A dedicated Sidlaws councillor has been honoured in the creation of a village’s first council housing for four decades.
The village of Inveraldie witnessed the opening of five new family homes, developed by Angus Council and named Frank Ellis Close in recognition of the popular figure’s tireless campaigning for affordable housing.
SNP councillor Mr Ellis died, aged 59, in April 2009 after a lengthy battle with cancer and his widow, Kay, carried out the poignant ribbon cutting for the £600,000 development, along with Scottish Minister for Housing and Welfare, MargaretBurgess.
The development was built by Hadden Construction, on a site formerly occupied by old timber garages, and received a Scottish Government affordable housing grant of £138,000.
Mrs Ellis said: “Frank loved working for Angus and representing the people in his ward. The creation of these new affordable family homes in Inveraldie would have thrilled him.
“This is a very proud day for all of the family to see something Frank was so passionate about carry his name is a wonderful tribute.”
Angus Provost Helen Oswald said it was a significant and emotional occasion.
“I am delighted that Scotland’s housing minister was able to join us today to see first-hand how Angus Council is addressing the shortage of affordable housing in the county,” she said.
“I am particularly pleased that we are celebrating the completion of new houses in Inveraldie, an area Frank Ellis and I had the privilege of representing for many years.
“I know Frank would have been very proud of what’s been achieved here.”
Ms Burgess said: “This is a fantastic example of the great work that is being carried out by local authorities to provide much needed council housing.
“It is rewarding to see that through support from the Scottish Government’s affordable housing supply programme, Angus Council has been able to provide local families with high quality, sustainable and affordable homes.
“Close partnership working is central to our affordable housing programmes, and we will continue to work with Angus Council to provide vital affordable accommodation.”
Angus Council’s housing spokesman, Councillor Donald Morrison, said: “This modest project is a perfect example of our housing ambition for Angus.
“Five homes have been provided in a rural area, building on an unsightly brownfield site rather than encroaching on valuable agricultural land.
“Through our contracts we are investing in the local economy, providing jobs and training opportunities.
“The sustainable design means that tenants can benefit from savings in their heating and lighting bills and their home safety is improved with the sprinkler system, which we are now installing as standard in all new-build homes.”
The five homes are part of the authority’s growing new build housing stock, available for rent to Angus Council tenants. The council has made a commitment to deliver more than 150 new council houses over the next three years, utilising Scottish Government affordable housing grant subsidy.
Picture by Photos on Location