East Lothian Council has revealed plans to spend almost £93 million on developing 'affordable' housing over the next five years.

In addition, the local authority plans to invest almost £60m to modernise properties throughout the region.

A number of new homes are expected to be completed at Haddington and Dunbar in 2018/19. Further new council housing developments are planned for Prestonpans, Cockenzie, Aberlady, Gullane, Ormiston, Musselburgh and Haddington.

With the purchase of some homes for sale on the open market also set to continue, a rolling programme of improvements will be carried out to existing council houses. This includes refurbishing bathrooms, kitchens and roofing and the installation of energy efficiency measures.

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Jim Goodfellow, Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing, said: "I'm delighted that, in the next year, a number of new council homes are expected to be completed – providing high-quality accommodation for families and individuals. This is part of a significant £93million investment in new council housing over the next five years, which will see the construction of homes throughout the county.

"With further developments planned, this is excellent news for those seeking a council house and also for the economy, as it will require the involvement of firms including the construction industry.

"At the same time, we are committed to improving our existing housing stock, and will be investing almost £60 million in the modernisation of council homes throughout the county. This includes an increased focus on energy efficiency measures – helping to make tenants' homes warmer and cheaper to heat, helping to reduce fuel poverty."

(LM/MH)