WORK has started on a £300million programme that will create nearly 3000 homes and scores of jobs across Glasgow.

Communities and Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell today officially launched the start of phase one, which will house families from Sighthill when their dilapidated homes are demolished.

When council homes were transferred to Glasgow Housing Association five years ago, the GHA promised to build 2800 homes and those started today should be ready by October.

Mr Maxwell officially launched the start of construction work at three neighbouring sites in Avonspark Street, Petershill, Rye Road and Mansel Street, Balornock, where 239 homes are to be built at a cost of £24.5m.

The GHA is providing 54 three-bedroomed homes and 185 two-bedroomed properties.

Tenants from three local housing organisations worked with officials to tell them what they were looking for on design and specifications.

CCG (Scotland) was awarded the phase one contract and is recruiting 30 apprentices - 12 from the area. Every youngster who completes the four-year training programme will be given a permanent job by the Glasgow firm.

Apprentice plumber Scott McEwan said: "I am really lucky to have been given this chance of a career in the building industry.

"I am working hard at college and can't wait to move on site to learn more and play a part in putting the new houses up."

Mr Maxwell chatted to some of the apprentices before saying: "I am delighted to be launching the first phase of GHA's new build programme.

"This year the Scottish Government is helping to deliver 1700 new houses across Glasgow, including the 239 GHA announced today.

"This development will help to regenerate north Glasgow and, as well as providing new homes for tenants, it will benefit the wider community by offering apprenticeships to local people."

Sandra Forsythe, chairwoman of GHA's management board, said: "We are looking forward to handing over the keys of these homes to the lucky tenants who will be among the first of 2800 across the city to benefit from GHA's new-build programme.

"These houses will be allocated to people already living in the area and this adds to this success story since it will help to preserve the strong community spirit that exists in north Glasgow.

"The added benefit has been the creation of the apprenticeships."

The housing association has spent £560m on modernising, improving and upgrading thousands of ex-council homes throughout the city since 2003.

Working with partner organisations, it has helped generate 3500 jobs, apprenticeships and training places.