HOUSING chiefs are being asked to approve a further grant of £44,000 to carry out kitchen replacements at homes through the Ribble Valley.

The borough council's housing committee will meet on Thursday to discuss whether to release the extra expenditure from its capital programme to complete kitchen replacements at homes in Mellor, and to pay for full replacements in Waddington and Barrow.

In a report to the committee, housing officer Paul MacNeall says that five tenders for the work had been received, ranging from £487,229 to £533,864.

The lowest, submitted by Wilfred Lord Ltd, of Rochdale, has already been accepted by the committee chairman and shadow chairman.

Mr MacNeall explains: "The lowest tender was higher than anticipated, which was due mainly to the large amount of roofing repairs, and adjustments have been made."

The current contract for the repairs and improvements is £415,2876, which when added to the external redecoration and electrical work totals £612,863.

The external budget, excluding fees and salaries, is £643,100, leaving £30,237 for kitchen replacements.

But as the total cost for the work in Mellor, Waddington and Barrow is £74,000, the council is left with a shortfall of £44,000.