River Clyde Homes (RCH) has created a new 11-strong grounds maintenance team to help improve its service quality for customers.

Previously, external contractors carried out works for housing authority. However, following customer feedback and recognising the advantages of using an in-house team, RCH said the new division will save rent payers' money while boosting local employment and training opportunities.

Albert Henderson, Chair of the RCH Board, said: "The new service will operate under our subsidiary company, River Clyde Property Management, which was set up at the end of last year and has been doing a great job installing new kitchens and bathrooms in the Broomhill area, as part of the ongoing £26m regeneration project. We are already seeing significant savings there and I anticipate something similar with the new grounds maintenance team."

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Gary Wilson, Executive Director of Property Services, added: "We have employed a team of 11, all from the local area, and will be providing training opportunities for young people in Inverclyde. There has been investment in new machinery and a small fleet of vehicles and the teams will be visible in neighbourhoods soon. The setting up of the new service has caused a slight delay in the grounds maintenance programme this season and we would ask customers for their patience while the teams get out and about in neighbourhoods."

(LM)