The modernisation of the 31-unit Middleton Park Court was a challenge for builders, BAAS Construction, as residents remained in their own homes throughout.

On completion, the company and Aire Valley Homes –- the arms-length management organisation that manages council housing in south Leeds – laid on a special lunch to thank them for their patience during the work.
The scheme included full redecoration and replacement of the floor coverings in all communal areas and the construction of a larger, open plan kitchen.

The walls, originally bare brick, were plastered and residents also now enjoy a small library.

One of the tenants, John Walker, 67, who moved into the complex last year with wife Linda, 65, said: "The new kitchens are really lovely – and so are the bathrooms and dining rooms.

"The walls and corridors are now pink but we like it! "

Merran McRae, Aire Valley Homes chief executive, said: "The residents were clearly very pleased with the end result."