The quality of lives of tenants in block 63 to 85 in Glenmuir Road have been improved thanks to a modernisation programme that has seen homes upgraded and some increased in size.

The outside of the building was refurbished and access to the houses improved. Some residents now have bigger kitchens and bedrooms, whilst others have gained additional apartments as disused drying areas were incorporated into some of the homes. Every house has had gas central heating fitted and improved insulation should ensure lower heating bills for residents.

Councillor Douglas Campbell, Housing and Customer First Portfolio Holder said:

"The work that has been carried out at Glenmuir Road will make a real difference to the current tenants and those who live there in future years.

"We are committed to continually improving our housing stock and raising the standard so that it meets with the Government's Scottish Housing Quality Standard.

"Seeing the enthusiasm of residents moving back in and hearing their comments shows that all the hard work has paid off. This is about more than updating property it is about making changes that will really enhance the lives of our tenants."

Tenants are very enthusiastic about the work that has been carried out. Vicky Main who has lived in Glenmuir Road for 6 years said: "I cannot wait to get back to my home. The outside appearance of the block has changed so much and it is a great improvement. The changes inside including a new kitchen and new central heating will make a real difference to me. The rear drying area now has dedicated bin stores so my bin will no longer be outside my kitchen window."

Another delighted tenant Amanda Kenny, who has lived in Glenmuir Road for 7 years said: "My living room was knocked through into the old ground floor drying room which was unused for many years. This has given me a living area almost double the size of my original one, which I will either use as one big living room or a living room and a dedicated dining area. The central heating has replaced the electric storage heating and I think this will reduce my energy costs. The outside space has been improved by moving the bins which will be more convenient and improves the look of the drying area."

Eamonn McGarvey, Regional Director at Apollo social housing refurbishment specialist Apollo, who were the Council's construction partner on the project which carried out the work, said: "Apollo is delighted to be working in partnership with South Ayrshire Council. We share the Council's vision of improving homes for local people. The transformation of these properties will be greatly welcomed by the tenants and Apollo is proud to have been involved."

The work is part of a five year project to refurbish and partially reconfigure 144 houses, in 12 blocks of Council maisonettes in Ayr north.

Pictured: Councillors and officers of South Ayrshire Council are pictured with others who helped transform the homes at Glenmuir Road in Ayr.