Housing group Keepmoat has been appointed to an £11 million property regeneration project in Sandwell.

Three high-rise blocks in Smethwick called The Crofts will undergo the makeover which includes building new roofs, energy efficient external cladding and new windows and balconies.

Internal improvements include kitchen and bathroom upgrades and rewires, new boiler installations and decoration works.

The 270 homes benefiting from the improvements, sit on a main arterial route between Birmingham and West Bromwich and the project is set to refresh the external appearance of the buildings.

During the two-year project, there will also be employment and training opportunities created by Keepmoat in the local area including provision for 12 apprenticeships as well as a graduate position.

Neil Baxter, Keepmoat's regional director for the West Midlands, said: "We're looking forward to working closely with Sandwell over the next two years to help the council deliver its ambitions to improve the quality of local housing for residents."

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council leader Coun Darren Cooper added: "This refurbishment is one of a number of regeneration projects the council is delivering with our partners to boost the area and will complement nearby new build developments as well as the recently announced plans for the new hospital."

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