Grandmother says home is cosy after being part of Major Works Investment Programme

A Stockwell grandmother has praised the work carried out to her home as part of the L&Q Major Works Investment Programme.

Colette Thomas, who has been an L&Q resident for 28 years, said the effort put in to replacing the windows and roof of the historic building has “not gone unnoticed.”

The new roofs and windows of the street properties were fitted by Axis, one of L&Q’s partners. Axis also carried out energy efficiency measures inside Ms Thomas’ home, as well as redecorating the communal areas.

Ms Thomas said:

“The buildings in my street are all early 1900s or late 1800s. Some even had bomb damage.

“L&Q decided to replace all the windows and because they’re so old they needed special planning permission from the local authorities.

“To have Axis do these works was a big deal. And for L&Q to agree to fund the work is a big deal. Other housing associations would have probably demolished buildings like ours because of the effort needed to renovate them.

“It was a huge effort from L&Q and Axis and it didn’t go unnoticed. It’s been an extensive job, and I know it would have come with issues as the building is so old.”

L&Q’s Major Works Investment Programme will see the organisation invest around £3bn over 15 years to improve the safety, comfort and environmental performance of residents’ homes.

As part of the works, the communal front door was also replaced and Axis will also insulate Ms Thomas’ loft.

She continued:

“It’s impacted my daily life. Before, in the winter I would basically live in my bedroom because it was the warmest room. My living room was really cold.

“I wouldn’t even bother turning the radiator on as it wouldn’t do anything. 

“Last winter I was able to stay in the living room because it stays warm now. The windows have made such a difference. It’s cosy now.

“You’ve got to feel like you can trust workers in your house, and I could. The amount of communication I received was brilliant. They were onsite all day and that presence made it feel as though they weren’t contractors. It felt like they were just part of L&Q. 

“They were repainting the hallway, and I came home after a challenging day at work, and they’d painted it nicely in a colour I liked. It made my day.”

Ms Thomas, who moved into her home in 1996, with her then 18-month old son, said L&Q is the only landlord she has ever known. 

“They have always, in my experience, done everything I’ve needed them to,” she said.

Mark Newstead, Director of Major Programmes at L&Q, said:

“Feedback from residents is a crucial part of the programme, and to hear Ms Thomas is so pleased with the work Axis have carried out is brilliant.

“We’ll be ramping up our energy efficiency works over the next 14 years, so even more residents feel the benefit.” 

Laura Nicole, Site Manager at Axis, said:

“Working on this street has been extremely challenging at times but to hear lovely feedback like this always reminds us that we’re making a real difference to people’s lives. 

“Ms Thomas’ words mean a lot and puts a smile on our faces.”