BROMSGROVE'S housing trust is to accelerate a £10 million refurbishment programme for the town's 3,200 former council houses.

The trust, which took over the district council's housing stock last March, had pledged to complete the work within five years. But now it says the work will be finished within three.

This follows a consultation in which tenants prioritised improvements and chose work in kitchens and bathrooms to come first.

Work has already started in parts of the town which saw the highest level of response to the trust's survey.

The improvements will be carried out by the Kingfisher Building Company and Mansell Construction Services, who were chosen by a panel of residents.

Some homes have been used as part of a trial with residents giving feedback on the standard of work. Every tenant will receive a leaflet about the improvements.

The contractors, who will offer a choice of worktops, tiles and decorations, have had to demonstrate their ability to work in occupied properties with a minimum of disruption.

"We have listened to what our customers have to say and are delighted that we have been able not only to deliver on our promises to consult customers and to improve their homes. But also to re-schedule this work so that all the kitchens and bathrooms are refurbished by 2006," said Mike Brown, chief executive of the Bromsgrove District Housing Trust.

The trust, which plans to spend £49 million on improvements and repairs, took responsibility for the council housing stock after 68 per cent of tenants backed the transfer in a ballot.