Press Release

500 new kitchens at Girdlestone Estate

June 2009

Residents and contractors have celebrated the installation of the 500th new kitchen on the Girdlestone Estate, N19.

The work has been done as part of the Decent Homes Programme which remains on track for completion during 2010/11. Properties are being improved where appropriate with new or improved windows, roofs, re-wiring, heating, kitchens and bathrooms. So far, HFI has improved over 18,500 homes, including installing 10,750 new kitchens and 6,800 new bathrooms investing over £320m. Work is now programmed for a further 8,900 properties up to 2011.

Satisfaction with works remains very high with 91% satisfied with how HFI managed the works and 90% with the quality of the work itself. Work on the estate has been carried out by Mullalley.

Local tenant Jackie Nixon was “delighted with the works” and could not fault the contractors or workmanship, she explained “every part of the works was explained in detail and disruption kept to a minimum – the entire works were delivered on time and I absolutely love my new look kitchen”.

HFI Board Director, Eddie Niles, commented: “We’re really happy to be here celebrating the installation of the 500th new kitchen at the Girdlestone Estate as part of our Decent Homes Programme. The improvements being carried out are making a huge difference to the lives of residents who live here.”

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact James Asser in the HFI communications team on 020 7527 4379 or email james.asser@homesforislington.org.uk

Notes to editors:

1. Homes for Islington, one of the UK’s largest arms length management organisations (ALMO), which began operations in April 2004, is charged with managing council housing stock throughout the borough. It is owned by Islington Council and managed by a Board of Directors, made up of Islington tenants and leaseholders, council representatives and independent members.

2. Picture 1 shows Eddie Niles presenting flowers to the 500th tenant to receive a new kitchen on the Girdleston Estate - Ms Jackie Nixon.

3. Picture 2 shows Ms Nixon with Eddie Niles plus HFI and Mullalley staff