CONNELLS has added a number of new and enhanced features to its website to make it easier for customers to find their ideal property.

Michael Day, Connells’ director, said: “Almost 20 per cent of all sales at our branches are now generated by enquiries that come to us initially via our two websites, connells.co.uk and rightmove.co.uk.

“The Internet is an integral part of our business so it is important to make sure we offer the same high standards on our website as we do in our branches.”

Among the new features on the site is a facility which enables customers to register and receive automatic e-mail updates on homes which meet their requirements as soon as they come on the market.

There is also a quick link to request a market appraisal of a property.

PLOTS are being offered for phase three at Oakham Drive in Lydd, being built by Browne Brothers, (New Romney Ltd), a local company.

The site will have a range of just 54 select homes in a balanced range of two, three and four bedroom properties.

Benefits include gas-fired central heating, double glazing in traditional timber frames and a choice of kitchen finishes and wall tiles for kitchen and bathroom, which will be subject to the build program.

Positioned on Harden Road, the site overlooks open farmland and is ideally positioned for access to the local road network.

For further information contact Appletons on 01797 364600.

ACCORDING to English Heritage, chemicals are not necessarily the solution when it comes to eradicating deathwatch beetle from old timber-framed buildings.

Paul Cammidge of Countrywide Surveyors, said: “Chemicals don’t penetrate right into the heart of these timbers and, consequently, the grubs survive to do the real damage.

“ The solution is to cure the source of the damp, using chemicals as a last result in serious infestation cases,” he said.

Keeping gutters clear and immediately repairing any potential damp source is a good start.

Paul said: “And replacing impervious concrete and cement renders with old fashioned lime plaster and horsehair mixes allows a building to breathe, so that moisture isn’t trapped.”

FOR those struggling with their garage doors in bad weather, Somfy’s Axorn range of garage doors may be the answer.

Operated with a handset or internal button, the Axorn range is compatible with all common up-and-over garage doors and allows the smooth operation of the door, with automatic tensioning to ensure gentle closure.

The system also has the ability to provide extra power in the event of bad weather.

For more information on Somfy’s motors and controls for garage doors, call 0800 028 3333.