HOUSING Minister Alex Neil has hailed Parkhead Housing Association as "dynamic" during a tour of Glasgow's East End.

HOUSING Minister Alex Neil has hailed Parkhead Housing Association as "dynamic" during a tour of Glasgow's East End.

Mr Neil was in the city to visit sites where the housing association plans to provide much needed family homes.

Around 1000 people are on Parkhead Housing Association's waiting list and demand is high for family properties.

The housing association intends to build 84 homes on a large derelict site adjacent to Whiterose Tenants' Hall in Caroline Street, Parkhead.

The properties will be surrounded by green space and will complement 81 existing properties built by the association at a cost of £9million.

Parkhead Housing Association has borrowed private finance to help complete phase two but is urging the Government to contribute the remainder.

Jim Strang, Parkhead Housing Association chief executive, said: "We have a waiting list of 1000 people and demand is high for good quality family accommodation."

Mr Neil said: "This has been an excellent visit to see exciting developments and the professional dynamism of Parkhead Housing Association.

"It is a great example of a go-ahead organisation going about its business extremely professionally."