The £26 million regeneration of a historically troubled area of Arbroath will change lives, a councillor has pledged.
Arbroath East and Lunan Independent councillor Lois Speed said she was encouraged by the number of residents who have already taken part in a consultation on proposals for the Timmergreens area of the town.
It was identified for regeneration due to its large numbers of empty houses and high refusal rate from people on the council’s waiting list.
The aim is to demolish 140 flats and build 125 modern, energy-efficient homes on Emislaw Drive, Spitalfield Place, Newton Avenue and Muirton Road.
Residents are being asked to view and comment on the masterplan.
Ms Speed said the housing division wanted to create places that people in Timmergreens would want to call home.
“The council are building new homes with high specifications that provide amongst other things, better energy efficiency and better layout,” she said.
“Those housed are less likely to be affected by issues such as fuel poverty.
“Although each situation is different it can affect day to day living, function and sleep which in turn impacts on physical, emotional and mental health, employment, school attainment and social opportunity.
“Meeting even basic needs when housing conditions aren’t right or unattainable is a stark and gruelling reality for many.”
She said a large percentage of her caseload involved housing-related issues and the target of building 120 new homes at Timmergreens was one to celebrate.
“This project, along with the many others throughout the town and county, is aimed to helping to alleviate some of the pressures and change lives,” she added.
“When housing needs are successfully met, people’s lives can be dramatically improved and are given the chance to develop in a positive way.
“It will not only provide affordable housing but enhance an area that has had historical issues and which became a place that people did not want to live in.
“I’m confident that there will be great outcomes for the whole of the Timmergreens community, especially if these changes can be understood and embraced positively.”
