WORK in over 200 Caerphilly county properties is now underway as the local authority begins a £210 million investment over the next six years.

Last year, the local authority spent £18 million as it began its renovations aimed at achieving the required Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS).

After more than a year of planning a strategy, the council announced last month that Robert Price, which has branches around Gwent, will work alongside it as its partner.

They have devised what the local authority calls the ‘Caerphilly Approach’, which is aimed at achieving the required Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

Robert Price will be solely responsible for managing the supply chain for products to be used in the modernisation of council houses - with new bathrooms, kitchens and other features set to be installed, as well as those used for improving community spaces and gardens.

In total, the local authority is set to invest £210 million in its 11,000 properties by 2019/20 after residents voted against transferring responsibility to a social landlord.

Of this, £70 million will go on Robert Price’s 10-year contract.

Councillors were informed of developments on the project during an open day at Cherry Tree House, Croespenmaen last week.

Homes already completed have benefited from such improvement works as new kitchens, bathrooms, re-wiring and heating works. External refurbishments have also been undertaken as well as refurbishments in non-traditional properties.

Of the money spent last year, tenants at Pwllypant, Caerphilly, have been able to choose from colours, styles and layouts to suit individual tastes.

For more information on the work search for WHQS at www.caerphilly.gov.uk or see www.facebook.com/yourcaerphillyhomes