Pictured: Mayor of Le Blanc Mesnil, Monsieur Didier Mignot,
and Cllr Simon Hackett with delegates from both twinned
towns
French civic leaders have been shown Decent Homes improvements
as part of a 'town twinning' visit to Sandwell.
The visit saw politicians from Le Blanc Mesnil, near Paris, view
ongoing Decent Homes works at Kenrick Park and Charlemont Farm
estates in West Bromwich, a state of the art CCTV and concierge
control room, and a purpose built training facility for tenants and
apprentices, which are managed and delivered by Sandwell Homes on
behalf of Sandwell Council.
Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing, showed the
party how improvements have helped raise the living standards of
tenants whilst creating safer neighbourhoods. The visit included a
trip to see 11 newly created flats on the Kenrick Park development,
which provides much needed living space for disabled
customers.
Le Blanc Mesnil is a town in the north-eastern suburb of Paris,
approx eight miles from the capital. Sandwell has been twinned with
the town since an agreement was signed in 1985. Last year it
celebrated a 25-year anniversary.
Twinning helps to establish and maintain friendly mutual
relations between cities across the world to encourage youth and
adult organisations, clubs, companies, groups and all classes of
persons to communicate and share experiences.
Councillor Hackett said: "Le Blanc Mesnil has a very similar
make-up in terms of population and industry and boosting what we do
together will benefit both areas.
"This visit has enabled both councils to share knowledge of
delivering housing improvements. It was a pleasure to show Mayor
Mignot how these improvements have directly affected
tenants."