Derwentside district council is the first local authority in the north-east, and the third nationally, to achieve Secured by Design status for its timber windows and doors.

Using timber from sustainable sources in Scandinavia, the local authority has developed and manufactured the windows and doors in its own joinery works. Treated prior to assembly, the frames have a design life of 30 years and meet the requirements of BS 7959, BS 6375, Pas 023/024 and Secured by Design.

Derek Metcalf, joinery manaager at Derwentside, said: “We believe in the value and versatility of timber for the manufacture of quality windows and doors.

“Our joinery shop has successfully designed and manufactured timber doorsets and windows which have achieved national standards, in fact one of the first to achieve such recognition.”

&#8220Our joinery shop has successfully designed and manufactured timber doorsets and windows which have achieved national standards, in fact one of the first to achieve such recognition.”

Derek Metcalf, joinery manaager Derwentside Council.

Mr Metcalf said residents would benefit from the latest security and safety, thermal and sound insulation, weatherproofing and improvements in comfort and satisfaction.

He added: “The quality of today’s timber, its longevity, the use of new paint finishes with minimal on-site maintenance and ease of disposal make it the ideal choice for today’s windows and doors.”