TENANTS have been welcomed to their new homes at James Pollock Court in Tillicoultry, developed through a partnership between Clackmannanshire Council and Kingdom Housing Association.

The 21 affordable properties are a mix of one and two bedroom homes and the majority have been designed as single storey amenity bungalows; four are cottage flats.

The houses have been built on the site of a former community centre in Ann Street.

The project cost £2.463 million, the council was awarded £782,000 from the Scottish Government Town Centre Fund to assist the development, which was was built by Marshall Construction.

New tenants George Colclogh and his wife Sybil moved into their house from their previous property in the town. 

George said: "Sybil now uses a wheelchair, and that meant that she had hardly been out of our old house for a year. Moving to this new house has made both our lives so much better. 

"The house is outstanding and the level access both front and back means that we can easily get outside and enjoy our garden."

Alan and Mary Aitken also appreciate their new home and Mary said: "Living on one level has made a great difference to our lives.

"Our previous house had steps down to the bathroom but here everything is easily accessible, including level access out to the front and back of the house."

Spokesperson for environment and housing, councillor Kathleen Martin, said: "The provision of good and affordable housing in Clackmannanshire is a priority for the council.

"It’s wonderful to see tenants moving into these high quality and attractive properties, which provide much needed accessible housing. I wish them every happiness in their new homes."

Scott Kirkpatrick, acting development director for Kingdom Housing Association, is proud to have been involved in the Partnership Working approach that underpinned this project. 

He said: "It was a real pleasure to work directly with the team at Clackmannanshire Council to build these new homes and help meet a pressing need in the area for more quality, affordable, amenity housing. 

"We also appreciated the contribution and support of the Scottish Government, which allowed Kingdom Housing Association to take ownership of the 4 cottage flats within this lovely development.

"We very much look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Clackmannanshire Council in the coming years, building on everything we have achieved in developing this project."

Meanwhile, minister for housing Kevin Stewart MSP has shown his support for the development.

He said: "Making sure everyone has access to affordable homes is a priority for the Scottish Government, and this development is a fantastic example of how different organisations can work together to develop new affordable homes but also to help boost and regenerate town centre locations.

"I’m delighted this project was awarded funding from the Scottish Government Town Centre Housing Fund, and is helping contribute towards our commitment to deliver 35,000 homes for social rent across Scotland over the next five years."

The properties have been designed to high energy efficiency standards in accordance with Building Regulations Silver Standard of Sustainability and include energy monitoring meters. 

Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery Systems will optimise indoor air quality to help create a healthier environment.

The projects have been designed to Secured by Design Standards. 

Community Benefits are being delivered through the projects in partnership with Tillicoultry Community Council and Training and Employment Initiatives were incorporated into the contract.

All the homes have now been allocated to tenants.