Leader pops into chat to tenants
During his vist to Ayr, Anas Sarwar popped into chat to Sylvia and Tommy Chisholm who had moved to the £10.5 million Waggon Road development from Riverside Place.
And they told their guest that, despite misgivings about leaving their long-time home at Riverside, they were more than happy with their new abode.
Mr Sarwar said that older couples in their 80s like Sylvia and Tommy were just the people who should be focused on when considering new housing.
He added:“Housing like this makes sense all round. It makes sense to be investing in social housing, to create the employment around the construction industry to get the economy kickstarted again and it makes sense for local residents to not be trapped on long waiting lists.
“It makes sense for people’s circumstances – so older populations who may find it difficult in high rise buildings, and for those with disabilities or people with children.
“This is about having social housing that is accessible and affordable. We have to rethink how we do housing across the country if we are to be alive to these new circumstances.”
Ayr North councillor, Ian Cavana, declared:“The houses are great and the residents who moved from the high flats don’t have to worry about getting lifts. They have also got their own green space so I am really over the moon with it”.
Councillor Philip Saxton, the council’s housing and community wellbeing portfolio holder, added: South Ayrshire Council’s administration and myself set out plans to increase the amount of affordable social rented housing by 580 in this administration.
“Working with the our partners in the housing association sector we will exceed that amount by next year.”