Residents of a council-run retirement complex in Redditch, have praised recent refurbishments.

The Redditch Borough Council’s Capital Programmes and Repairs and Maintenance Teams organised and saw to the completion of upgrades to Malvern House in Headless Cross, aimed at improving tenants’ safety and comfort.

The work took nearly nine months, and was done in two phases, costing £305,000 from the Capital Programmes Budget.

By installing new fire doors and ensuring fire compartmentation, the council met safety regulations.

They also greatly improved the complex’s aesthetic with new Smart LED lighting, fresh decorations, and carpeting in common areas.

Residents have happily taken notice of these changes.

Comments on the upgrades include: "Very nice," "the doors are lovely" and "lovely, the work has transformed the block."

Portfolio holder for housing services, Cllr Craig Warhurst, confirmed said: "Ensuring the safety and comfort of our residents is a top priority for this administration and I am glad that the stars aligned so that we could complete this project and give residents what they wanted and needed.

"We are committed to continuing our efforts to provide safe and welcoming housing for all members of our community."

The council’s housing officers joined Cllr Matt Dormer, leader of the council, to meet the residents and evaluate the impact of the improvements.

Cllr Dormer had words of praise for all the parties involved in the renovation, thanking the residents for their patience as the work was done.

He said: "It was great to meet some of the residents at Malvern House and see how these improvements have improved their quality of life.

"We always do our best to listen to what our residents need and will action this wherever possible."

The council said it remains dedicated to enhancing housing quality, with safety and wellbeing of tenants as their utmost priority.