Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 6 December 2000 For Use: Immediately

Concern Over Lack of Progress On MOD Houses

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Chairman of Housing, Cllr. George Lonie, has expressed concern at the lack of progress with the housing situation in Balivanich.

He said; "This matter is causing serious concern. Last summer we had the excellent announcement by Wendy Alexander MSP, Minister for Communities, that the Scottish Executive were making £2.5 million available to the Comhairle to allow a comprehensive improvement package to proceed.

Before that good news the Ministry of Defence said they were desperate to transfer the houses to the Comhairle.

Now, five months after the announcement the houses are still owned by the MOD and terms for the sale are still to be finalised.

At present we cannot carry out any works to these MOD surplus houses and therefore the plans approved by the Scottish Executive cannot be carried out.

I urge the MOD to work with the Comhairle as urgently as as they can to agree suitable terms so that the houses can trasnfer to us and works can be carried out as soon as possible."

Ends

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