AN ARGYLL and Bute social housing firm has received an award from Police Scotland commending the safety of new builds in a Helensburgh development.

Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) has just received a Secure by Design Award for the site at Castle Wood Court, comprising 32 new homes.

The properties have been built on the site of the former Ministry of Defence properties at Jutland Court, off West King Street.

ACHA received a gold award in recognition of the level of physical security, development layout and design to reduce the opportunity for crime and anti-social behaviour.

READ MORE: Work begins on new housing development at Jutland Court

At a recent visit to the site, Argyll and Bute MP Brendan O’Hara said: “The standard of housing being developed around Argyll and Bute never ceases to amaze me and Castle Wood Court didn’t disappoint.

“This part of Helensburgh has been transformed beyond recognition.

“This is a great example of partnership working between ACHA, the Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council and I hope to see more of it in the future.”

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Alastair MacGregor, ACHA’s chief executive, added: “We are delighted to receive this award from Police Scotland.

“Our tenants regularly highlight the importance of security in their homes and I am really pleased with the design of this new build development and its anti-crime measures.”

The site has been estimated to cost just under £5 million, with funding coming from the Scottish Government, ACHA and Argyll and Bute Council.

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The housing mix ranges from three and four bedroomed houses to one and two bedroomed flats, with five of the properties designed for tenants with special needs.

The development was built by local builders, Calum Williamson Limited, and designed by Helensburgh-based architect, Lawrence Hill.