Minister praises affordable homes

Alex Neil has called for efficiencies to deliver affordable housing

Housing Minister Alex Neil has praised the way organisations are working together to provide new homes in the Borders.

He said he was impressed with the partnerships between local housing associations and the council.

Mr Neil was speaking during a visit to Jedburgh where he opened a 20-home development, costing £2.8m.

The homes are jointly operated by Eildon Housing and Scottish Borders Housing Association at Prior's Court.

Scottish Borders Council contributed land and £350,000 of funding towards the project.

'Difficult site'

Four housing associations and the council want to form an alliance to deliver savings.

Eildon Housing Association, Berwickshire Housing Association, Scottish Borders Housing Association and Waverley Housing have submitted a plan to form The New Borders Housing Alliance.

Peter Lee - chief executive of Eildon Housing Association, lead developer of the Prior's Court development in Jedburgh - said it was an excellent example of the benefits of such partnerships.

He said: "The project demonstrates what can be achieved on a difficult site when key partners work together in the best interests of the local community.

"The development provides a wide range of general and special needs housing that satisfies particular housing challenges facing Jedburgh."

The project also benefited from a £1.82m Housing Association Grant.