I REFER to the article in last week's edition of the Citizen Newspaper about the problems with improvement works to properties at Tarnsyke Road.

The contract for this work was let by competitive tendering to a window company and the standard of workmanship and delays by them have been the subject of complaints from tenants.

Over the last few weeks, I have been in contact with the Housing Office in an effort to resolve these matters. The problems arose when the company encountered financial difficulties and did not complete the contract. The council had no choice but to terminate the contract with the company and the legal procedure necessary to achieve this has caused a delay to finishing the works.

I can assure you that all outstanding works are to be treated as a priority. Over the next few days we will seek competitive quotes for this outstanding work and work will start as soon as possible after the quotes have been received.

I am very sorry for all the inconvenience caused to you and apologise for this situation. I am personally disappointed by the whole matter, as housing repairs and improvement works are generally recognised by tenants as being of a high standard. The law requires the council to seek competition for housing repairs and whilst every effort is made to ensure that firms are of a suitable standing, it is not possible to safeguard against unforeseen events outside the council's control.

Cllr Roger Sherlock,

Chairman

Housing Service Group.

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