The roofs of more than a dozen blocks of flats at a housing estate are set to be replaced to avoid “major problems” that could occur if they were left in their current state.

Harrow Council confirmed it would install new roofs at 13 buildings covering 176 flats in Pinner Grove and Grove Avenue as part of its planned replacement programme for housing.

The project, which will cost around £1.4 million, is expected to be completed by summer this year.

It comes after residents living on the estate, which was built in 1949, pointed out the age and deteriorating nature of the roofs and the council acknowledged the potential damage at the site if they were left untreated.

Cllr Phillip O’Dell, who is responsible for housing at Harrow Council, said: “I am very proud that, despite these difficult times with Covid-19, Harrow Council Housing is progressing with major home improvements for Pinner Grove/Grove Avenue estate.

“The residents will welcome thermally improved, secure roofing as the old roof was needing a lot of maintenance to keep it watertight.

“This is just one element of our multi-million-pound home improvement plan for Harrow council homes in 2021.”

The council explained the new roofs will all be fire-safe, more energy efficient and will lead to reduced maintenance costs.

It added the new materials – woven fibreglass with a copper membrane – will retain the green appearance, while there are ambitions to recycle the old copper sheeting.