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ARDENSLATE PROPERTIES NOW COMPLETE
Local woman, Kelly McIntyre was the first of many tenants to receive a new set of keys to an Argyll Community Housing Association tenancy at its latest newbuild project ‘Fairways’ in Ardenslate, Dunoon.
Kelly said “After some time on the housing waiting list I was allocated a two bedroom property along with my grandfather, unfortunately he passed away in February but ACHA were able to offer me a one bedroom property instead. It is lovely to have a nice new property that I didn’t have to spend time decorating”.
The project was officially opened by Councillor George Freeman, Lead Councillor for Community, Culture and Strategic Housing and shrubs were planted by pupils from Kirn Primary School to mark the occasion.
Councillor George Freeman, said “I was absolutely delighted to be able to formally open the Fairways development which will provide much need housing within the Dunoon area. This is another excellent example of the high standard of housing that is being delivered across Argyll & Bute through the close partnership working between the Council and ACHA. These new properties will benefit local people and I was delighted to hand keys to Kelly McIntyre for her new flat”.
The 24 Flats have been built on land previously owned by Cowal Golf Club and are located on what was the 18th hole, hence the name.
The land was purchased from Argyll Properties (2009) Limited, who originally purchased the land from Cowal Golf Club and the build has been delivered by sub-contractors Nodram Ltd.
The properties offer sixteen one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom affordable properties for rent. There is significant demand for housing in Dunoon and there are currently 765 applications for housing in the Cowal area.
The development is part of a larger scale building project proposed by the developer. The remaining areas of the site have been ear marked for future private housing development, consisting of five blocks of flats, further road infrastructure and landscaping.
The cost of the build was £2,669,286, which was financed by Scottish Government grant funding of £1,604,191 and private finance of £1,065,095.
ACHA’s Chief Executive, Alastair MacGregor said
”I am really pleased the 24 new homes are now completed and will assist the association in meeting housing need in the Dunoon area”.
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ACHA Launches New Repairs Service
The start of the new financial year has seen the establishment of a new in-house repairs service by Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA).
The Association has established a subsidiary company Argyll Homes For All (AHFA) to carry out day to day repairs, cyclical maintenance and servicing within the landlords 5,100 homes across Argyll and Bute.
Argyll Homes For All (AHFA) has been given a three year contract to deliver these services on behalf of the Association to its tenants. The new subsidiary will have staff and tradesmen located throughout Argyll and Bute providing services in jointly branded vehicles.
Alastair MacGregor, Chief Executive of ACHA commented
“After a year in the making I am pleased that Argyll Homes For All is now up and running and providing a range of repairs and maintenance services under contract to the Association. I hope that our tenants will get an excellent service and good value for money in the arrangements.”
He further added
“This is a very exciting time in the Association’s development and I hope our new repairs subsidiary will rise to the task and be able to expand its services both to ACHA and others over the next few years.”
Argyll Homes For All (AHFA) has appointed John Forbes as its Managing Director.
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ACHA TENANT EVICTED IN ROTHESAY FOR ILLEGAL DRUG PRODUCTION
Argyll Community Housing Association raised a court action against a tenant for recovery of possession of her tenancy in Rothesay as a result of her conviction for cultivating cannabis plants.
Having heard evidence the Sheriff held that it was reasonable in the circumstances to grant an order to the Association to recover possession of the tenancy, notwithstanding the tenant’s original claims that the cannabis was for personal use.
Illegal drug use and drug dealing is a particular concern to local residents and tenants of the Association. The outcome of the court action is another success for the Association in enforcing its policy against antisocial behaviour and activity relating to illegal drugs with the aim of ensuring safe communities in the Argyll and Bute area.
Alastair MacGregor, ACHA’s Chief Executive commented
“The production of illegal drugs in an Association tenancy is obviously of concern to us. We are pleased that the Sherriff has granted us a decree and hopefully this sends the appropriate message out.”
The Association in reiterating its message about illegal drug use or drug dealing in your community asks local residents who have any information on these matters to please contact their local ACHA office or the Police.
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