Ambitious plans to spruce up Nelson Street in Largs are nearing fruition.
As we reported last year, property businessman Derek Clark has been approached to buy a number of properties and renovate them to help with the general housing shortage,
Positive moves have been afoot to boost the street. The new and improved housing is expected to be ready for the spring.
Derek has been working with a number of agencies including housing services, benefits, anti-social behaviour, landlord registration, and the police in a bid to boost the reputation of the street and making it a pleasant living area.
Police and social services have worked hard to try and rid the street of anti-social crime, and Derek pointed out that there is an opportunity is there to make a difference He believes improved flower beds, lighting, and even ‘I love Largs’ signs could give the street a new lease of life.
North Ayrshire Council have adopted a number of measures to try and reduce the number of empty properties . The council have an Empty Homes Co-ordinator who is responsible for contacting the owners of vacant properties and working with them, offering advice and assistance, to get them back to use.
Nelson Street has been a particular area of focus and the council have worked closely with the developer. NAC have also worked with Police Scotland in a targeted exercise to improve property condition and the wider environment.