Carl Sargeant, the Minister for Housing and Regeneration visited a renovation project in Flint to see for himself the good work that is being done there.

Six long term empty properties in Chester Road, Flint are undergoing comprehensive refurbishment work with the aid of a £150,000 interest free loan from the Welsh Government's Houses into Homes scheme.

The Minister said: "This is a great example of how our Houses into Homes programme is getting empty properties back into use .

"There are around 22,000 empty properties throughout Wales and we’re aiming to get 5,000 of these back into use. The programme, which is being delivered by local authorities, is playing a big part in this.

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"Houses into Homes will bring an entire terrace of homes in Flint back into use after ten years of standing empty. It will also play an integral part of the regeneration of the town.

"This is not just about the houses; this is about quality homes for families. It’s also about footfall for the retailers in Chester Road and breathing new life into the area. We want to replicate this up and down Wales."

Each of the six 2 bedroom houses requires comprehensive refurbishment and will also benefit from a complete thermal upgrade to greatly reduce their carbon footprint.

While the scheme is helping to meet people's housing needs, its also creating and supporting jobs. The scheme will employ up to 20 people for a four-month period together with approximately 10 sub-contracting companies, all of which are based in North Wales.

The contractor, B & W Builders is also a member of the North Wales Training Group and this project will benefit six trainees who are gaining valuable work experience.

(CD/MH)