Most elderly tenant opens newest ACHA office

Argyll and Bute Council’s most elderly sheltered housing tenant was the first person through the doors of Argyll Community Housing Association’s (ACHA’s) first offices, officially opened by George Lyon, MSP, and Allan Macaskill, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council on Friday (31 March 2006).

ACHA’s new Chalmers Street base in Ardrishaig is the first of ten offices of the new, not-for-profit association that takes over from the Council as landlord to 5300 tenants’ homes this summer.

Mrs Ellen Lloyd lives in sheltered accommodation at Caledonia Court, Ardrishaig.

Norman Beaton, Chair of ACHA, commented, “This office opening is an important landmark for ACHA and for housing in Argyll and Bute following the successful ballot result in December.

“It is fitting Mrs Lloyd, should be first through the doors as the transfer will benefit both the older generation and many generations to come, as we work hand in hand with tenants to improve their homes, their communities and thereby their lives.

“We are driving forward towards a transfer date in the summer, after which we will begin putting all of our plans into action for the benefit of all tenants.”

Performing the ribbon-cutting jointly with the Council leader, George Lyon, MSP for Argyll & Bute, said, “The stock transfer is a watershed for Council tenants in Argyll & Bute. Tenants can look forward to a substantial programme of investment in upgrading and improving their homes in the years to come as a result of them taking ownership of the housing stock and the Scottish Executive writing off the housing debt."

Cllr Allan Macaskill said, “This event marks an important stage post towards the vision of delivering investment in housing at affordable rents, which the Council wholeheartedly supports. We are working closely with ACHA to achieve a smooth transfer in the summer and look forward to working in partnership with the Association in the longer term.”

Following the housing transfer due to take place in the summer, ACHA will begin its £261 million programme of housing improvement to bring every house up to the new Argyll Housing Standard, which includes full central heating and double glazing, modern kitchens and bathrooms and safe wiring, among other upgrades.

Ends

This release is issued on behalf of Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) by TNC. For further media information, please contact Dan Hughes (dan@tnc.uk.com), consultant, on 01698 420420, mobile 07957 467953