AN Ellesmere Port estate that has suffered with anti-social behaviour is set for a new lease of life thanks to a £13.9 million renovation project.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s cabinet agreed to pump the cash into the Sutton Way regeneration project over the next five years.

The scheme is a key part of the council’s plans for social housing over the next 30-year period, and it includes the refurbishment of the 10 blocks of flats.

Meanwhile, a total of 45 flats are set to be demolished to make way for 16 new council houses.

Labour Cllr Richard Beacham, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and growth, said that the move is designed to create ‘sustainable, safe and pleasant places to live’.

“Quality housing is really important to tackle inequalities and deprivation,” he said.

“One of the key aims of this administration, and the past one, has been about safe, clean and secure neighbourhoods.

“This next 30 years is not just about the buildings themselves – it’s also about the people that live in them and the communities that exist around them.”

The project is the result of engagement with Sutton Way estate residents to find out how they would like to see their community improved and anti-social behaviour reduced.

Residents called for boundary treatments, streetscape and parking improvements, plus refurbishment to bin areas, communal areas and bike storage.

They also suggested there is a ‘lack of community feeling’ in the estate with high levels of isolation, depression and loneliness.

Cllr Beacham added: “This is a huge project and a really, really important one. Identifying it specifically in this policy gives confidence to the residents.

“Some who have engaged in this process of talking about what they want still can’t believe this is happening – so to see it quite clearly in the plan is really important.

“It’s a superb example of how regeneration in housing can be delivered in partnership with the residents.”

The works are set to include asbestos removal, new CCTV installation, redecoration, acoustic improvements and planting.

Cllr Lynn Gibbon, Conservative shadow cabinet member for regeneration, housing and growth, welcomed the move – but called for more work to make the properties energy efficient.

She said: “I am sure everyone welcomes any improvement in energy efficiency, but given our aim of reducing harmful emissions, shouldn’t we be setting targets for [energy efficiency] ratings in our housing stock?

She said: “The Sutton Way regeneration project would surely be a good opportunity to kick-start this by investing in microgeneration for the 16 replacement properties.”

Cabinet members confirmed that CWAC’s climate emergency taskforce would look at measures to boost energy efficiency in the council’s housing stock.

The scheme was given planning permission in June.

CWAC expects to invest £159 million into its housing stock over the next 30 years to keep its homes fit for purpose.