A RUN-DOWN street in east Hull is being transformed as part of a £3m regeneration scheme.
Houses were set to be demolished in Holland Street near Holderness Road and tenants were promised new homes as part of a scheme funded by Housing Market Renewal (HMR) cash.
When the money was withdrawn due to Government cuts, the residents began to campaign for help from Hull City Council.
Now, new plans have been unveiled to improve more than 200 houses, with funding for external solid wall insulation, rendering, boundary walls, railings and refurbishment work.
Jim Duggan, of Holland Street Residents' Association, said he "never expected" to see so much planned for the area.
He said: "We just want it to look nice down here and got everyone involved to do something about it.
"A lot of people will be pleased with the improvements when they are finished and the council has finally listened to us and more is being done.
"People will be happy to live round here and we would like to have a big street party when it's all finished."
The city council successfully bid for funding to bring empty properties back into use in Holland Street and wider New Bridge Road area last year.
It has more than £3m to tackle empty homes in three cluster areas of the city – Holland Street, Wellsted Street and Boulevard.
At first, residents felt the council had not done enough, but since then, further eco-funding has been secured for the street.
Environmental health officers will also offer training to private sector landlords with properties and carry out proactive inspections to ensure houses meet the required standards, part of a new scheme for the street.
Christine Parker, who is also involved with the residents' association, said: "We just hope the problem with damp gets sorted out and landlords agree to have the work done.
"We don't want to end up with some properties looking nice and others spoiling the overall look of the street."
Councillor John Black, portfolio holder for strategic and operational housing, said: "As well as improving the thermal efficiency of these homes, a good take-up of the scheme can make a really positive visual impact."
The council is now waiting to secure a contractor and the report, with feedback from residents, will go before the Cabinet in June.
• Do you have a story for the Holderness Road patch page? Call Katy Forrester on 01482 315105.
