A MULTI-million pound contract will see a north Cumbrian based repairs company begin work in South Lakeland and new jobs created.

Partnering in Property Management (PPM) Limited has secured Home Groups' South Lakes responsive repairs contract, at an estimated value of £25.2million.

Home Group is one of the UK’s largest providers of housing and supported services and products.

Fifteen new jobs have already been created as a result and it is anticipated there will be more.

The seven year contract is for the provision of a range of repairs and maintenance services to properties across South Lakeland.

A new depot will be created in South Lakeland to add to those the company already has in Workington, Penrith, Carlisle and Leeds.

PPM Limited will be partnering with Home Group to create apprenticeships and job opportunities for local residents, as well as working alongside community groups and charities within the area.

Managing director Gordon McGregor said: "The residents of Home Group, within South Lakes, can expect the company to apply a strong emphasis on ensuring local jobs for local people.

"The use of local suppliers and specialist subcontractors will also be paramount within the contract."

The area covered by the contract extends roughly from Penrith in the north to Millom, Barrow and across to the M6 motorway and covers approximately 1,500 homes.

It is estimated the contract will be worth £1.8m for each year of operation.

Margarita Morrison, Home Group director of maintenance, said: "We’re looking forward to working with PPM in our South Lakes area. Home Group is a national company but we’re very much connected with our neighbourhoods and we’re confident our customers will appreciate having work carried out on their homes by a company local to them.

"We were impressed with PPM’s commitment to customer service and getting the job right first time. We’re grateful to Mears which had been carrying out repairs and maintenance in this area on a temporary basis during the last 12 months."