WORK to bring the second of Newport's three social housing tower blocks up to standard has been completed.

Hillview Building in the Gaer now reaches the Welsh accepted standard, with refurbishment of both the inside and outside.

Work on Greenwood in St Julian’s completed earlier in the year and Milton Court in Ringland will be next.

Each will have external aluminium panels installed on the outside and be given 125mm thick rockwool insulation to keep heat in and make the buildings more energy efficient.

Flats inside the 11-storey blocks all received a new kitchen, bathroom, double glazing, heating system and re-wire.

Newport City Homes (NCH) says it has received a 98 per cent resident satisfaction rating for Hillview building, located in the Gaer.

The buildings benefited from a £12.5 million Welsh Housing Quality Standard investment programme.

Residents were consulted throughout the process and said they appreciated the personal touch of having a dedicated Resident Liaison Officer, Cheryl Price.

Mr Edwards said: “Nothing was too much trouble for Cheryl. She helped set up all my utility suppliers. I couldn’t have coped without her help.”

Mr James moved from bedsit to a one bedroomed flat as part of the works and received help with his move from Cheryl. He said: “I was really happy when I was offered the chance of moving to a one bedroomed flat and remaining in Hillview. Cheryl has been a great help.”

Mr James received help to pack, move and unpack all of his belongings and now has a larger flat with a magnificent view of the city.

John Taphouse, Head of Assets and Investment at NCH, said: “We are delighted with the improvements this scheme has delivered to our residents and their communities and I would like to thank residents for their support throughout the works.”