A new maintenance company has been launched by Selwood housing association, to carry out repairs to its 6,000 homes.

Silcoa is a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Trowbridge, and will start working next summer, dealing with issues from residents and preparing empty homes to let.

Selwood Housing’s chief executive Barry Hughes said: “We were due to begin the process of reviewing our repairs contracts, so we looked at what our options were to both improve the service that we give to our customers and the value for money on the £3.6m that we spend each year on repairs.”

When it launches, Selwood’s tenants will be able to report their repairs in the same ways they currently do, by calling 01225 715715, visiting www.selwoodhousing.com or by emailing repairs@selwoodhousing.com