The development of a Council housing scheme in Kilmarnock has marked a key milestone.

The first tenants have begun moving into their new homes Tinto Avenue, Bellfield, the former site of Bellfield Primary School.

Launched in September 2018 by East Ayrshire Council, the scheme will see the delivery of 67 high quality, energy-efficient homes constructed across a range of sizes and types. Thirty homes have been completed so far and these include a mix of 2 and 3 bed general needs homes, along with bungalows for older and ambulant disabled residents as well as being wheelchair accessible.

East Ayrshire Council Leader, Cllr Douglas Reid welcomed a group of tenants into their new home earlier this week, including mother and daughter Mae Gibson, 84, and Mary Hamilton, 63.

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Speaking at the event, Cllr Reid said: "There's a high demand for affordable housing in Bellfield and the Tinto Avenue development provides a wide range of homes designed to meet the needs of our residents throughout their life experiences.

"It was a pleasure to meet Mae and Mary in their new home and to hear first-hand about the difference their new accessible home is making to their lives.

"The Council's house building programme within East Ayrshire is changing both lives and the local townscape – creating affordable homes, supporting the building industry and creating jobs for local people."

Calum Murray, Director of CCG, said: "Tinto Avenue is, so far, the largest project undertaken by CCG and East Ayrshire as part of our ambitious strategic partnership that will see over 400 affordable homes constructed across the region as well as the creation of job opportunities and community investment.

"We were delighted to hear that the new residents of Tinto Avenue are happy with their new homes and we look forward to welcoming more as the project progresses."

A further 37 properties are still under construction with a completion date scheduled for the end of the year.

(CM/JG)