WORK has started on a new housing development at Helensburgh's Jutland Court.

MSP Jackie Baillie officially launched the start of the Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) project which will provide 32 new affordable flats and houses for rent, and six houses which will be for private sale or rent.

ACHA board members and members of the local area committee joined Ms Baillie on site for the ceremony.

Work on the development initially involves the demolition of derelict flatted blocks located on the site before work can commence.

Commenting at the site launch Jackie Baillie MSP said: “I was delighted to launch the new housing development at Jutland Court. These new homes will help address the shortage of affordable housing for local families in Helensburgh and Lomond.

"The demolition of the old flats, which became an eyesore for local residents, will also improve the outlook of this part of the town.

"This investment by Argyll Community Housing Association with assistance from Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Government is very welcome indeed."

The new build project, which has a total cost of £4,975,470, has progressed due to funding contributions from Argyll and Bute Council, the Scottish Government and ACHA and it will be taken forward in partnership with developer Callum Williamson Ltd of Helensburgh.

Alastair MacGregor, Chief Executive of ACHA, commented: “We are delighted to start this badly needed development for affordable homes. It will make a difference in assisting those in housing need and will provide construction jobs during the development phase.”

Cllr Gary Mulvaney, chair of Argyll and Bute Council's Helensburgh and Lomond area committee, said: "I was in the area a few weeks ago and the derelict state of Jutland Court certainly looked awful. I am sure local residents and neighbours will be pleased to see that work has now started on this welcome development."

Argyll and Bute Council officials gave the green light to the development back in December of last year.

The two blocks of accommodation, each four storeys in height, were built by the Ministry of Defence in the 1960s as accommodation for Royal Navy personnel.

The buildings were subsequently sold to a private company and let out to tenants, but then fell into disrepair, and have lain empty for several years.