News Item
05-09-2006
HHP Chairman Showcases £100million Investment Plans and Unveils Tenant Showrooms
Housing transfer showrooms that explain Hebridean Housing Partnership's (HHP) promises to tenants have been opened by HHP chairman Councillor George Lonie, who also took the opportunity to explain in more detail how HHP intends to invest over £100million in tenants' homes across the Western Isles.
The organisation's two premises, one at Harbour View in Stornoway and the other at Winfield Way in Balivanich, are fitted with examples of HHP's kitchens, bathrooms, and heating systems. They also provide information literature on HHP's plans, including its home improvement programme and proposed new services.
HHP is planning an extensive improvements programme, which will only be possible through new funding released in the event of tenants voting in favour of transfer in an independent ballot expected next month. Developed following detailed consultation with tenants and tenant groups, HHP's plans will include the fitting of over 600 brand new kitchens in the five years following transfer.
As well as the two showrooms HHP is also catering for tenants who can't get to Stornoway or Balivanich. The HHP transfer trailer is on the road and coming soon to venues across the Western Isles. The specially commissioned trailer which, over the coming weeks will travel the length and breadth of the Islands, will show tenants what they can expect from HHP should they vote yes to transfer in the upcoming ballot.
Speaking at the Harbour View launch George commented, "I would urge every tenant to try to get along to either our Harbour View or Balivanich showrooms which offer a fantastic opportunity for tenants to see for themselves exactly what transfer can deliver for their homes. Harbour View is open outside normal office hours so that those who work can also come along. We realise that not everyone can get to Stornoway or Balivanich that's why we've also provided the HHP transfer trailer, providing an opportunity for tenants in more remote communities to see what's on offer. I would urge all tenants to come out and see us at one of these venues."
HHP's plans will bring all Comhairle homes up to the Hebridean Housing Quality Standard, introduce improved housing services and deliver a new build programme for the first time in over a decade. The programme of improvements and work will be carried out with rents guaranteed for the first five years (rent increases will be kept to no more than the rate of inflation plus 1%) thanks to the write-off of the Comhairle's £38million housing debt and an injection of cash from the Scottish Executive.
"Contrary to some claims there are no other avenues available that will deliver the investment needed to continue to maintain homes in the Western Isles to the standard to which tenants have become accustomed," George continued. "Through transfer, funds will be made available that simply wouldn't be otherwise. It's only through this funding that HHP will be able to deliver an investment programme that will see the installation of 100s of new kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors and wiring systems in the near future."
For further information on the showrooms, trailer or about transfer plans tenants can call HHP on 01851 706368 or the Comhairle on 01851 709338/ 01870 603346. Alternatively you can seek advice from TPAS Scotland, the independent tenant adviser on freephone 0800 269645.
Issued on behalf of HHP by TNC. For further media information, please contact Dan Hughes on 01698 420420.
Notes to Editor:
- The HHP showroom in Stornoway can be found at Unit 4, Harbour View, Cromwell Street Quay and is open Monday - Thursday between 10am and 8pm, on Fridays between 10am and 5pm and between 11am and 5.30 pm on Saturdays
- The HHP showroom in Balivanich can be found at 41 Winfield Way, Balivanich and is open between 10am and 5pm, Monday - Friday