Council bosses are to spend £10,000 on a cartoon showing tenants how to combat problems caused by damp in their homes.

Norwich City Council is taking the action after recent increases in the level of damp being reported in its stock of more than 15,000 council homes.

Work to fix problems caused by damp had been costing the council up to £1.5m a year, although, following a review, that figure dropped to £1m last year. Just over £630,000 has been spent on repairs in the past financial year.

The council says the animated film will be provided, along with a leaflet, to tenants to help them reduce damp and condensation. It is due to be produced this summer and launched this autumn.

Bert Bremner, cabinet member for housing at City Hall, said: 'Over recent years, the council has seen an increase in the level of damp being reported within tenants' homes and costs for remedial work were escalating quite dramatically.'

He said a review was carried out in 2012/13 into the way reports of damp were dealt with, which led to a better service for tenants and a drop in the cost of tackling the problem.

The council hopes the film can be sold to other organisations.

Mr Bremner added City Hall was investing a considerable amount in council homes, such as providing replacement boilers, new windows and extractor fans in kitchen and bathroom upgrades.

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