COUNCIL flats are set to undergo a massive refurbishment to make them look better.

Tendring Council is pumping £300,000 into replacing external renders and cladding of Manningtree’s Bendalls Court and College Court.

But the council has stressed the work, by contractors Gipping Construction, is not a response to concerns raised in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy over fireproof cladding.

Bosses say the replacement materials are fully compliant with fire and building regulations and work is expected to last until September.

Paul Honeywood, Tendring’s councillor responsible for housing, said it was important the council looked after the homes it owned.

He said: “These works will benefit not only existing residents, but also in terms of the external works those who live nearby by improving the street scene.”

The new finishes will reduce future maintenance needs, and also remove asbestos boarding on the porches and roof edges.

In a separate scheme at Churchill Court, in Dovercourt, five basements and garages are being removed to provide an additional flat and a new community space for the benefit of residents.

This project, being carried out by Stroods Specialist Contractors and Ingleton Wood on behalf of the council, is also costing about £300,000 and work will last into September.

Mr Honeywood added: “The creation of an additional flat in Dovercourt is also welcomed, helping us to provide homes for those who need them within Tendring.”