Dozens of new council houses which were officially opened in two Aberdeenshire communities yesterday will “make a huge difference to tenants’ lives”.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of work on the 31 homes at Dales View Drive and Ruby Crescent in Peterhead, while a further 26 properties were unveiled in Oldmeldrum.
Pupils from Dales Park School in Peterhead joined construction chiefs, councillors and the tenants who have recently moved into the properties for the occasion.
The scheme was launched to address a shortage of council housing in the area.
Mum-of-four, Sandra Patterson, took up residence in her new home at Ruby Crescent in July, hailed the difference it has made to her life.
She said: “This home is a massive improvement for me because it allows me and my four children to live more comfortably.
“They don’t have to share bedrooms and they’re less agitated.
“There are kids of all ages living on the same street and my kids love being closer to the skate park. We’ve all settled in well, it’s just absolutely brilliant.”
Aberdeenshire Provost, Bill Howatson, led the ceremony and described the homes as “attractive and built to a high standard”.
He added: “I wish everybody who lives in them many happy years as part of the local community.”
The Scottish Government’s housing minister, Kevin Stewart, said: “This development will enhance and integrate the community in Peterhead.
“We want to make sure that everyone in Scotland has a warm, safe, affordable place to live.”
The development, which was completed in May, features a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom flats, houses, and a bungalow, some of which are adapted for tenants with particular needs.
The new council houses were named Ruby Crescent by the pupils as part of Dales Park School’s 40th anniversary.
Construction director from contractors Chap, Ron Liddell, said: “I’d like to thank the children at Dales Park School, this will go down in history. This is something they’ll be able to remember forever.”
Peterhead South and Cruden councillor, Stephen Smith, added: “The shortage of council housing caused huge difficulties for councils and those looking for affordable rented accommodation.
“There’s a long way to go to redress that but this latest development is very welcome and makes a huge difference to tenants’ lives.”
All the homes at Peterhead and Oldmeldrum were built as part of phase six of Aberdeenshire Council’s new build housing programme, under which around £22.5million was invested.
