Forth Housing Association (Forth HA) has marked the benefits of partnership working by starting its latest housing development at Cambusbarron, Stirling.

The work, which will provide 34 homes for affordable rent, is being carried out by Persimmon Homes. The Scottish Government has provided £2.6m in grant funding.

Speaking at a site start ceremony Gordon Mason, Chairperson of Forth HA, said: "These homes will help us provide much needed good quality accommodation for families. It also demonstrates the benefits of us working closely with our local partners."

Cllr Alasdair MacPherson, Stirling Council's portfolio holder for Housing Strategy, who joined the celebration, added: "The strategic housing investment plan, a partnership between Stirling Council and the local housing associations, identifies the potential for over 1,200 new homes for rent across the Council area over the next five years and I'm delighted to be at Cambusbarron today to mark the first of these homes becoming a reality.


"By working in partnership we can ensure that the mix of homes and locations meets the increasing needs that individuals and families have for quality affordable housing in this area."

The contract to build the new homes will also bring employment benefits during the current economic downturn. John Cassie, regional chairman of Persimmon Homes, Scotland, explained: "The deal was concluded very quickly thus ensuring we can build the 34 new homes for Forth Housing Association on time and on budget. Only four months ago we completed 14 new homes for Forth Housing on this development and we are delighted to have the opportunity to add a further phase of much needed affordable housing."

Alex Neil, Minister for Housing and Communities welcomed the Cambusbarron development.

He said: "This development has seen the local authority working productively with housing associations and house builders.

"It will, I am sure, help inject renewed confidence in Scotland's building industry as it copes with the economic recession."

Both Forth HA and Stirling Council continue to work on a number of other initiatives aimed at bringing additional affordable housing to Stirling and the surrounding communities.

(GK/JM)