Campbeltown CARS partnership approach builds success

One of the main reasons for the success of Campbeltown CARS has been the partnership approach which involves the council, funders, property owners and the community working together for the benefit of the town.

During the current tenement projects, staff from Housing Services have been working alongside the CARS Team to help owners form Owners’ Associations, set up bank accounts, go through claim and payment processes and secure the funding required to meet the cost of the work. Behind the scenes, there is additional support from council services, including Planning, Building Standards, Legal and Finance amongst others.

With up to 20 owners involved in some cases, this can be complex and time consuming for everyone involved.

The award of Private Sector Housing Grants has helped to minimize owners’ contributions to an affordable amount and has ensured that the priority projects can progress to the construction phase. Owners are expected to contribute a minimum of £5000 to the repairs of their unit.

Lorraine MacFarlane, owner of Fresh Connection and Treasurer of the 10-20 Longrow South Owners’ Association, said: ‘It’s a big financial commitment for a small business, but the funding from CARS and Housing Services means we are able to make repairs that we’d be unable to achieve on our own. It also brings together all the people from the tenement with one goal which will have a lasting benefit for everyone who lives and works here for many years to come.”

Part of the grant funding agreement includes commitment to an ongoing maintenance programme following the completion of the work.