East Renfrewshire Council's Housing Convener Danny Devlin and Council Leader Councillor Jim Fletcher have met with those behind the council's community housing improvement project.

The 'hit squad' was established as part of an innovated £500,000 scheme by the local authority which target's the area's most disadvantaged areas.

The mixed tenure project, which covers housing owned by the council, owner occupiers and private landlords, will be funded by £400,000 from the council's General Fund and will be matched by a further £100,000 from the Housing Revenue Account.

The benefits from the scheme will be significant improvements to the fabric and general appearance of these properties and the surrounding environment, as well as allowing local businesses the opportunity to quote for work and create jobs for local people.

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Local businesses will be encouraged to register onto the council's Online Trading Network through an open day in co-operation with the council's corporate procurement section and through advertising in the local press.

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

• 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 a visionary and 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)