East Renfrewshire Council has approved a £500k community housing improvement project.

The scheme will target East Renfrewshire's most disadvantaged areas.

The mixed tenure project, which covers housing owned by the council, owner occupiers and private landlords, will be funded by £400k from the General Fund and matched by a further £100k from the Housing Revenue Account.

Benefits of the initiative will see significant improvements to the fabric and general appearance of the properties and the surrounding environment. Another benefit will see smaller, local businesses getting an opportunity to quote for work.

As a result, local businesses will be encouraged to register for the council's Online Trading Network, via an open day – in co-operation with the council's corporate procurement section – and through advertising in the local press.

-- Advertisement --

The economic development team will then assist the council's housing service to identify and compile a register of local businesses capable of carrying out various types of work.

These include:

• Grass and hedge cutting and minor landscaping works for specified addresses

• Painting of closes and railings

• Regular close cleaning service for specified addresses throughout the year

• Joinery works and security door repairs

• Bin store repair works

• Minor building works

• Rubbish removal

• Glazing and window replacement and repair

Housing Convener Councillor Danny Devlin said: "This is an innovative initiative that will improve the appearance of our most deprived communities. The programme will include communal close cleaning, grass and hedge cutting, special uplifts and cleaning squads. It will also include the repair and painting of railings and fences to properties.

"It is also designed to maximise benefits to the local economy in terms of support to local small businesses and the creation of employment opportunities. There will be benefits in work placement and job creation and an increase in community pride and a reduction in anti-social behaviour."

(JP/CD)