Building 800 new council houses in West Lothian will safeguard dozens of local jobs, Housing Minister Keith Brown revealed today.

Over two phases, 13 sites across the region are earmarked for new council houses, the first to be built in the region since 1983. West Lothian Council is backing the development with almost £63 million and the Scottish Government has invested £9.5 million.

The development will support 55 construction and related jobs, including 10 apprenticeships and work experience placements for local unemployed people.

Across Scotland, the Scottish Government has so far allocated £80 million, which will help 23 local authorities deliver, over three years, an estimated 3,300 new council homes.

Visiting West Lothian to launch Phase 2 of the local authorities' council house building programme, Keith Brown said: "The number of new council houses being built in Scotland has soared, reversing decades of decline in council house building. The Scottish Government has invested millions to make this happen.

"West Lothian provides the most dramatic example of this housing boom with activity on eight sites across the region. That is good news for families that want access to high quality, affordable homes.

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"The council has worked hard to maximise the benefits for its local economy by encouraging and supporting suppliers and sub-contractors to become involved in the development.

"The Scottish Government's action plan to stimulate economic recovery is underpinned by increased capital investment. In West Lothian, that policy is bearing fruit, helping the local economy by safeguarding jobs and providing new employment opportunities."

West Lothian Council Leader Peter Johnston said: "We invited the Minister here so that he could see for himself the investment that the council is making in affordable housing for our residents. The 800 homes are the first council houses to be built in West Lothian for over 25 years and we are delighted that the impact is now being seen across our communities. Thousands of people will benefit from these new homes.

"This investment is about more than just providing new homes; we are improving our communities which will benefit those living in West Lothian for generations to come. We are extremely proud to be able to provide new council homes and employment, training and economic benefits for local people and businesses."

Alan Taylor, regional director at Lovell Partnership, the company building the council houses, said: "We are proud to work with West Lothian Council on this new build housing development, which will see £45 million invested in regenerating neighbourhoods across West Lothian.

"Lovell appreciates that building communities is about more than just bricks and mortar. As well as providing much needed social housing for local residents we will also work with the Council and our local partners to offer a range of employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities."

Gordon Taylor, Managing Director at Timber Frameworks ( Alba ) Ltd said: "The current economic climate has very much affected the housing market.

"That is why this level of investment within the West Lothian area is excellent news for the local community and local contractors.

"It is a fantastic opportunity to create modern new homes and, in the process, provide employment opportunities."

(GK)