Housing repairs should be ‘fixed first time’ under a new policy made possible through a significant investment in new council vehicles.
Richmondshire District Council has replaced the ageing fleet of trucks and vans used by the housing maintenance team as part of moves to make the service more efficient.
Fifteen new vans have been bought by the authority – to replace the 17 that had become old and not fit for purpose.
“The nine larger vans are able to carry more van stock – officers will use them to ‘fix first time’ when an appointment is made,” said Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Threlfall.
“This will make us a much more efficient service – rather than having to make repeat visits we should be able to sort out our council tenants issues on the spot.”
The caged pick up is for the removal of light materials and white goods such as washing machines; the tipper for the transportation of heavy materials – rubble and concrete; the smaller vans for trade operatives who do not need to carry as much stock; and the larger vehicles for the multi-skilled workers and for bricklayers who carry more stock for their particular trade.