The Trust has just completed work on an £85 million scheme, which has seen it fit thousands of new windows, boilers, bathrooms, kitchens and central heating systems in its properties.

 Bill and Mavis Greenhow, who have lived in a Trust owned property at Westfield Crescent in Runcorn for the past 12 years, say that the improvements have made the area a better place to live.

“We have found that we have taken a lot more pride in where we live since the work was carried out – it really is a big improvement,” said Mavis, aged 75.

“I’m sure that other people feel the same. Improving peoples’ homes has given them a real boost. People feel happier in their surroundings which makes them care more about the area they live in, and creates a better community spirit.”

The couple, who used to run a post office in the Weston Point area of the town, say that the improvements will be particularly beneficial to elderly customers.  

Bill, 79, added: “Having to organise and get work done around the home can be quite distressing, especially for older people.  

“The fact that the Trust has been able to do all of the work for us is fantastic.”

The improvement scheme has seen the Trust bring its homes inline with the ‘Halton Standard’, which is an increase on the Decent Homes Standard set by Government.

The Trust has vowed to continue its work improving the area, and will now revisit its customers who chose not to benefit from the improvement scheme the first time around.

Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Halton Housing Trust, said: “It’s great that people have reacted so positively to the improvements.

“The Trust is dedicated to improving the lives of our customers and the communities they live in.

“We want to continue this work wherever we can.”