Tenants get keys to new homes

Eric Baxter • Published 22 May 2010 14:00

TENANTS are celebrating new housing in Greenock's east end.

River Clyde Homes is building 141 new houses in the area at a cost of £18.9 million.

And the first tenant to get her keys at a ceremony yesterday was Helen Fox, who is moving into a four-bedroom semi-detached in Gilmour Street with her son Alan, 32, and daughter Christina, 28.

Helen said: "We used to live in a tenement, so this is a huge difference. I just can't believe how great the house is."

Christina added: "It's magnificent. Absolutely fantastic. I can't describe how I feel."

The house designs and layouts were developed in conjunction with residents on the East End Regeneration Group.

River Clyde is undertaking one of the biggest house-building projects in Scotland, with the landlord also constructing 195 houses in Port Glasgow at a cost of £26.5m.

The housing association's vice-chair Wilson Dunlop, who handed over the keys to Mrs Fox, said: "This is perhaps the most significant day in the short history of River Clyde Homes.

"At just two-and-a-half years old, we find ourselves in the enviable position of handing over the first of our new homes. This underlines our commitment to meet the promises we made to tenants at the time of stock transfer."

Lynne Carr, River Clyde chief executive, said: "This is a landmark day for Inverclyde as we celebrate the first houses to be built by Scotland's newest housing association.

"We are rightly proud of our achievements which are down to the teamwork of all those involved, including our partners at the Scottish Government, the council, and our consultants. I hope the tenants enjoy living in their new homes."

Provost Michael McCormick said this was a vital part of the regeneration of the east end and added: "This is like a new community here."

Inverclyde MP David Cairns and Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil were also there to welcome the new housing. Mr Cairns said: "This shows Inverclyde's regeneration is not just about the waterfront."

And Mr McNeil added: "This is what tenants voted for at stock transfer. It's great to see the new housing being delivered."

West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan said it was a welcome sight to see tenants moving into the new properties. He added: "The tenants will be living in top-quality housing. I would like to pay credit to River Clyde Homes for spending the money wisely and praise the Scottish Government for making this funding available."

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 22 May 10

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