Help is at hand for elderly and disabled residents
across North Somerset needing minor repairs and improvements to
their homes.
The Handyvan service, a partnership between ourselves and
NSHousing, has been expanded with the addition of two more vans to
the two already in operation.
The expansion of the service, which has been running since 2001,
will mean the number of small household jobs carried out will
double from the current 1,500 a year to around 3,000 a year.
Types of jobs undertaken include putting up shelves, fitting
curtain rails/poles, fixing loose floor boards, plumbing repairs
such as replacing tap washers and unblocking sinks, fitting locks
and light bulbs, glazing and hanging up pictures.
Alterations can also be made to properties for people returning
home after a spell in hospital, such as fitting handrails and ramps
or moving a bed downstairs.
There is a minimal labour charge of £10 an hour plus materials
at cost price. An estimate of costs can be provided before work
begins.
Elderly and disabled residents can call on the service by
ringing 01275 858 518. Eligible NSHousing tenants can access the
service through their repairs hotline on 0800 0562 758.
“By giving elderly and disabled people access to competent
tradesmen at an affordable cost, this service can make a real
difference to people's lives," said Deputy Leader Cllr Elfan Ap
Rees.
"Arranging and paying for routine home maintenance can be
difficult for elderly people, especially if they are unsure what’s
causing a particular problem or how much the repair will cost.
Contacting the Handyvan service provides the solution and the
council is pleased to be supporting residents in this very
practical way.”
Clive Bodley, Chief Executive Officer of NSHousing, said: "This
partnership fits with our approach of delivering value for money
and providing support to those who need it most. We offer a range
of services to help tenants stay in their homes for as long as
possible and it’s often the little things that help the
most.”
