EAST Lothian Council has taken ownership of 25 council houses, two of which were built to be wheelchair-accessible, at one of the largest new developments in the region at Letham Mains, Haddington.
One new tenant, Justine Holmes (33), said the move has been life-changing for her and her two children. “We have had a hard three years,” she explained. “I was made redundant and we lost our home as it was tied to my job. We spent a year in temporary accommodation and it was made even harder during lockdown as the property was really too small for our needs. We are so happy with our forever home. We no longer feel we are living on top of each other and the kids love having their beautiful garden – even if it is freezing!”
The council is expecting a further 12 new homes to be handed over on the same site before the end of the year.
Councillor Jim Goodfellow, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson for housing, said, “I was delighted to hear about the difference Justine’s new home has made to her and her family. East Lothian Council’s programme of investment in social housing is essential in making a difference to individuals and families who need high quality, affordable accommodation. As East Lothian is one of the fastest growing local authorities in Scotland, councillors agreed earlier this year to spend more than £174 million over the next five years on building new council housing and modernising existing stock.”
Hart Builders was responsible for construction of the new council houses on the Letham Mains site. Gill Henry, business development director, commented, “Hart Builders is delighted to have completed this first phase of development at Letham Mains and it is great to hear the residents are enjoying their new homes. We look forward to handing over the other 12 homes for more residents to settle in and enjoy in time for Christmas. The final phases of this high quality affordable housing development for East Lothian Council will be completed early in the new year.”
