday, 3 September.
Cllr John Bevan, Cabinet Member for Housing Services also attended along with Ola Akinfe, Executive Director of Asset Management, and representatives from decent homes contractors, Wates Living Space.
The Henderson’s home has been completely transformed by the replacement of the kitchen, bathroom, windows and a new boiler.
Carol, 54, and her now retired husband, David, 65, have lived at the property for the last 23 years. It is the first time that the kitchen and bathroom have been modernised since the couple moved in with their three children.
A lifelong Haringey resident, Carol now spends a lot of time looking after her two grandchildren. She was delighted at how smoothly everything went over the three weeks.
“I am really pleased. I’ve already noticed that the house is a lot warmer with the new double glazed windows and the new boiler has resulted in us spending less money on the gas meter. I love the fact I was able to choose the colours and the flooring. Because it’ so nice now, I just want to keep it nice.
She added: “The contractors finished the whole lot within three weeks and to a very high and professional standard. The vouchers will really keep in handy - I’ve already decided to spend them on a barbecue cover and a clock for the kitchen.”
The second year of Haringey’s five year decent homes programme started in April. Across the borough, over 3,000 properties will be improved.
Councillor Claire Kober, Haringey Council leader, added: “It is especially satisfying to meet local tenants and see first hand just how much these refurbishments have improved their home environment.
“The programme has started very well and I’m pleased that it has a very high satisfaction rate amongst residents. We are looking forward to delivering decent homes to thousands more Haringey tenants over the next five-years.”
The completion of the 2,000th refurbishment at this time shows steady progress against the target of improving 13,000 homes under the five year £200m Decent Homes programme. |