RETIREMENT homes in Chelmsford are set to get a revamp after a £125,000 hand-out.

Chelmsford Council has given three Almshouse groups, Chelmsford United Charities, Great Baddow Parochial Charities and John Henry Keene Memorial Homes, cash for renovation.

The money which was received through payments made by construction firms building in the city totals £123,349.

Out of the money, Keene Homes whose 42 properties are on Broomfield Road have got £57,340 to install new windows at all their homes.

The group’s chairman Bob Cowlin said: “We are very grateful to receive this funding.

“New windows will help make our residents warmer and less likely to suffer from condensation problems.”

Central heating will be installed at homes run by CUC in Moulsham Street with the £37,509 they received.

Kathleen Foreman, chairman of the charity, said: “This grant will increase the comfort of our residents as well as improving energy efficiency and we are grateful for the money.”

Kitchen upgrades to four bungalows in Dorset Avenue will be carried out by the Great Baddow group with its £28,500.

Spokesperson Glenn Finch said: “The bungalow’s original kitchens have now reached the end of their life and this is a great opportunity both for the almshouse trust and its beneficiaries to bring the kitchens up to date.”

More funding is due to handed out by the council later this year when another round of bidding is opened.

For more information about the grants, contact the authority’s housing strategy officer Tracy Reid on 01245 606205 or by emailing tracy.reid@chelmsford.gov.uk.