A MASSIVE improvement programme for homes in Partington has been completed three years ahead of schedule.

The town's MP, Beverley Hughes, met council chiefs from Trafford and Manchester to celebrate the early completion of the component replacement programme.

More than £18 million has been invested into the Partington neighbourhood since the transfer of 1,440 properties from Manchester City Council to Partington Housing Association (PHA) in 1996.

The windfall has provided much needed improvements and employment opportunities, including training and educational initiatives for residents.

The upgrading work includes fitting 1,280 kitchens, installing 1,124 heating systems and replacing 1,282 windows and doors.

Ms Hughes said: "Partington Housing Association's completion of the replacement programme three years early is an incredible achievement and a real bonus for the people of Partington.

"Over the past seven years, however, PHA has been much more than a social landlord. It has instigated widespread change, opened up job opportunities, worked in co-operation with other agencies and, most importantly, involved local people. PHA has and will continue to make a real difference in Partington."

To mark the early completion of the programme, new resident Shelly Wilson, opened up her home to the MP and council bosses to show them the improvements that have been carried out.

Shelly said: "I am delighted with my new home - the kitchen is lovely and the UPVC windows that have been installed are a luxury compared to the rotten wooden windows I had in my old home."

As part of its continuing commitment to the upkeep of the Partington area, PHA - a member of the Harvest Housing Group - has invested £18,000 in purchasing a graffiti removal machine.