A ten-year strategy aims to invest close to £250m in council housing in West Lothian.

The ambitious proposals will see over 700 new affordable council houses for rent built, and all council housing brought up to the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SQHS) by 2015.

Investment will also be made in external upgrading, energy efficiency measures and aids and adaptations, with £3m pledged for environmental improvements and £1.9m for garage upgrades.

Council Leader Peter Johnston said: "Delivering more and better council housing in West Lothian is one of our key priorities.

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"This massive investment, despite the challenging financial conditions, will allow us to provide a lasting legacy of quality affordable homes in West Lothian."

The strategy will see £94m spent to bring existing council housing up to SQHS, with maintenance of roofs and render the key areas.

Over £70m will be invested in new build council homes. The first phase to deliver 248 new homes is already underway, with phase two sites currently being identified for construction to start in late 2009.

Frank Anderson, Executive Councillor for services to the community, said: "I'm pleased that this drive to improve our housing stock will be of huge benefit to communities across West Lothian.

"The investment will improve the quality of life and standard of amenity available for West Lothian residents for many years."

(GK/KMcA)