Hundreds of new council homes built

Up to 800 new council houses in West Lothian will be built, it was announced yesterday, brining affordable homes to families and safeguarding dozens of local jobs.

A number of sites across the county have been earmarked to be built in two phases in what will be the first developments in the region since 1983.

West Lothian Council is backing the development with almost £63 million and the Scottish Government has invested £9.5m in the project.

The development will support 55 construction and related jobs, including 10 apprenticeships and work experience placements for local unemployed people.

The project is part of a £80m drive to help 23 local authorities deliver an estimated 3300 homes over three years.

Housing minister Keith Brown said: “West Lothian provides the most dramatic example of this housing boom with activity on eight sites.”