NEWPORT City Homes has started making improvements to the ex-council housing stock.

Changes including new PVC-u windows and doors were installed in a house in Bettws, the first to be put in as part of an improvement programme to bring homes up to Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

NCH also held its first public event and AGM at the YMCA in Pill where residents were able to find out more about the organisation's services and give feedback on things like interior fittings.

The new windows and doors fitted at the house in Ribble Walk, Bettws, were part of a larger replacement programme for a number of properties in the city.

Sessions at the residents’ event covered issues such the improvement programme and anti-social behaviour.

Other organisations such as Newport Construction Initiative and Gwent Police were also represented.

In the exhibition hall, residents could vote on kitchen samples as well as giving their opinions on bathroom, window and door samples.

Chris England, chairman of NCH, said: “This was our first resident event and we were very pleased with the turnout. It was a great opportunity to meet with residents and talk to them about what matters to them.”

Mr England and chief executive Peter Cahill both gave presentations at the AGM.

“All our hard work in preparing the organisation to deliver improvements to homes, neighbourhoods and services is finally becoming a reality," said Mr Cahill.

He added that the event demonstrated the positive and valued input of customers into the design and delivery of the organisation's services.

The event finished with a prize draw with prizes supplied by NCH’s main contractors.