Nearly £51 million is to be invested in housing improvements across North Lanarkshire.

The council has revealed it will spend £50.9m on upgrades to homes across the region, with key features including replacing all kitchens and bathrooms by 2021, installing more modern and efficient heating systems and doubling the investment for window replacement.

Other key plans include;

• Rolling out 'A' rated high efficiency gas boilers to replace older less efficient heating systems. And, following on from successful heating trials of air source heat pumps within four off-gas grid villages, Banton, Greengairs, Salsburgh and Gartness, an installation programme will get underway


• Almost doubling the investment for new window replacement programme

• Improving the insulation standards of the Swedish and Weir timber stock, bringing them up to modern standards while ensuring to maintain their unique appearance

• New roofing and rendering to improve thermal insulation and the appearance of homes

• Implementing refurbishment plans for Glen, Millbrae, Blairgrove and Merrystone towers in Coatbridge, including new external insulation and roof replacement

Cllr Allan Graham said: "An additional £3m has been added to this year's budget to allow us to carry out more improvements.

"Our planned projects will make such a difference to our tenants. For example, by installing new high quality windows and more energy efficient heating, we'll help to reduce heating costs and, in the longer term, help cut their heating bills and make their homes more comfortable to live in.

"We're committed to ensuring all our housing stock is maintained to the highest standard and will continue to deliver an efficient and effective housing service that meets the needs of our tenants."

(LM)