By Eric Nicolson

PERTH AND KINROSS Council and local firm Sidey yesterday reached a landmark in their five-year project to install around 7700 new kitchens in council homes across the area.

The refurbishment programme began last year and now the partners have fitted out their 3000th kitchen.

Representatives from the council and Sidey visited the home in Glenalmond Terrace to mark the milestone.

The council’s housing and health convener, Councillor Peter Barrett, said, “When our tenants decided to remain with Perth and Kinross Council we made unshakeable promises to improve their homes.

“We are now measurably delivering on those promises and I am delighted we have reached this landmark.

“I would like to congratulate Sidey on the excellent work they have done.

“It is really significant that a local firm won this contract against nationwide competition, and they are doing a great job.

“I would also like to thank our tenants, who have worked together with us to move this scheme forward and make it happen.”

Sidey chairman Michael Dobson added, “Once again the value of partnerships has been displayed through this particular project.

“We have received another outstanding tenant satisfaction rate of over 98%—the highest in Scotland.”

The kitchen refurbishment scheme is part of a £117m investment to improve the Perth and Kinross housing stock.

The plan, approved by Communities Scotland, outlines how the money will be spent.

The improvements will be made to ensure the council’s housing stock continues to comply with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.

As well as kitchen renewals, the plan includes 7000 bathroom renewals between 2006 and 2010, replacement windows and doors fitted to around 2800 homes and 5144 central heating renewals between 2006 and 2015.

Energy efficiency improvements will be made to 1200 houses and controlled entry will be fitted for 2500 properties.

The improvement work will also include extensive external refurbishment for 3750 homes, as well as electrical upgrading, internal modernisation and external environmental work where is it required.