Almost 200 homes are to undergo a major improvement programme in Glasgow.

The £5.12 million scheme in Priesthill will be carried out in three phases and work is scheduled to begin this week.

The properties - mostly former council inter-war stock at Glenmuir Drive, Househillmuir Road, Linnhead Drive and Ravenscraig Drive - were refurbished by Barratt in the 1980s and marketed for low cost home ownership suitable for first time buyers.

A number of issues, including owners not paying for factoring services, has led to varying levels of disrepair and around 25 of the current homes lying vacant.

Council officers worked in partnership with Rosehill Housing Co-operative and local residents to agree on a programme on how the properties could be maintained/factored after improvement works and how the problem of vacant properties and poor landlord practice could be addressed;


• Phase 1 - External Wall Insulation and common fabric repairs including roof, gutters, downpipes, common close doors and windows, clearing roof spaces etc

• Phase 2 - Close security including door entry systems, close lighting and close decoration works.

• Phase 3 - Environmental works - back gardens, common areas, and refuse collection facilities and external security lighting etc

Rosehill Housing Co-operative will become factor for the properties, and the imbalance of tenure will be addressed through the council's acquisitions strategy.

Funding for the scheme is being provided by a range of sources, including the council, the Scottish Government, owners, the social landlord, and an economic company obligation from utility firm EON.

The council will consult with the owners on a third phase - environmental works, including considering proposals for the water pump building in the back court area - in the coming months.

Council Leader Frank McAveety said: "We are determined to tackle the issues that have been arising in this part of Priesthill, and will work with local residents and our partners to transform the condition of these homes.

"This investment will enable a high standard of property management, maintenance and security for the people living here."

(LM)