A LOCAL housing association launched its new in-house grounds maintenance team in Helensburgh this week.

Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) previously contracted out the work to outside firms, but says the move will enable it to give tenants’ main concerns a higher priority.

For six months of the year the primary focus will be on grass cutting and plant maintenance during the growing season.

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The remaining six months of the year will see a focus on neighbourhood improvement, modernising public areas in ACHA estates.

Alastair MacGregor, ACHA’s chief executive, said: “Feedback from recent conferences indicate the association’s tenants want to see a priority given to estate improvement and neighbourhood management. Bringing the service in-house will afford us a greater opportunity to do that.”

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In addition to the annual grounds maintenance budget of £363,000 there will be a specific five-year programme of £300,000 per annum to support environmental projects.