Council housing awards

Projectsrecognised

Consultation on planned tower block demolitions, and a project to design dementia- friendly homes, earned North Lanarkshire Council two industry awards.

The information process surrounding proposals announced a year ago to knock down all 48 highrise blocks in the authority area – starting with 18 across Monklands – won the “ambitious towns in communication” prize at the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland awards.

A total of 900 residents at Coatbridge blocks High Coats and Dunbeth and Jackson Courts; Campsie, Cheviot, Etive, Ettrick, Fintry, Killin, Nevis, Pentland, Sidlaw, Striven and Tinto blocks in Shawhead; plus Nor thburn Place and Cheviot, Merrick and Pentland Courts in Airdrie received hand- delivered information packs earlier this year seeking views ahead of the council decision.

Housing convener Allan Graham said: “We’re very proud of the work we’re carrying out; our residents are at the heart of all our services, shaped to meet their aspirations.

“I’d like to commend our staff who strive to deliver first-class services to make a positive difference to the people living in the area.”

Meanwhile, the council’s Designing for Health initiative – which improves new and existing housing to help people with dementia or other complex needs – won for “excellence in health and wellbeing”.

It includes future-proofing older people’s homes, and design features to reduce the need for adaptations and specialist equipment.