Another Thrive Homes resident has complained about missing out on a free kitchen upgrade, after reading a similar story in the Watford Observer.

The housing association took over Three Rivers District Council's entire housing stock in 2008, and promised to update and refurbish some of the properties as part a five year programme.

On September 15 the Watford Observer reported how Andrea Bunce from Abbots Langley, had missed out on her new kitchen because her Summerhouse Way flat was “too clean and tidy”.

Now, Barbara Payne from Grove Crescent, said she was also told she was not eligible for the refurbishment, after replacing some of her kitchen furniture with second hand units.

The 69-year-old said: “When Thrive came round the said they won't replace our kitchen because it's too clean and tidy.

“The appliances we've got came from my brother in law second hand. We've kept it clean and tidy and put a few tiles up because that's how I've been brought up.”

Mrs Payne, who works in Tring, said that she had assumed her kitchen would be upgraded with after attending several meetings to pick out units and colour schemes, and having new electrics and a boiler fitted, ready for the upgrade.

“That really was salt in the wound,” she said, “We appealed straight away, I've lived here for 33 years, my rent and council tax has always been paid in advance, I've been a great tenant.

“Why keep the place looking nice just to be penalised?”

Rosie Salkeld from Thrive Homes said the property improvement programme deals with the homes most in need first, and that Mrs Payne's house would be reassessed in the next phase, scheduled for 2013-17.

She said: “Ms Payne’s home was surveyed in 2008-9 after which we replaced her bathroom, consumer unit, front door and provided cavity wall insulation. This means her property achieves the “decent homes standard”.

“The decision to upgrade a property is not based on how “clean and tidy” it is, but on a range of standards which relate to age, condition and usability prioritising homes which, for example, have never had a fitted kitchen.”