Title: £6m Asbestos Removal Project Revitalises Grantham Homes
South Kesteven District Council has finished a monumental £6 million refurbishment operation on the Earlesfield Estate in Grantham, revitalising more than 100 council homes. The project commenced following the uncovering of asbestos in homes originally developed following World War Two for temporary housing. As emphasised by Councillor Virginia Moran, Cabinet Member for Housing, the project’s transformative impact has effectively generated new homes inside the existing structures.
The extensive refurbishments encompassed the installation of 77 new complete heating systems, the wiring of 102 properties, and the addition of 95 state-of-the-art kitchens and 87 bathrooms. It also saw 96 homes gain the addition of a downstairs toilet. In addition, 107 front and 110 back doors were replaced, asbestos was removed from 109 homes, and 120 properties were fitted with new windows. To escalate living conditions further, extractor fans were installed in 106 homes to combat damp and mould, lofts in 100 homes were made fire-resistant, and new insulation was fitted in 117 homes.
Residents affected by the work were temporarily rehoused in unused homes in the area, ensuring the efficiency of the rolling programme. On-site manager from contractor United Living, Dave Platts, lauded the management of the project, asserting that these homes now meet the requirements of modern living, being both asbestos-free and refurbished. Councillor Moran has shared that the response from residents has been overwhelmingly positive, expressing a feeling of moving into brand-new homes whilst maintaining their community links.
This significant investment into the improvement of Grantham’s housing and communal well-being illustrates the council’s commitment to supplying safe, modern homes for their residents.
Original reporting by the BBC, adapted by The Lincoln Post.
