DOZENS of homes in Selby have been transformed in the first part of a £1.3 million regeneration scheme.

More than 30 prefabricated council homes, which were built in Ulleskelf, Sherburn-in-Elmet and Barkston Ash after the Second World War to solve the housing shortage have been upgraded.

Selby District Council commissioned housing and regeneration specialist Keepmoat to refurbish the properties, during a seven-month project in which the concrete panels on the outside of the homes were removed and replaced with brick.

The homes were also given new insulation, double-glazed windows and new doors, with some also being fitted with new kitchens and rewired.

Dawn and Pete Bailey-Hague’s home at Barley Horn Road, Ulleskelf, was improved outside and inside as part of the project, and adapted to make life easier for Pete, who has progressive MS and uses a wheelchair.

Doorways were widened, and an extension was added to the rear of the property to accommodate a new kitchen, downstairs bedroom and an en-suite wet room.

Dawn, who is a full-time carer for her husband, said: “It’s like living in a completely new home. It is so much warmer and more comfortable.

“The extension and all the other adaptations for Pete have made a massive difference to our quality of life, and will make things much easier for myself and the other carers.

“Nothing was too much trouble, and there was very little disruption or disturbance. We are absolutely thrilled with our new home.”

Coun Gillian Ivey, deputy council leader, said: “We know from talking to tenants that these improvements are important to them. This project delivers improvements with a real long-term benefit.

“This has been an innovative way of making big improvements to our stock of Airey homes in the district; improvements that have helped us to deliver homes fit for the 21st century. Working with specialist contractors Keepmoat has helped us to deliver on time and on budget.”

Another 50 homes in the Selby district will be improved when phases two and three of the project start later this year.