Culinary treat for lucky tenants - November 2006

Amid the mouth-watering scent of grilling tiger prawns the success of a massive council refurbishment programme was celebrated this morning by tenants, councillors and contractors.

Acclaimed Perth restaurateur, Peter Keracher, had been invited to the showrooms of the Sidey/Perth and Kinross kitchen partnership to demonstrate his culinary skills and to give tenants inspiration to take back to their own new kitchens.

The celebrations were held to mark the 1500^th installation in the partnership project, which will see 7700 homes fitted with new kitchens throughout Perth and Kinross.

It was the concept of partnership that was highlighted by the speakers at the event, including Convenor of the Housing and Health Committee, Councillor Gordon Hunter. "1500 homes really is quite an achievement," he said. "I have to say I'm impressed and I would like say well done to Sidey who have set themselves a high standard which has been met, and I expect them to continue with that."

Sidey themselves were represented by Commercial Sales Director, Steve Hardy who stressed that the tenants were at the very heart of the entire refurbishment and expressed his delight that the tenant satisfaction rate for the programme currently stands at 98 per cent.

"That 98 per cent satisfaction is no small feat considering the complexity of work involved and the array of choice available to tenants," said Steve. "We would like to thank our contracting partners for their help in achieving this and Perth and Kinross Council. But particular thanks go to the tenants whose homes we are working in and who are the very reason for this project."

The tenants were also the main feature of the speech made by Muriel Miller, Chair of the Tenants' Federation: "We are delighted that the tenants are delighted. It's good to see the tenants being the important customers and thanks to the partnership for that."

Gifts of top-of-the-range cookware were then presented to Fred McNicol of Rattray and Rachel Scrimgeour of Perth, the tenants whose homes were completed simultaneously to be the 1500th installation.

Following Peter Keracher's demonstration cooking marinated tiger prawns and basil dressing, the attending guests were treated to the fruits of his labours as part of the buffet Keracher's Seafood Restaurant provided.