East Lothian Council has awarded four construction contracts amounting to over £10.7m to construct new affordable housing and community facilities in the county.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday.

Cabinet member for Housing and Community Services Councillor Stuart Currie said: "These contracts, which are worth over £10.7m, will offer vital work to the construction industry during a difficult economic period. It also reinforces our commitment to develop much-needed affordable housing and improved community facilities for East Lothian."

The £3.32m contract was awarded to Denny-based firm James Strang for the construction of a new Outdoor Education facility and a stable yard, which will both be built at Musselburgh Lagoons.

The new stables will be built to meet the Horseracing Regulatory Authority (HRA) standards, replacing existing stables at Millhill and Goosegreen. The current stables are situated in a residential area, separate from Musselburgh Racecourse, meaning that horses must cross the busy main road on race days. The move will reduce potential for conflict between stable and general traffic.

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A new outdoor education centre will also be located at the Lagoons site. Relocated from Prestonpans Primary School, the improved accommodation will allow the centre to hold courses from a wider audience, such as community groups, adult education and members of the public. Works on both projects are due to begin during March.

Local building firm Hart Builders, based in Macmerry, have been awarded a contract worth over £3.8m to construct thirty-five houses ranging from one-bedroom flats to three-bedroom houses. The completed site at Brierbush Road in Macmerry will also include two two-bedroom wheelchair standard bungalows. Hart Builders are due to begin on-site in May for completion in Summer 2010.

Waste facilities are due to be relocated from Barbachlaw on the outskirts of Wallyford to the Kinwegar Community Recycling Centre. Building firm McLaughlin & Harvey has been awarded a £3.24m contract for the development of a new Waste Transfer Station on the site, as part of the second phase of works at Kinwegar. Alongside new sorting facilities, weighbridge, external surfacing and fencing, there will be staff facilities and meeting space to allow groups of schoolchildren to visit the centre and learn more about recycling. Work is due to begin in April for completion in early 2010.

Tranent-based firm Bankton Building Services has been awarded a contract worth over £300,000 for work at Mansfield Court and Well Wynd sheltered housing complexes.

(GK/JM)