HOMES in Greenock are being given a multi-million pound upgrade.

 

River Clyde Homes and Inverclyde Council are together investing £2.5m to improve properties and the environment of the John Street area of Greenock.

Work on the 84 properties has started with secure entry systems being installed.

Roofs will be replaced, closes painted external wall insulation and new roughcasting applied and new down pipes and guttering fitted.

The work will not only improve the look of the properties but will boost their thermal efficiency.

A communal TV system is included in the programme and drainage systems are being replaced or upgraded.

Local resident Tommy Bowie said: "My building has already been externally insulated and I've noticed the difference.

"My home is warmed and tat alone has been worth the minor disruption and noise."

Neighbour Sadie Martin said: "I'm impressed with what I have seen so far and the close painting has made the entrance areas more welcoming."

Home owner John Irving is also having the improvement work carried out with help from Scottish Government grants.

He said: "I am happy with the look of my building and am looking forward to reduced energy bills in the future."

Once the home improvements are completed, work will begin on a major upgrade of the local environment.

Landscape architects are working with local people to improve both the back courts and front gardens.