THE next step in a bid to clear slum housing in Govanhill has been taken.

As first told in the Evening Times in January, £9.3million is to be spent buying and repairing poor quality private housing in the south side community.

Now Govanhill Housing Association is to send out 600 letters to property owners in a target area of four tenement blocks in south-west Govanhill.

John McLardie, chairman of the association, said: "Sending letters out to all the owners and beginning to meet them is a big step forward.

“A staff team has been visiting and assessing every close in the target area to identify any issues and build relationships with residents and tenants, and this is the next phase of the plan.

“This is a two-year pilot programme that will begin to take properties out of private ownership and into the social rented sector.

“It is a positive way forward and we are keen to see how well it works on the ground. But it is likely that a more comprehensive approach will be needed in the future if a sustainable solution is to be delivered.”

The first two meetings are also being held with owners in the blocks.

Around 50 owners and private landlords have expressed an interest in selling to the association as part of the South-West Govanhill Property Acquisition and Repair Programme.

The aim of the programme is to provide better living conditions and tackle overcrowding.

With private sector housing subject to little regulation, it also aims to deliver a more effective system of property management and maintenance.

Council officials and local people have long pointed to the prevalence of private landlords in the area as part of the reason Govanhill suffers from over-crowding and fly-tipping.

The pilot initiative will involve the association buying, repairing, letting and then managing up to 80 properties from private owners and landlords in four tenement blocks between Annette Street, Dixon Avenue, Westmoreland Street and Calder Street.

It will also take on factoring where it has majority ownership.

As told in the Evening Times, the Scottish Government has provided a grant of £4.3 million to purchase and improve the properties for social letting.

Glasgow City Council will supplement the funding with £5 million from its affordable homes and property repairs budgets, and will be working in partnership with the association in using its statutory powers to support change.

The association currently owns around 40 properties in the target area. It provides factoring services in five tenements, and expects to factor more.

Anyone living locally who has any questions about the scheme can get in touch on 0141 636 3674 or 3684 or email checkin@govanhillha.org

Govanhill has an estimated population of 15,000 although this figure is assumed to be higher given the increase in migrant workers to the area.