Published on:
19
March 2008
Clackmannanshire Council appointed Permadoor to supply and fit new low maintenance GRP doors to more than 350 authority-owned properties as part of a rolling refurbishment scheme. The programme, which involved the replacement of almost 500 timber doors, was delivered as part of a drive to improve the security and the weather proofing of housing stock.
Sandy Dawson, acting design manager, Clackmannanshire Council, explained: Following consultation with our tenant federation it became clear that crime or more accurately 'fear of crime' was of concern to a majority of households.
The installation of new doors was as a consequence cited as a major priority, in particular because many of our properties still featured original and comparatively dated timber and a small number of steel products.
Prior to replacement, Clackmannanshire Council had carried out a rigorous timber door maintenance programme, sanding down and repainting them every two years. By contrast, the new doors won't need such maintenance. The new doors have also made properties warmer, insulating Clackmannanshire's tenants from the force of Scottish winter.
There are essentially three main benefits: properties are more secure; tenants are warmer and more comfortable and we expect to make savings on maintenance costs,
said Councillor Sam Ovens, portfolio holder for regeneration. We've listened to tenants and they are delighted with the results.
Catherine Howie, Clackmannanshire tenant, said: The new doors have been excellent. I have one at the front and the back of the house and they have been great.
The old doors were never fitted properly and it didn't matter how high you put the radiator on you would always feel cold because of the draft that would rush under it.
The new doors also feel much more secure - they have a really nice 'clunk'.
William Johnstone, Clackmannanshire tenant, said: The new and old doors are like chalk and cheese.
The new doors are so much warmer and look so much better.
The guys who came in and fitted here were brilliant, they worked so hard, they were good to have around and very professional.
We're delighted with them and what the Council has done.
NOTES
Photos of tenants and the new doors are available on request.