Ambitious plans have been unveiled to demolish all 48 residential tower blocks in North Lanarkshire.

Under the proposals, around £500 million pounds would be invested across the region as the 4,000 households are levelled over the next 20 years.

The scheme is part of the council's strategy to provide better homes, regenerate town centres and create jobs.

The local authority said it would consult with the tower households to gain an understanding of their needs and desires for future housing. The consultation will take place next month.

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Council Leader Jim Logue said: "These are hugely ambitious plans. North Lanarkshire is Scotland's biggest council landlord and we are in the midst of the biggest council house building programme in a generation in Scotland.

"But we shouldn't rest on our laurels. Towers were once the future of housing and we have invested steadily over the years in them. But there is no doubt that we are constrained in improving them by the construction; some of our towers were built 55 years ago. The quality of homes we are now able to build is exceptional, with great access, adaptability and energy efficiency.

"The past few decades have also seen a move away from people living in and near our town centres. It's essential that we do something to regenerate these towns, which have been hit by the rise of internet shopping and large out-of-town retail centres. One of the best ways to do that is to have people again living in our town centres in modern, fit-for-purpose housing with great amenities and good transport links."

(LM/MH)