Work is underway to create 45 new affordable council houses for Angus.

The development at Wirren Gardens, Montrose is part of Angus Council’s drive to provide more housing choice for hard pressed families in Montrose.

The new homes are being built on the site formerly known as Dungman’s Tack and will be the first new council houses in the town for 30 years.

The properties will be a mix of two, three and four bedroom houses.

The council’s Neighbourhood Services Convenor, Councillor Donald Morrison, who visited the site, said: "I am delighted to see work starting at the Dungman’s Tack site. Building these houses will reduce the housing waiting list and significantly increase the number of affordable family sized homes for rent in Montrose. In addition, it gives the council the opportunity to create safe and energy efficient homes to meet the needs of our tenants."

-- Advertisement --

Many energy efficient features feature in the new properties such as airtight construction, heat-recovery ventilation systems, solar hot water heating panels on south facing roofs and maximisation of natural daylight to save on lighting costs.

Recycled newspaper insulation and engineered timber joists in the floors and walls have been used in the construction.

Councillor Morrison added: "Tenant safety is also extremely important and in keeping with all council new-build houses, a sprinkler system has been fitted in every property to prevent the spread of fire."

The development is partly funded by Scottish government grants totalling £1.35m.

Bancon Construction were awarded the contract.

The total development site costs are £6.4m, with the project expected to be completed by late 2013.

(IT)