The start of a new affordable housing development and two environmental improvement projects marks another major milestone in Fraserburgh's regeneration.

The transformation of the north of the town, a thriving fishing port, is an important part of the Fraserburgh Masterplan, a multi-million pound investment which represents one of the largest urban regeneration projects in the north of Scotland.

Construction on homes at Denmark Street by Langstane Housing Association and Aberdeenshire Council has now started.

Fifty-one houses are being built with Scottish Government funding at an estimated cost of £6m.

The homes are expected to be complete by June 2010 and will include 13 shared equity houses to get people onto the property ladder under the Government's LIFT scheme.

This is in addition to the nearby housing development by Aberdeenshire Housing Partnership which is well underway and expected to be complete on schedule in November.

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Chief Executive of Langstane Housing Association, Alan Grant, said: "This stage marks a significant step forward for the association. We've been committed to developing in the area for some time as a partner in the Fraserburgh North Regeneration Strategy and are delighted the project is now underway.

"When it's completed it will provide exceptionally energy-efficient housing within a safe and attractive environment."

Minister for Housing and Communities Alex Neil added: "The beginning of work at Denmark Street alongside the construction already underway in the town is very welcome and will allow many local people and their families to access decent homes that they can afford."

As well as contributing towards funding, Aberdeenshire Council also provided project management and specialist engineering expertise through its Housing and Social Work and Transportation and Infrastructure services.

Two environmental projects, to construct a scenic, historical footpath and stabilise part of the foreshore down to the sea at Fraserburgh, have also begun.

The coastal path will link the new developments at Marconi Road and Denmark Street, passing through the historic Broadsea area.

The route will feature marine artefacts and seats, concluding at Denmark Street at a playpark adjacent to the development

The stabilisation work will be complete around the end of May this year. The work is not being done because coastal erosion is due to cause imminent destruction, but to introduce a sympathetic but robust structure which will protect that part of the coastline for years to come.

(GK/JM)