RIVER Clyde Homes (RCH) is to invest £2million to upgrade homes in the Mid-Auchenleck area of Port Glasgow.

The external work is being done to sort out significant problems of water getting in to properties.

New rendering will be put on around 119 properties; a mixture of cottages and tenement blocks. The buildings will also be re-roofed and problematic front and rear porches in the cottages will be replaced by canopies and railings.

The interiors of the homes were previously modernised between 2008 to 2010 when new kitchens and bathrooms were installed. This latest investment will mean the properties will meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.

The work will improve the energy efficiency of the homes, which were built in the 1970s, and improve the look of the area. Some upgrading to common areas such as close painting and replacing the glass panels on the landings will also take place.

A planning application has been submitted to Inverclyde Council and work is scheduled to begin in March with an expected completion by spring 2013.

River Clyde Homes is consulting with 58 homeowners within factored properties in the area to encourage them to take part in the improvement works and to take advantage of the potential £700,000 that is available through the Support for Owners grant administered by the Council. Owners affected by these works have already been contacted directly by River Clyde Homes and are encouraged to return their grant applications to take advantage of the money available.

Lynne Carr, chief executive of RCH, said: “This marks a great start to the new year for customers in Mid-Auchinleck. This year we plan to invest some £9million in upgrading homes across Inverclyde. These improvement works are much needed in this popular area of Port Glasgow and I hope that as many owners as possible will participate in the improvements. Just by filling in the application forms, they are entitled to a grant to cover 50 per cent of the costs.”