Renfrewshire's newest affordable housing project has provided a jobs and training boost by employing eight local apprentices.

The young men are helping create 40 homes for Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association at its £4.8 million development in Braille Drive, Renfrew.

Sanctuary contractor Ashleigh (Scotland) Limited directly employs five apprentice painters, two apprentice joiners and an apprentice bricklayer on this particular site.

The group are able to earn and learn while they help to tackle Renfrewshire’s acute shortage of affordable housing.

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Roddy Macdonald, Sanctuary Scotland's head of development, said: "These apprentices yet again demonstrate our commitment to work with contractors to help young, talented people fulfil their potential.

"More than 300 apprentices and trainees will help build the next generation of affordable housing on Sanctuary sites during 2013/14.

"We believe it is vitally important to invest in the construction industry’s future so Sanctuary can continue to create much-needed new social homes.

"We look forward to seeing these apprentices progress alongside our Braille Drive development."

The Scottish Government gave a £1.9 million grant towards the project. Residents on Renfrewshire Council’s waiting list will occupy every one of the new Sanctuary homes, a housing mix comprising 35 three-bedroom and five 2-bedroom properties. The last of the forty houses is due to be completed in July.

(CD/MH)