A new, six-home development has been opened to address the need for more affordable housing.

Eildon Housing Association’s development in Peebles was opened by Executive Member for Social Work, Councillor Frances Renton and local Councillor Graham Garvie, Convenor of Scottish Borders Council.

The project was funded with over £400,000 of Scottish Government Grant, over £100,000 from Scottish Borders Council and a £350,000 investment by Eildon Housing Association.

Two of the properties have been designed to accommodate the needs of wheelchair users, while the development as a whole is situated adjacent to existing houses and Victoria Park.

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Councillor Renton said: "This development of warm, safe and energy efficient affordable homes is much needed here in Peebles and I know it will make a huge difference to the families who have recently moved in."

Councillor Garvie added: "This excellent development and example of partnership working must only be the start of the provision of many more affordable houses in Peebles and throughout the Borders.

"Government at all levels working with local housing agencies must all continue to pull together to meet the basic rented housing needs of local people."

Nile Istephan, Chief Executive of Eildon Housing Association, added: "In high demand areas like Peebles we regularly have high numbers of applicants for properties. In the case of Cleland Avenue, there was an average of over 50 applicants for each home we allocated.

"The provision of high quality new supply affordable homes is even more important in the current economic climate, which is why we are pleased that despite the significant reductions of grant support over recent years, Eildon is able to continue to invest in new supply in the Borders."

(IT)