Improvements to Tamworth high rise blocks

Wednesday, 13 July 2022 20:07

Tamworth Borough Council are investing more than £1.75 million to improve six high rise blocks

Major investment to replace all soil and ventilation pipes starts July, taking 12 months to complete

Residents fully supported and given a liaison office that will supply rest rooms and refreshments during the works

Tamworth Borough Council in partnership with housing contractor Wates, have started a significant improvement programme for the six town centre high rise blocks. The work, seeing a £1.75 million investment will replace soil and ventilation pipes, and will take around 12 months to complete.

The existing soil and ventilation pipes are almost 60 years old and are at the stage where they need replacing to avoid constant repairs and blockages.

This is not an easy fix but to avoid the possibility of a total failure of the system, meaning all flats being unable to flush anything out of the building causing waste backups and potential local sewage flooding, these vital works must go ahead.

Tamworth Borough Council and Wates have held drop-in sessions for all residents of the high rise blocks so that people know what to expect when the works are happening and what facilities they can use as necessary.

Wates are also visiting everyone in each block before the works start, to make sure residents are aware of the impact of the work and what processes will be in place to help the project successfully complete within the timescale.

A resident liaison office has been set up and the High Rise Social Club is available as a daily drop in centre for residents, providing refreshments and food as well as support from the Tamworth Borough Council and Wates staff. Residents will also receive regular updates of the progress of the works.

Councillor Alex Farrell, Cabinet Member for Homelessness Prevention and Social Housing, said: “This incredible investment of £1.75 million from Tamworth Borough Council, is essential to make sure we improve and maintain our high rise homes to a high standard.

“We have been planning for most of last year and have engaged with residents and done as much at this point that we feel we can before starting any works.

“These works are one of the biggest projects we’ve undertaken in the past decade and come at a time when Tamworth Borough Council are actively working to improve the town and delivering many town centre improvements.”