Work to modernise 67 kitchens in Omagh's Castleview estate has got underway, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has said.

Aidan Colgan, Chairperson of Mullaghmore and Castleview Community Association, welcomed the commencement of the scheme, which will be complemented by a regeneration project already underway in Mullaghmore.

Both schemes represent an investment of around £1.5m. Both are aimed at improving housing conditions in the town.

During the scheme tenants will have brand new modern kitchens fitted, after selecting their kitchen units and worktops from a range of finishes.

Electrical and plumbing installations are also being upgraded. This will ensure that there are dedicated sockets for washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers.

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Electrically wired smoke alarms and heat detectors are also being installed in those homes which currently do not have this facility.

Housing Executive District Manager, Ivan Armstrong, said: "Investment in this type of work underpins our commitment to providing our tenants with modern and high quality homes. This is excellent news for the residents of this area and I know that they are pleased that the work is now starting."

Egan contractor, PK Murphy Construction Ltd, will install the new kitchens and consultation on the detail of the scheme is currently underway with the tenants.

Seana Hippsley, Tenant Liaison Officer with PK Murphy, is impressed with the co-operation that she has received from the tenants in Castleview.

She said: "The consultation process is going very well and the feedback from the tenants is very positive.

"The tenants have been very accommodating and those included in the first phase of scheme have been happy to have the work start immediately. We are planning on completing five kitchens each week and should have the scheme completed later in the summer."

(PR/JM)