South Ayrshire Council News

The single storey building and communal lounge within South Ayrshire Council's sheltered housing complex at Elba Gardens in Ayr are to be demolished following consultation with residents.

Elba Gardens sheltered housing complex, located in the north of Ayr, consists of two separate residential buildings joisheltered housingned by a communal lounge area. The single storey building that will be demolished has 25 individual bedsit bungalows that are no longer fit for purpose.

Councillor Douglas Campbell, Housing and Customer First Portfolio Holder for the Council said: "The Council aims for a high standard of accommodation for sheltered housing and it is clear that we are failing our tenants in Elba Gardens. We discussed a range of options with the residents and because the homes are small bedsits, hard to heat and there is evidence of dampness we all agreed that demolition of the single storey building was the best choice.

"The two storey building is in good condition externally and work will be carried out internally to improve it so that it can continue to house people in the short-term."

Councillor Nan McFarlane, Social Services Portfolio Holder said: "It is important that we provide the best care possible for our residents so that they can lead full and active lives.

"The residents were fully consulted and will now be moved to alternative accommodation where they will be able to become full and active members of their local community."

The long term aim of the Council is to clear the site completely and redevelop it for the provision of new housing. Any new development or restructure will be included in future Strategic Housing Investment Plan and based on development priorities identified in the South Ayrshire Housing Needs and Demands Assessment.