Handy Van scheme launched in Carmarthenshire
A new Handy Van scheme has been launched in Carmarthenshire to help tenants living in council-run sheltered housing to carry out simple odd jobs around their home.
The authority’s Property Services division has launched the scheme as a preventative and cost-saving measure, as well as providing an extra service to older people.
The Handy Van will initially run as a pilot scheme in the Llanelli area, and if it proves successful will roll out county-wide.
Jobs undertaken include simple preventative maintenance, such as easing doors and windows, securing handles, and checking kitchen unit doors and drawers.
In addition, the Handy Van will undertake minor jobs on behalf of tenants - such as putting up shelves and curtain rails, or assembling flat-pack furniture.
A Welsh-speaking carpentry technician has been seconded from the council’s existing workforce, and there are plans to train him with additional skills in the New Year to deliver an even better service, for example, providing minor plumbing repairs.
Emyr Philips, works manager based at Llanelli’s Trostre depot, said: “The Handy Van scheme is primarily about providing added value for tenants – some of whom do not have families who are able to do these small jobs for them.
“But it is also about cost-saving – to fix minor jobs before they become a bigger issue and require extensive repairs.
“We have worked with sheltered scheme officers county-wide and taken feedback from them, and if all goes well we will be looking to extend the pilot in the New Year.”
Cllr Phillip Hughes, executive board member for Technical Services, added: “This is a fantastic scheme which will bring extra benefits to many older people living in sheltered housing schemes.”
Pictured at the launch of the Handy Van scheme at Llys Y Godian sheltered housing complex, Trimsaran, are from left, executive board member for Technical Services Cllr Philip Hughes, sheltered scheme officer Wendy King, handy man Richard Phillips, council leader Meryl Gravell, and area works manager Emyr Phillips. Pic Jeff Connell
The authority’s Property Services division has launched the scheme as a preventative and cost-saving measure, as well as providing an extra service to older people.
The Handy Van will initially run as a pilot scheme in the Llanelli area, and if it proves successful will roll out county-wide.
Jobs undertaken include simple preventative maintenance, such as easing doors and windows, securing handles, and checking kitchen unit doors and drawers.
In addition, the Handy Van will undertake minor jobs on behalf of tenants - such as putting up shelves and curtain rails, or assembling flat-pack furniture.
A Welsh-speaking carpentry technician has been seconded from the council’s existing workforce, and there are plans to train him with additional skills in the New Year to deliver an even better service, for example, providing minor plumbing repairs.
Emyr Philips, works manager based at Llanelli’s Trostre depot, said: “The Handy Van scheme is primarily about providing added value for tenants – some of whom do not have families who are able to do these small jobs for them.
“But it is also about cost-saving – to fix minor jobs before they become a bigger issue and require extensive repairs.
“We have worked with sheltered scheme officers county-wide and taken feedback from them, and if all goes well we will be looking to extend the pilot in the New Year.”
Cllr Phillip Hughes, executive board member for Technical Services, added: “This is a fantastic scheme which will bring extra benefits to many older people living in sheltered housing schemes.”
Pictured at the launch of the Handy Van scheme at Llys Y Godian sheltered housing complex, Trimsaran, are from left, executive board member for Technical Services Cllr Philip Hughes, sheltered scheme officer Wendy King, handy man Richard Phillips, council leader Meryl Gravell, and area works manager Emyr Phillips. Pic Jeff Connell
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