Posted 11th Nov 2005

People living in a local retirement scheme were so delighted with the big improvements to their social area that they treated the workmen who did the work to a slap up lunch.

Progress Property Services transformed the communal areas at Naze Court, Freckleton with a £60 000 refurbishment of the entrance hall, kitchen and residents' lounge.

New Fylde Housing, who own and manage Naze Court, contracted Progress Property Services to undertake the refurbishment after viewing work carried out by the Leyland firm at similar retirement schemes.

Progress Property Services division repairs and maintains all Progress housing as well as undertaking contracts for other businesses and Housing Associations.

The residents were so happy with the makeover that they wanted to give the workers a pat on the back and hit upon the idea of the thank you lunch.

'The lunch was a fantastic thank you and the lads really enjoyed it! They are delighted that the residents are so pleased and it was great seeing the residents enjoying their newly refurbished home.' said Bob Thomson, from Progress Property Services.

Kim Gregson, Naze Court Scheme Manager, from New Fylde Housing:

'It was a really dark building and the contrast is amazing, one resident said to me that it's like walking into a summer's day all year-round.

'The difference it's made is tremendous. I would like to thank all of the contractors on behalf of the residents, especially Bob Thomson. We've now come into the 21st Century!'

Residents Mr George Mason & Mrs Pat Mason, who have lived at Naze Court for 18 months, said:

'The transformation is fabulous - it's like living in a hotel. The workmen were brilliant.'