A MAJOR project to refurbish sheltered housing is finally complete.

Colchester Borough Homes has overseen the £4.8million refurbishment of Enoch House in Greenstead, which took two years to complete.

The renovation of the sheltered housing scheme in Magnolia Drive follows on from a similar job at Worsnop House, in Old Heath Road, completed in March 2015.

Residents will no longer have to share bathing facilities- they now have modern apartments with kitchens, wet rooms, and an improved communal space.

As a new wing of flats has been built, it brings the numbers up to 36 flats, with 33 one-bed apartments and three two-bed apartments.

Other improvements include solar panels, upgraded heating and insulation, a fire prevention sprinkler system and a warden call with CCTV and a new door-entry security system.

Residents were consulted on the design and decoration of their individual flats.

Tina Bourne, councillor responsible for housing, said: “I am delighted we have been able to complete all of the onsite refurbishment of Enoch House project with the minimum disruption to tenants.

“These improvements will improve the quality of life for older people locally, and have provided the opportunity for many to move into a smaller home, releasing family homes that are desperately needed in Colchester.

“On behalf of both the Council and Colchester Borough Homes, I would like to thank all of the tenants and local residents for their support and involvement throughout this superb project, and wish our tenants every happiness in their refurbished homes.”