THE Mayor of Poole has cut the ribbon on the £7.5million refurbishment works at two blocks of flats at Holes Bay.

Cllr Anne Stribley was on hand to mark the completion of the Sterte Court's makeover by Poole Housing Partnership and Borough of Poole, which feature self-cleaning windows, roof-top solar panels, fully-enclosed balconies, thicker insulation, and modern heating systems.

Residents from Sterte Court as well as those from neighbouring houses were invited to join a party on Sterte Green on Saturday as the Mayor of Poole unveiled a plaque in the new community garden.

She said: "I have seen one of the apartments and I am impressed.

"I know the residents have tolerated months and months of noise and nuisance while the refurbishment was carried out and now I hope you feel it was worth it."

Cllr Stribley also congratulated the contractors, Poole council and Poole Housing Partnership (PHP) on the completion of the works. An old fishing boat has been brought ashore and is being used as a large planter, full of shrubs and flowers, which residents had to suggest a name for, which was drawn out as Old Harry.

PHP held an initial budget of £6.9m and worked with its main contractor, Keepmoat, to secure £40,000 from Green Deal, £144,690 from the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and £339,000 from the Energy Savings Trust.

Joe Logan, chief executive of PHP, said that he was very pleased to celebrate the completion of the work.

He said: "With the Sterte project now completed, Poole has a landmark that it can be proud of.

"This refurbishment means that Sterte Court won't need any further works for at least 30 years.

"The residents all seem delighted with the refurbishment and we are delighted for them. They have clearly built up a strong community, as well as the new community garden and it is admirable to see."

Suzie Woofindale, a resident of Sterte Court, said that the transformation had "changed her life" since she moved there 18 months ago.

She said: "It is all to do with the community. Sterte really had a bad name but it is not like that any more.

"People are so happy here now because they can look out of their balconies. When I first moved here there was no balcony and it was a dull and dismal place, but now it's lovely.

"I know it sounds funny, but we're now also looking forward to the winter because of the new insulation and heating will mean cheaper winter fuel bills."