AN ECO-FRIENDLY project which rejuvenated 20 empty homes in the borough has won two prestigious housing awards.

Greener Homes for Redbridge has won the Architect’s Journal Retrofit Award and also received a Highly Commended Award in the Inside Housing Sustainable Housing Awards.

The project, initiated by housing group East Thames working with Redbridge Council, fitted out 20 empty homes in the borough with water and energy saving improvements together with other environmental measures.

The newly kitted-out homes were then used as social housing for families who would benefit from the extra energy measures through reduced bills and a warmer home.

Redbridge Council's cabinet member for housing Cllr Robin Turbefield said: “I am delighted to see the Greener Homes for Redbridge project receive national recognition.

“This innovative scheme improves the housing stock of the Borough by refurbishing the homes to a high standard, and the sustainability and energy efficiency of the homes means tenants can make savings on household bills.

“It’s a really fantastic project and over the next two years we’ll be gathering data to see how successful it’s been.”