MORE than 1,000 homes are in line for a revamp as part of a five-year regeneration programme.

Cestria Community Housing Properties in and around Chester-le-Street are to get new roof coverings, chimneys and external wall finishes.

The social landlord has awarded a three-year contract worth more than £8m to Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East to work on 1.200 homes.

It is the final contract of a five year programme which commenced when the Association was set up in February 2008.

Tenants living in Sacriston will be the first to benefit from the new works which will commence in April.

Paul Stephens, Cestria Community Housing’s Director of Housing and Communities, said: "Since transfer we have already invested £31m to bring homes up the standard tenants want to see for their homes, services and communities.

"The external works programme is part of this investment and our commitment to deliver on our promises."

Keith McDougall, FHM North East Construction Director, said: "We are delighted to have been selected to work in partnership with Cestria Community Housing.

"We have a vast amount of experience of transforming neighbourhoods to bring homes up to the Decent Homes Standard and look forward to starting work this Spring.

"We just completed roofing works on Eighth Avenue in Chester-le-Street on behalf of Cestria Community Housing and tenants reported that they were extremely satisfied with the work that has been undertaken."