Council drops refurbishment plan

The council apologised to residents for the change of plan

Falkirk Council has apologised to residents after plans for a £2m upgrade of flats in an area earmarked for regeneration were dropped.

The authority had given notice that 84 flats in Little Denny Road and Overton Crescent, in Denny, near Falkirk, would be renovated in January.

However, in a letter to householders, the council said the costs associated with the project were now too high.

A new consultation process on the future of the area will start in May.

Those who live in the flats, built in the 1960s, had been told work would begin to replace out-dated kitchens and bathrooms as well as external work on roofs and walls.

Higher prices

The council held a public meeting this week to explain the lack of progress.

Jennifer Litts, head of service with the local authority, said the council remained committed to improving the area.

She said: "Because the tender prices for this project were significantly higher than the estimated costs, the project was not cost effective and is currently on hold, pending further consideration.

"Obviously, it was very disappointing that the project has had to be delayed and we apologise to all the tenants involved.

"Once the consultation results have been analysed a report will go to the council's housing and social services committee for a decision on the best way to proceed within the funding available."