Residents meet new housing repairs contractors at Town Hall

Residents, councillors and council staff met the contractors delivering new housing repairs and maintenance services at a drop-in event at the Town Hall in Eastbourne.

The event was organised in response to feedback from tenants who said they would welcome an opportunity to meet the new contractors and learn more about the services being delivered in their communities.

The event provided an opportunity for residents to speak directly with contractors, learn more about the services now in place, meet those delivering work in their neighbourhoods and ask questions about the support available.

The new arrangements were introduced in April after Eastbourne Borough Council reviewed and retendered their repairs and maintenance contracts. Tenants and councillor representatives helped shape the approach at workshops, which informed the decision to appoint a main contractor for repairs, voids and emergency works alongside specialist contractors for areas such as roofs, windows, drainage, fencing, aids and adaptations, and damp and mould.

The new contract model is supported by an enhanced in-house caretaking and handyperson service.

Councillor Peter Diplock, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “It was great to see so many tenants come along to meet the contractors and find out more about the new repairs and maintenance service.

“These contracts were developed with tenant input, so it is important that residents have opportunities to engage directly with the companies delivering the work. The feedback we have received since the new arrangements were introduced has been very encouraging, and events like this help us strengthen partnerships and continue improving services for our tenants.”

MD Group was appointed as the main contractor to deliver repairs, voids and emergency services. Specialist contractors include Booker & Best Limited for aids and adaptations, windows and doors, Milestone West Limited for roofing, UK Facilities Solutions Limited for fencing, Five Environmental Limited for drainage, and Bell Group Limited for damp and mould.

Mark Field, Operations Manager for Lewes & Eastbourne at the MD Group, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract with Lewes and Eastbourne Councils and look forward to building a strong, collaborative partnership in the years ahead.

“We are committed to working closely with officers, residents and partners to deliver a service that consistently exceeds expectations.

“The positive feedback already received provides an excellent foundation, and we will continue to invest, innovate and listen to ensure outstanding outcomes for tenants from day one.”