THE oldest multi-storey blocks in Glasgow are to get a £14million facelift.

The decision ends years of uncertainty and frustration for the 200 tenants and their families in the Moss Heights flats in Cardonald.

Two years ago, the Evening Times revealed tenants were desperately trying to find out if their homes were to be upgraded or flattened.

Glasgow Housing Association has finally decided the 11 blocks will get new kitchens, bathrooms, re-wiring, heating, overcladding and a coat of paint.

Reader Poll As an upgrade of demolition-threatened homes is announced, is it right to spend £14m improving Glasgow’s Moss Heights flats? Yes 45.4% No 50.8% Don't know 3.8%

The residents will be rehoused while the work is carried out and Halfway Local Housing Organisation, which manages the flats for GHA, says it will not lease any vacant flats until work is complete.

Residents were delighted at news of the facelift.

Jim Sneddon, executive director of regeneration for the association, said: "Tenants in Moss Heights have told us loud and clear there is a demand for the properties and investment is needed.

"We have listened to their views and the major investment planned will bring each property up to the Scottish Housing Quality Standard."

Gordon Gunn, chairman of Halfway Local Housing Organisation, said: "We are delighted GHA has agreed to carry out the investment works over the next four to five years.

"It will ensure tenants live in the warm, dry homes they deserve and the additional investment will help give the neighbourhood a new lease of life."

The flats, built in the early 1950s, are the second oldest high-rise blocks in Scotland.

They offer panoramic views over Pollok Park and are among the best known buildings in the city.

The flats were refurbished during the 1990s, resulting in exterior and interior improvements, including larger lifts.

Trouble had previously arisen when large items of furniture - and sometimes coffins - could not fit inside the small lifts.

Councillor Alistair Watson said: "This investment is superb news because two years ago it appeared there was no future for Moss Heights.

"GHA agreed to employ a team of consultants to look at the structural viability of the building and they said the buildings were sound but required significant investment.

"Tenants have been very frustrated for the past two years because they have not received the investment that has gone into other parts of the city.

"They also did not know if their homes were for the wreckers' ball.

"This decision is a relief for residents and great news for Cardonald."

A GHA spokesman said: "There will be further consultation with residents about their re-housing needs. "

What the residents say . . .
DEBBI DRUMMOND, 38, resident for nine years: These are cracking flats so it's good we get to stay. There's a lot of work needing done. The kitchens need replaced.	MARIA COX, 38, five years: It's a bit of a pain to have to move out while the work is done, but we're looking forward to the results. We've got a great view.	MASOUD ASGAR, 47, three years: I'm glad they're doing repairs - they are needed. There are big problems, like leaking water in the livingroom when it rains.	MELISSA McGILL, 18, 17 years: I like living here, but it's falling apart. I would like to see the facelift done. It's got worse over the years.	GEORGE BROWN, 50 years: The flats are great. The bathrooms need done, especially for people who cannot manage baths. I'm glad this work will be done.