Empty housing in Marywell Gardens, Kirriemuir, is in line for a revamp but doubt has been cast over just how far the repair cash will go.
The boarded-up flats are to be the subject of a major council project set to start later this year, after an ambition to bring a private developer on board failed.
The state of the Marywell properties has become a hot topic in the area and news of their upgrading has been accompanied by a call for locals to be kept informed about the scheme.
A spokesman said, “Angus Council intends to invest around £250,000 to bring these properties back into use and work is scheduled to start later this financial year.
“The council had originally looked at partnership options with housing associations but these faltered due to a lack of national funding options, so the council has taken the renovations forward alone.
“Prior to renovation works beginning the council will continue to maintain the properties on a ‘wind and watertight’ basis.
“Restoring these properties to use will benefit those people seeking affordable housing in Kirriemuir and will help the council contribute to meeting the Scottish Government’s homelessness and Housing Quality Standard targets.”
Kirriemuir SNP councillor Iain Gaul said he did not believe the scheme would see major progress for many months.
“The original idea was for the flats to be demolished and replaced by cottage-type housing,” he said.
“The ruling administration, however, shelved that idea and when I met with officers about this recently I was told the flats are to be refurbished and relet.
“However, the fact only £50,000 has been allocated for this purpose in the 2011-2012 capital plan, with a further £190,000 earmarked for 2013, suggests work will not commence until late 2012.
“I also have to question how up to 66 flats could be brought up to an acceptable standard for £240,000.
“But what really matters is that the residents of Marywell Gardens are not only kept informed but consulted over the planned reletting of the flats and the impact that might have on the area,” Mr Gaul said.