Almost £1m is to be invested in a new affordable housing development in Bathgate.

The funding will allow for an additional 35 homes to be built for rent in the area and is part of the Scottish Government's wider investment of £1.3bn in the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) 2012-16 period.

Commenting on the announcement, First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Housing is a priority for this Government and we will continue to invest in new affordable homes across Scotland.

"We have boosted our budgets for new affordable homes considerably and in the period between April 2012 to March 2016, investment in affordable housing will exceed £1.3 billion.

-- Advertisement --

"Today's announcement will allow for the completion of 35 affordable flats in Bathgate, which will not only provide high-quality homes, but also support the local construction industry. There are at present about 15 people working on site, but this number will peak to around 45 when the site becomes fully operational.

"We are doing all we can to facilitate the industry's recovery, deliver more affordable homes for people across Scotland and protect and create jobs."

Mike Bruce, Chief Executive of Weslo Housing Management, added: "Everyone knows how difficult it has been for local people to live on site in the current situation so Weslo Housing Management is absolutely delighted to play a part in the completion of this troubled development.

"There is a great demand in West Lothian for flats of this type and with the social allocations planned for April and completion of the mid-market block scheduled for September, we're all set to finally bring this project to a successful conclusion."

(JP/CD)