Members of South Ayrshire Council’s Social Justice Committee have taken a decision to progress a project that will lead to a phased programme of demolition and replacement of housing stock in the Lochside area of Ayr.

Councillor Cherry Young, the Convener of the Committee said:  “This is an exciting project that will radically change the lives of people who live in the Lochside area.

“The people living in the 132 flats will have their homes demolished, be rehoused and then be able to move back to Lochside and live in a new modern terraced house.

“The houses in Lochside were built after second World War, at a time when people were desperate for housing accommodation and quality building materials were in short supply.  The houses are difficult to rent with many lying empty and generating no income for the Council.  The number of housing repairs carried out in the Lochside area is high, this is inconvenient for the occupants and costly for the Council.  The properties are hard to heat and this can lead to high fuel bills.

“The decision taken by the Committee is just the start of a project that I am sure will  enhance the quality of life of people living in Lochside, create job opportunities, improve the environment, create a safer neighbourhood and breath new life into the area.”

The matter will now be referred to the members of the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee for their consideration, and if approved it will then be referred to the Scottish Government for approval.

Working in partnership the Council, the Registered Social Landlord Ayrshire Housing and the Council’s Community Planning Partners are all poised to deliver the ambitious programme of regenerating Lochside if all the necessary approvals are given.

May 2006