THE look of council homes and the environment in three housing estates in Staple Tye is set to improve with a programme of work being carried out by Harlow Council.

In August the council consulted residents of Aylets Field, Copshall Close and The Briars to find out priorities for a programme of works to the estates. The three estates have been identified as areas for future regeneration based on the priorities of residents. All residents were sent a questionnaire which asked them to choose from a list of options.

The three most popular were the renewal of the worst areas of paving; the installation of barriers to prevent motorcycle access and improvement works to planters. These have been put into a programme of works which will start in October.

As well as environmental improvements, the council and its partner Kier Harlow will be carrying out a programme of painting to council-owned properties on the estates. This will include minor carpentry repairs, the preparation of surfaces for painting, sealing and painting of external walls, redecoration of window frames, fascias, soffits and cladding. All works should be completed by January 2009.

These works are being carried out to improve Aylets Field, Copshall Close and The Briars in the short term, while the Council works with and consults residents to identify their priorities for the future of the estates.

Housing committee chairman Joshua Jolles said: “I’m delighted to see that this work is going ahead at last.”

Committee vice-chairman and Staple Tye councillor Lee Dangerfieldsaid: “The residents of Aylets Field, Copshall Close and The Briars have waited a long time for improvements to be made. I look forward to the work being completed and the improvement it will bring to the lives of the residents.

“We will continue to work with and consult residents to identify their priorities for the future of the estates.”