NEWPORT residents who said their homes had been left a “nightmare” following work carried out under social landlord Newport City Homes are now being invited to twice-weekly surgeries to discuss their concerns.

The Argus reported last month how some Alway residents claimed their homes had been left in an unacceptable state following work carried out under Ian Williams contractors on behalf of the social landlord.

Residents told the Argus the work, which was carried out as part of the social landlord’s bid to bring its homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, had resulted in holes being left in floors and walls, wires hanging loose and work not being completed.

At the time Newport City Homes gave detailed responses to the Argus regarding tenants complaints and said they take residents’ concerns very seriously.

Since then Alway ward councillors Debbie Harvey and Ray Truman have met chief executive of Newport City Homes, Pete Cahill along with other representatives of Newport City Homes and Ian Williams as well as Peter Griffiths, senior regulation manager for Welsh Government.

Surgeries, which were agreed before the meeting, are now under way at the Alway Community Centre and will see a representative from Ian Williams meet residents to discuss any concerns they have every Tuesday and Thursday from 2pm until 3pm.

Mr Griffiths is also now due to check on what improvements have been made in three months time.

Cllr Harvey said: “It is a step in the right direction but it is by no means over. We will be keeping a close eye and urge all residents, no matter what ward they are in, to report any problems they have at the surgeries or with their local councillor.”

Homes firm says feedback welcome

A SPOKESWOMAN for Newport City Homes said she was pleased to confirm the meeting had taken place with all queries being addressed and a way forward agreed.

Mr Cahill added: “We encourage and welcome our residents to give us their feedback which enables us to respond to any concerns and make necessary changes in order to improve our service to them.

“We trust the arrangements that have been put in place will satisfy the expectations of our residents, representative members and Welsh Government.”