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Two sod-cutting ceremonies have marked the official start of new housing developments in the west of Dumfries and Galloway, as Wheatley Homes and McTaggart Construction begin delivering vital social housing in Stranraer and Leswalt.
The ceremonies celebrated the beginning of construction on two sites: nine flats at Ashwood Drive in Stranraer and 56 homes in Leswalt. The events were attended by representatives from Wheatley Homes, Dumfries and Galloway Council, McTaggart Construction, local schools, and Dumfries and Galloway College.
Alex Lamb, Managing Director at Wheatley Homes in Dumfries and Galloway, said: "These sod cuttings mark the start of work beginning at Ashwood Drive and in Leswalt.
We are grateful to our partners at Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Scottish Government for their support in being able to deliver these much-needed homes in the west of Dumfries and Galloway. They demonstrate our commitment to investing in this part of the region and helping meet housing demand across Dumfries and Galloway.
We look forward to working with McTaggart Construction to deliver these homes and customers being able to move into them."
Alongside the housing projects, McTaggart Construction is also spearheading a community-focused employability initiative in the region. In collaboration with CEIS and Dumfries and Galloway College, the programme offers classroom and practical training aimed at preparing unemployed individuals for careers in construction. Funded by Dumfries and Galloway Works, the two-week training will culminate in hands-on experience at the new build sites.
Janice Russell, Managing Director at McTaggart Construction, said: "We're delighted to be working in partnership with Wheatley Homes on these two developments in the Dumfries and Galloway area. It was great to see the turnout at the sod cutting events, demonstrating support from so many enthusiastic local stakeholders. We're pleased to be generating jobs for local people and working with the college to give students hands-on work experience at these important developments."
