MORE than 500 homes are to be given new bathrooms, kitchens and windows in a £15m improvement programme, it was announced today.

Work will start in the summer, subject to planning approval, on much-needed improvements to 300 homes in Horden, almost 150 homes in Blackhall and another 100 in Easington Colliery.

Housing association Accent Foundation said it plans to replace existing pre-fabricated extensions in Horden with new brick-built version.

Across all three areas, other improvements will be carried out including fitting new bathrooms, kitchens, windows, doors and gas central heating.

Work on each home is expected to take 12 weeks to complete and residents will be moved into temporary homes while the work is carried out.

Wanda Graham, who manages all Accent’s homes across the north east said: "It’s great to see this money being invested into Horden, Easington Colliery and Blackhall.

"We worked closely with our residents to agree what work should be done, and it will greatly improve their homes and services.

"Non-Accent residents will also benefit, as our work will also help to improve the look and feel of the surrounding community."

Consultants RNJ have been appointed for the project and staff will visit residents shortly to carry out a detailed survey of each home to identify exactly what work is needed.

The landlord has said it will also consult non-Accent residents who live on the same streets about the plans.