Council end deal with property services firm

Renfrewshire Council has ended a deal with a major property services contractor after the company’s performance fell short of its expectations.

- JACK THOMSON, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

Bell Group was appointed by the local authority in October last year to deliver a programme of kitchen, bathroom and rewiring works across 158 homes.

However, the plug has been pulled with work completed in less than half of those properties after customers received a “less than satisfactory” experience.

That's according to a letter from the council's housing project manager that was sent to elected members in the early part of last week.

It added: “Communication from this contractor has been poor, as has the coordination of their trades.

“This has resulted in unacceptable excessive periods of time being taken to complete works in customers’ homes.

“Efforts have been made by the council to bring about improvements in Bell Group's performance, however, these have proved unsuccessful.