Council house works to create jobs

Richmondshire District Council has agreed a four-year contract with north-east firm Kier to refurbish all its properties.

The firm has pledged to recruit people from the area to work on the major project. They are also holding a “meet the buyer” day next Wednesday at Richmond Cricket Club from 10am to 2pm to attract local suppliers and subcontractors.

Kier’s regional maintenance director Mike Furze said: “We are committed to delivering the best value service for local people in the years ahead and we plan to focus strongly on the continuous improvement of, and engagement with, the local community to do this.”

Richmondshire District Council’s housing spokesman Councillor Peter Wood, added: “This new contract will benefit our residents across the district.

“A lot of hard work went in to the preparation of the contract and we are confident that Kier will deliver a high quality service and great efficiencies over the coming years.”