Hundreds of York residents are to be offered new kitchens, bathrooms, central heating and other improvements in the latest City of York Council Tenants' Choice programme.

The scheme, which has won national plaudits since it was launched under the old York City Council in 1989, is now being rolled out in parts of Kingsway West, Tang Hall and Huby Court.

The latest programme is being kicked off with two launch meetings and an exhibition to show off a variety of Tenants' Choice products including bathroom suites, shower units, fitted kitchen units and tiling.

The first of the two launch meetings will be staged on Monday (March 3) at Carr Junior School (6.30pm) with residents invited along to discuss how the scheme works and exactly what improvements are on offer.

Tenants are receiving a colour brochure through the post with further details of products on offer together with their personal invitations to the exhibitions and the special launch meetings.

The exhibition is being staged at Tang Hall Community Centre on Tuesday week (Tuesday, March 18, 2.30pm - 7pm) and is being attended by Councillor Ruth Potter, the council's executive member for housing. Councillor Potter will also be attending the second launch meeting for tenants, also at Tang Hall Community Centre a week next Tuesday (March 11, 6.30pm).

Councillor Potter said, "The Tenants' Choice scheme is part of the council's multi-million pound commitment to constantly improving and modernising our housing stock and ensuring that all our homes meet standards set by central government.

"The meetings and exhibition are a great opportunity for people to discuss or see the range of products on offer and choose what they would like in their own home giving them real choice over their home improvements."

Mark Grandfield, the council's housing improvement manager, said, "We have written to everyone covered by this year's programme about the exhibition and meetings but they really should take the opportunity to come along to the exhibition and see heating systems and accessories, kitchens and bathrooms which will be on offer. It also provides a further opportunity to speak with the Tenants' Choice staff."

Residents are also being reminded that having improvements carried out will not affect the amount of rent they pay. Anyone seeking more information or needing help getting to and from the meetings or exhibition, should contact please contact Karen Lacey or Erin Bell on 01904 554102.

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