BUILDER Rok has won a £2m contract to maintain thousands of affordable homes in Hampshire, which will create 12 jobs.

Rok, who replace rival Connaught on the contract, will now manage all routine maintenance and emergency repairs at more than 4,000 properties belonging to affordable housing giant Home Group.

The two-year deal was agreed after a successful three-week trial period in which Rok completed 100 per cent of jobs on time and also received a satisfaction rating of 99 per cent.

Bosses are now recruiting skilled local people to join its team of technicians.

Jonathan Higgs, managing director Home South, said: “We decided to change from our previous contractor to Rok because we already have a strong partnership with them. Rok are currently bringing all our rented homes in the south up to Government Decent Home Standard and we are impressed with their progress so far.”

Rok’s maintenance teams will be equipped with new “real-time” technology that allows customers to give live feed back about performance.

Steve Byatt, area maintenance leader for Rok, said: “The new appointment system will simplify communication, improve response times and reduce the number of missed appointments. It has been a pleasure to work with Home Group staff and residents to develop the solution.”