WORK is due to start on a 37-week refurbishment of Cwmbran’s tallest building - The Tower.

Seddon Construction will be completing the work for Bron Afon Community Housing.

The scheme is one of two tower block improvement programmes, together worth £1.9 million, that Seddon is carrying out for the community housing organisation. The £997,000 refurbishment programme at The Tower, a 1960s-built 22-storey high-rise block, includes over-cladding, the installation of replacement windows, re-roofing work, reconstruction of the main entrance area and the redecoration of external communal areas.

Through a separate contract for Bron Afon Community Housing, Seddon is also about to embark on a £907,000 programme of refurbishment at the Monmouth House high-rise in Cwmbran, including over-cladding and the installation of replacement windows.

Both schemes were awarded to Seddon through a competitive tendering process.

The plans at Monmouth House has caused uproar with residents as they have been hit with estimated bills ranging from £8,000 to £27,000 towards the costs of the works. The eleven leaseholders in The Tower have also been issued with estimate bills for the cost of the repairs.

The head of asset management and investment for Bron Afon, Peter Howell, said: "Bron Afon is pleased to have these two exciting projects starting. "The main purpose of the work is to ensure the building structures are preserved for another generation but the work will also deliver considerable energy savings for tenants and leaseholders living in the blocks, along with an exciting new modern look that will enhance the town as a whole."