ALLIANCE SEALS £2.5M HOUSE DEAL

The West Lothian Strategic Alliance has sealed a novel deal with Persimmon Homes that will see 24 local families moving into brand new rented housing at the developers new estate at Wester Inch, Bathgate.

Using a combination of Government funding and private borrowing, the Alliance has taken advantage of the deputy first Minister's recent announcement of an acceleration of £9m of investment to allow RSLs to fund site starts and purchase stock from the private sector.

Alliance Spokesman, George Webster, said: "These houses will form a very welcome part of our overall programme for the provision of 600 new affordable homes in West Lothian.

"We've arrived at an agreement that meets the Governments aims as set out in the 'Firm Foundations' discussion paper, gives Persimmon's activities a much needed boost in these challenging times and most importantly, provides much needed homes for families in West Lothian."

The houses which will be completed in Autumn 2009, will eventually be owned and managed by the West Lothian Housing Partnership, a member of the Alliance.

Chairman, Stewart Melrose, said: "It's great that people can now see new affordable houses being delivered. West Lothian Housing Partnership is a proud part of an Alliance that is bringing this new investment to Wester Inch and other communitties across the County."

PARTNERSHIP WELCOME TO NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING

West Lothian Housing Partnership has formally welcomed the start made on 18 new homes for affordable rent at Bridgend Court in Bathgate.

The flatted properties form part of a package of new homes by West Lothain Strategic Alliance.  The Alliance brings together four local landlords working with West Lothian Council and with Scottish Government backing.

Stewart Melrose, Chair of West Lothian Housing Partnership noted "As a local housing association, we are pleased that our homes and others provided by the Alliance will complement the Council's own plans for new housing.  We look forward to welcoming new tenants to Bridgend Court later this year."

Together with Almond Housing Association, Weslo Housing Management and Horizon Housing Association, the West Lothian Housing Partnership is in a development partnership called the West Lothian Strategic Alliance.  The Alliance was appointed by West Lothian Council in 2005 as a preferred development partner in the provision of 500 affordable homes, mainly for rent, in West Lothain.

PROVOST OPENS WEST LOTHIAN HOUSING PARTNERSHIP’S NEW DEVELOPMENT  - APRIL 2007

Provost Joe Thomas cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of West Lothian Housing Partnership’s new development at Gowanlea Court, West Calder.

The 20-house development on Stewart Street/Main Street incorporates general needs housing and homes specifically designed to meet the needs of people with mobility problems.

The event was attended by the new residents, local people and guests along with representatives of the various organisations that contributed to the project.

West Lothian Housing Partnership’s Chief Executive, Niall Patterson, said “This is a landmark development for the Partnership, and more importantly for West Calder. New affordable homes, built to a high standard; with excellent internal space, very good sound insulation and high energy efficiency.

WEST LOTHIAN HOUSING PARTNERSHIP WELCOMES NEW CHAIR - SEPTEMBER 2006

West Lothian Housing Partnership is delighted to announce the appointment of Councillor Hugh Owens as its new Chairman.

Hugh has served on the Board since 2003 and welcomed the opportunity to take the lead.

He said “I’m taking up the reins at an important phase in the Partnership’s development. My Board colleagues and I are looking forward to continuing our success in providing much-needed affordable rented housing across West Lothian.”

BULLDOGS WRAP UP AS WINTER BITES! - MARCH 2006

On another snowy night, youth football received a boost in Boghall with the presentation of new winter training kit from local landlord, West Lothian Housing Partnership.

Cllr Audrey Gordon said, “My fellow Board members and I are quite clear that the Partnership is about better amenities as well as good housing for people in Boghall. This is a small but important investment in the young people here”.

WLHP member and local tenant Jim Cassidy welcomed the gesture. “The kits look great and will help keep local kids active throughout the winter months and beyond. The club seeks to raise money all year round so every contribution is very welcome”.