A funding award from the Scottish Government's Innovation and Investment Fund is set to boost homes and jobs in Angus, with the recent announcement of a new affordable housing development.

Developments in Arbroath, Forfar and Inveraldie stand to benefit from the funding and a partnership arrangement with Servite Housing Association will bring more housing from the conversion of the former Arbroath Herald building.

Angus Council housing spokesperson, Councillor Jim Millar said: "I am delighted with the success of our partnership bid with our local Registered Social Landlords. We can never receive enough money to build affordable housing, but we have secured resources for a total of 66 new homes in this round.

"This is a boost to those seeking new affordable housing. It will enable us to push forward with our programme of building of affordable and energy efficient homes and reduce the pressures on our waiting lists. It will also give an important boost to the construction industry, and in turn, hopefully, to the local economy."

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Commenting on the partnership success, Chair of Servite Housing Association, Bill Roberton, said: "This is wonderful news for the people of Arbroath. This investment will enable us not only to meet housing need but also to ensure a much loved building in Arbroath is given a new lease of life.

"Without this funding, 20 people would not have access to a new home and we would not have been able to invest new monies in the local economy and provide new housing outcomes. Servite Housing Association are delighted to be able to play their part in delivering new homes in a changing environment in Angus, these are tough times so every home counts."

Councillor Millar concluded: "Since the beginning of the new investment programme for housing, and including this round of funding, Angus Council has secured £3.3 million of government funding. In addition to this, the council has invested £16.4 million of its own resources, giving a total of just under £20 million of badly needed public investment.

"This will see a total of 147 new council funded homes built across the county and coupled with our approach to allocations will see many households have their housing needs met. Angus Council is seizing the opportunity to deliver on this priority objective and help families secure warm, dry and affordable homes and I am happy to commit that this is only the beginning of our ambitions."

(JG)