Tamworth Borough Council in partnership with housing contractor Wates, have successfully completed a significant improvement programme to replace soil and ventilation pipes in the six town centre high rise blocks.
The £1.75 million investment for the programme replaced the original cast iron soil and ventilation pipes that had been in place since the original build back in the 1960s. The pipe work was rotten in places and had reached the stage where they need replacing to avoid constant repairs and blockages.
The project itself has been one of Tamworth Borough Council’s most ambitious projects to date 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.
More than 350 properties were affected and access to all was essential to the project success.
Tamworth Borough Council and Wates held drop-in sessions for all residents of the high rise blocks so that people knew what to expect when the works were happening and what facilities they can use as necessary.
Wates also visited everyone in each block before the works started, to make sure residents were aware of the impact of the work and what processes will be in place to help the project successfully complete within the 12-month timescale.
A resident liaison office was set up and the High Rise Social Club was made 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 also receive regular updates of the progress of the works.
Councillor Samuel Smith, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning, said: “This incredible investment of £1.75 million from Tamworth Borough Council, was essential to make sure we improve and maintain our high rise homes to a high standard.
“This was 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 had to go ahead.
“The work has been delivered to a high standard within the agreed 12 month timescale, with council officers and Wates staff continually engaging with residents to ensure that the project was delivered with the least amount of disruption possible.
“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.”
Notes:
Tamworth Borough Council supported affected residents by providing the use of the High-Rise social club during working hours to use the toilet facilities and have a quiet place to be away from the noise of the works. Complimentary refreshments were provided daily.
All services in the flats were as normal outside the working hours of Monday - Friday 8:30am and 4:00pm.