A scheme replacing windows in 152 local homes has recently been completed in the Killicomaine Estate in Portadown.

This Co Armagh NI Housing Executive scheme brings investment in the estate to more than £1m in less than a year and the £365,000 window replacement scheme complements two others completed in Killicomaine within the past 12 months, providing new kitchens to 62 dwellings at a cost of £380,000 and installing new heating systems to 45 homes at a cost of £282,000.

Portadown District Manager for the NI Housing Executive, Colin Ross explained: "With the impact of the economic recession and downturn in capital receipts the Housing Executive has had to scale back many of its programmes of work, so I am delighted that we have been able to commit this level of investment to Killicomaine.

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"The works were carried out as part of a programme to upgrade our houses so that they continue to meet modern day standards. We have already carried out kitchen and heating replacement schemes, completing improvements to more than 100 local homes.

"In this latest scheme, we took the opportunity to replace any defective external doors and carry out repairs to roofs, chimneys, fencing and paths where necessary. These improvement works by the Housing Executive represent an investment of more than £1m and demonstrate our commitment to improving housing conditions for current and future tenants in Killicomaine." he said.

Janet Hart, Chair of Killicomaine Residents Group welcomed these significant improvement works, commenting: "These schemes have helped to provide local tenants with more comfortable homes and support the work that the local community has been doing to make Killicomaine a better place to live."

Mrs Yvonne McClean, who benefited from the kitchen replacement scheme, had another reason to celebrate, having won a competition sponsored by Bann Ltd. the contractor responsible for installing her kitchen.

Commenting on the work, Mrs McClean said: "I'm delighted with these improvements. With this wonderful new kitchen I think I could give Delia Smith a run for her money."

(GK/BMcC)