A HOUSING company has celebrated bringing the 4,000th home up to decent standards in east Durham.

East Durham Homes marked the vent with tenants of Station Estate North and South in Murton, tenant members of The Housing Partnership, Durham county councillor Alan Napier, staff from contractor Keepmoat and East Durham Homes’ staff and chairman Paul Morgan.

The event at Murton’s Glebe Centre also marked the fact that the decent homes programme past the half way mark.

Tenants praised workers from Keepmoat, who carried out the work. Barry Metters, construction manager of Keepmoat said: “I would like to congratulate East Durham Homes on reaching a significant milestone of bringing 4,000 properties up to the decent homes standard.

“We are very proud to have been one of the main contractors to help deliver this programme of improvements to people’s homes.

“The feedback we have received from residents has been really positive and we look forward to continuing to deliver these improvements on behalf of the company.”

Coun Napier, deputy leader of Durham County Council said: “Back when I was leader of Easington District Council, non-decency level was at 94 per cent and the decisions we made at that time are reflected in East Durham Homes’ success in getting it below 50 per cent.

“I applaud everyone who has been involved in keeping the programme moving in the right direction.

“The tenants are truly deserving of decent homes and I’m certain that the completion of all the decent homes work will be on target.”