TENANTS, staff, trustees and other invited guests gathered at Tavistock's Wharf for West Devon Homes' second annual meeting recently.

The company reported on its achievements during its first complete year of operation and launched its annual report.

The audience heard West Devon Homes was delivering on the promises made to residents before the transfer of stock from the borough council in 1999.

It was reported that more than £1.2-million was spent on improvements last year, with a further £2.3-million due in the current year.

These improvements included the installation of 137 kitchens, 337 central heating systems, double glazing in 198 homes and the rewiring of 115 homes.

West Devon Homes said it had maintained tenants' rights, kept rent rises pegged to inflation for the last two years, and had a growing network of tenants' and residents' associations.

At the same time the majority of performance targets were being bettered and morale was generally high as all concerned began to see a number of new developments taking shape.

Developments include 16 flats and bungalows currently under construction at Yelverton and the new library development at the Carr's Garage site in Tavistock, which incorporates 10 flats and new offices.

The company said it was also running a small programme of buying property on the open market and was hopeful to get another new-build scheme in North Tawton underway shortly, adding to the number of additional affordable homes available for local people.

Chairman Derrick Pinckard said: 'West Devon Homes has had a very successful year establishing a good relationship with the council and a growing reputation with the Housing Corporation and other partners.'

He acknowledged this was largely due to ' the important contributions made by staff, trustees, tenants and their representatives'.

Chief executive Stuart Davies added: 'Having set down solid foundations in our first year we must now move forward, raise our profile locally and expand our business to bring greater benefit to the people of West Devon.'