Council housing tenants got to see their newly refurbished housing estate in all its glory today.

Harrow Borough Council’s 78 flats in Francis Road have been transformed after a £2million regeneration project.

Work was carried out over 18 months fixing the facade of the block, installing double glazing and building a new roof.

Council cabinet member for housing Barry Macleod-Cullinane said it was the first time the authority had taken on such a project without moving residents offsite.

He added: “I think this project is a great advert for partnership work for improvements which can be made at the council’s estates across the borough.

“I want to thank all the officers involved and the contractor Thomas Sinden for its hard work making this project happen. I also want to thank the previous cabinet members who have helped complete this project.”

The flats were erected in the 1970s and were falling into disrepair. Regeneration work was given the go-ahead by the council just over two years ago.

To mark the end of the project, Harrow Mayor Cllr Nana Asante unveiled a plaque and planted a cherry tree in front of the completed flats.

She said: “It is a great pleasure to be here and to see the wonderful work which has been completed.

“This means residents can really enjoy their home for years to come. Harrow is a wonderful place to live and it is important we make people’s homes as comfortable as possible.”

The project contractor Thomas Sinden was able to provide work experience for seven people looking for a job.

Deborah Bearcroft, 52, who has lived in her flat for 14 years, said: “The work they have done is fantastic and has made me feel more secure in my home.

“Before there were always drafts and the place was falling apart, but this project has really helped make things better.”