Plans for a £30 million regeneration of the Bellsmyre area in Dumbarton with the construction of 180 affordable, two-storey homes to replace 225 traditional flats have been unveiled.

The ambitious proposals, by Bellsmyre Housing Association and its parent organisation, Caledonia Housing Association, will see the demolition of some of the older, less popular three-storey tenements in the Bellsmyre and the construction of family friendly, principally front/back door houses, each with their own garden.

The total cost of the regeneration project will be in the region of £30m and will be funded through a combination of public and private funding raised by Caledonia Housing Association.

As a first step, a consultation process is being launched by the housing associations at the Cutty Sark Centre, 58 Howatshaws Road, Dumbarton, from 2 to 8pm on March 5 in a drop-in format.

There, officials of the housing associations will outline the plans and answer questions from local community members about the proposals.

Thereafter, the proposals will be on display in the reception area of Bellsmyre Housing Association, 16 Merkins Ave, Dumbarton, from March 6 to 22.

The views of residents are being sought and there will be facilities for providing feedback.

Julie Cosgrove, chief executive of Caledonia Housing Association, said: “These proposals have the potential to dramatically improve the lives of Bellsmyre residents and families for many years to come and I am delighted that we have found a way to make this a potential reality.

“We have listened to what our tenants and service users have told us and we have responded. Now we want to hear from the people of Bellsmyre about what they think of our plans.”

Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, said: “These are really positive proposals for Bellsmyre.

"Building new houses, taking down the flats and regenerating the area will transform our local community and make a big difference to the lives of many local residents.

"I encourage members of our community to engage with the consultation process as this is a great opportunity to build on previous investment in the area and to put Bellsmyre firmly on the map.”