Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 25 September 2001 For Use: Immediately

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DEAL CONCLUDED WITH THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
FOR 89 HOUSES IN BALIVANICH

CONTRACTS SIGNED TO IMPROVE HOUSES -
WORK FOR LOCAL BUILDERS

Following months of negotiations with the Ministry of Defence, the purchase of 89 houses in Balivanich has finally been completed. The keys for the houses were handed over to staff of the Housing Department of the Comhairle on Thursday 20 September 2001.

Chairman of Housing Cllr. George Lonie said;
"This is good news for the Western Isles, particularly for the Uists. Not only are we now moving ahead with making major improvements in the area but the associated building work will provide a much needed boost for contractors at a time of hardship for the industry.
I would like to congratulate all the people involved in securing this excellent deal and offer thanks to the local community and tenants' groups, the staff of the Housing Department, local Councillor James L Macarthur and Alasdair Morrison MSP and Calum MacDonald MP for their hard work and patience on what has been a marathon task".

These houses were the last of the Married Service Quarters houses still in MOD ownership in Balivanich and were built in the early 1970's.

Western Isles MP Calum MacDonald said: "I am absolutely delighted that the Comhairle and the MoD have reached agreement and that the transfer of the houses and the money for improvement are now in place. This is a huge boost to the local economy. It has taken a considerable time to reach agreement but the deal is a first class one for the Comhairle and the local community.
"I want to congratulate the local councillors in particular for their efforts on behalf of the community as well as the Chairman and officials in the Housing Department at the Comhairle, and all involved with the Uist Co-ordinating Committee who have worked so hard.".

The Comhairle secured additional funding last year from the Scottish Executive for improvements to the housing stock in Balivanich, to allow it to change from a military garrison to an attractive mixed ownership civilian township.

Alasdair Morrison Western Isles MSP said: "This welcome development will allow the Comhairle to set about developing the housing stock in Balivanich, using the additional £2.5m secured from the Scottish Executive over a year ago. Not only will the improvement of the local environment and the new housing opportunities be of benefit to families, but it will also provide valuable jobs for local contractors and tradesmen over the next two years."

2 contracts have been awarded to Uist Builders. These works involve improving the interior of 18 houses so that they can be added to the rented stock owned by the Comhairle. Other works are being planned to improve car parking, provide better garden areas and also to demolish a small number of houses that are surplus to all known civilian needs. Houses will also be marketed for sale to private purchasers later in the year.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer