South Ayrshire Council has written to tenants in 168 properties in the Lochside area of Ayr to advise them on progress of the modernisation programme that is currently underway.

The modernisation programme is the latest stage of the Council's work to provide tenants in Ferguson Street, Gould Street, Green Street, Murray Street, Ross Street, York Street and York Street Lane with the best possible homes that meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.

The Council's investment will deliver a number of significant improvements including new fitted kitchens, new central heating (including a new gas or electric fire), new or additional smoke alarms (if required), kitchen rewiring, loft insulation (if required) and a new Envirovent system.

The extensive programme of works got underway early last month; but, due to new legislation related to survey works and the unanticipated additional resources required to deliver this, the completion of some of the works has dropped slightly behind schedule, which could not have been foreseen. However, plans are now in place to bring this back on track over the next three weeks in conjunction with the Council's Managing Agent, TC Stewart, and the contractors, McTears Contracts.

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Councillor Douglas Campbell, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: "This is an important modernisation programme that will bring significant benefits for our tenants and we apologise that we are currently behind schedule on the completion of some of the works. However, our priority is to ensure all works are carried out to the highest standard and in line with the relevant legislation.

"While we are working with the contractor and our agents to keep the works moving as quickly as possible, it's vital that we let our tenants know what's going on and keep them informed about progress and any changes we need to make that may affect them.

"We fully appreciate this unforeseen delay may inconvenience some of our tenants and we are very sorry if that is the case. I can assure anyone affected by this that we are bringing in additional resources and doing all we can to bring this project back on schedule as quickly as possible and we expect the overall completion date in October to remain unchanged.

"In the meantime, I thank all our tenants for their patience and cooperation and I look forward to seeing them enjoy the homes they deserve in the very near future."

(CD/KMcA)