Work has started on a development of affordable homes for social rent in Dumbarton.

The 46 new builds on Talisman Avenue in Westcliff will include a mix of one and two-bedroom flats as well as three and four-bedroom semi-detached houses.

The properties, which should be ready by early 2020, are being built for Cube Housing Association by CCG (Scotland) Ltd and are part-funded by the Scottish Government.

Cube Housing Association is part of the Wheatley Group. David Fletcher, its director of development, said: “These new homes are just part of our ambitious plans to build more than 350 affordable homes in West Dunbartonshire in partnership with the council.”

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According to builders CCG, ‘offsite’ methods of construction will ensure that quality standards are met whilst the building fabric used will generate long-term energy savings for future residents.

CCG has also promised that its commitment to community benefit initiatives will ensure that access to new jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities will be made available for the community in Dumbarton.

Alastair Wylie, CCG Chairman and CEO, added: “It is a pleasure for CCG to commence one of our first affordable housing projects of the year with Wheatley Group, where we are bringing much-needed, energy efficient homes to Dumbarton.

"We look forward to progressing this project with the organisation, amongst others, throughout 2019.”

Councillors meanwhile have welcomed the start of work on the site.

Cllr Iain McLaren said: “I’m very happy that building work has started at Talisman Avenue. The regeneration of Westcliff is really exciting, and it will be a huge improvement to the area. I’m looking forward to watching the work progress and be completed in due course.”

Fellow Dumbarton councillor David McBride added: "I'm delighted work has begun on the Westcliff site. We have been working with our housing association partners for a few years on the plan and is it is fantastic to see all the planning actually coming to fruition on the ground.

"The previous Labour Administration housing plan agreed to build 1000 new homes for social rent, these houses in Westcliff will add to the new builds in Brucehill and Castlehill adding much need quality housing and regenerating our areas.

"All these new much needed houses will go someway to reduce the housing waiting list."