Huge boost for householders (From Penarth Times)

Huge boost for householders

PENARTH householders are to be first in line to benefit from a 3.9 million fund for improving and repairing private properties, as the Vale council underlines its commitment to the town's housing renewal area.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has said that this year the Penarth Central Renewal Area will be one of the top priorities for grants from the fund.

A council spokesman said: "Assistance will be targeted at the Penarth Central Renewal Area and to Disabled Facilities Grants.

"The revised Housing Renewal Policy, which came into force on May 3, has a number of new benefits for local homeowners."

John Thomas, Vale Cabinet Member for Housing, Building Services and Community Safety, said: "The Council and Government's investment into community regeneration through Renewal Area initiatives has already had a positive effect on the central area of Penarth.

"The revised Housing Renewal Policy confirms the council's continued commitment to Renewal Areas."

The Vale council spokesperson added: "A number of changes are also being made in Renewal Areas, including the extension of the Home Repair Assistance Grant to pensioners, a new 10-year letting condition for landlords and a new Home Safety Grant for pensioners and young families.

"Renewal Areas will also benefit from a new Regeneration Grant to convert commercial buildings into homes.

"The Penarth Central Renewal Area will benefit from renovation grants for internal works, following a group repair scheme, and emergency grants for vulnerable people in receipt of a means-tested benefit."

The Penarth Central Renewal Area was set up in November 2000.

The area, the boundaries of which are Arcot Street, Albert Road, Plassey Street and Paget Terrace, contains 544 homes.

To date 2.3 million has been spent on the area.

The programme has set out to renovate the outside and inside of properties, addressing health and energy conservation issues.

Other financial assistance to be made available in the Renewal Areas is to owners of vacant properties or owners applying to convert their properties to provide additional residential accommodation.

Changes also include a fast track and prioritisation procedure for people applying for Disabled Facilities Grants. A summary of the Housing Renewal Policy is available (free of charge) from the Penarth Central Renewal Area Office at 88 Glebe Street, Penarth.