MORE than £1 million of essential maintenance will be carried over the next six months to help improve a block of flats in Cwmbran.

Five blocks of flats in the Southville area of the town will receive external wall insulation, new roofs, canopies over the doorways and secure areas for drying clothes.

The work will be carried out by Bron Afon, with an expected completion date for the project said to be in the middle of May next year.

Environmental work will see the installation of new bin shelters and tarmac hard standings, as well as new paths, walls and fencing.

Duncan Forbes, chief executive of Bron Afon, said: “This work will make a massive difference to the residents in Southville.

“The new landscaping and pathways should make it easier for people to get about and the green bin stores will make the area more friendly to wildlife.

“External wall insulation protects buildings and can help residents reduce their energy bills, keeping them warmer in winter.”

The total cost of the work to the flats and the areas outside residents’ homes is £1.04 million.