FIVE hundred council homes across Basildon have so far benefited from a £28million refurbishment programme.

Mulalley is the contractor carrying out Basildon Council’s decent homes scheme, which will see half of the borough’s council homes being upgraded.

The project will be carried out over the next four years and residents have already begun to receive new kitchens and bathroom.

Hayley Robertson, who has lived in Basildon for the past 14 years, has just had a new kitchen and downstairs toilet installed in her house in Blackmores, Laindon, and is thrilled with the results.

Phil Turner, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, said: “Since the council brought Mulalley on board for this major programme of works, the feedback from residents has been very encouraging.”

Bruce Benson, operations director at Mulalley, added: “This programme is a great example of how a successful partnership works.

“It is great to see the work we have carried out has had such a positive effect on the residents already.