GLASGOW’S East End has received a multi-million pound boost as families start to move into a new housing project.

Local Government and Housing Minister Kevin Stewart MSP returned to the Bridgeton site after work got underway just over a year ago.

Around half the families have now moved into the impressive £6.43 million development as Thenue Housing continues its drive to create much-needed new homes.

More families are set to receive their keys in the next few weeks.

The 45 new properties have been created in Rumford Street and Reid Street and consist of two, three and four bedroom homes.

Funding from the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council, which totalled £3.9 million, allowed the project to go ahead.

The remainder of the £6.43 million was made up of borrowing by Thenue which is common practice when a housing association builds new homes.

Charles Turner, chief executive of Thenue, described how the new homes “are another step forward for the local community.”

He said: “We recognise those whose support has been crucial to creating this development, both the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council. Without them, this housing would not be possible. We thank them for their willingness to help us to create new homes and better communities.”

Mr Stewart added: “It was fantastic to be back in Bridgeton to see the benefits this development has brought to the area and meet some of the first residents in their new homes.

“The houses and flats will provide much needed housing in the area. We are committed to delivering at least 50,000 affordable homes over this Parliament, and ensuring those meets the needs of people and communities across Scotland, backed by £3 billion of investment.

“As this development shows, working together with housing associations and others, I know we are well on track to meeting that target.”

Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convener for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm, highlighted how the launch was “another example of the many housing developments taking place across Glasgow.”

During his visit, Mr Stewart met the Lenkiewicz family who moved into the development.

Parents Pawel, 32, and Justyna, 31, said they were delighted with the “very spacious” new home the will be sharing with son Kacper, two-and-a-half, and daughter Nicole, who is just 10 months old.

Previously, they had lived in a Thenue property in Blackhill for eight years but the one-bedroom flat had become too small for their growing family.

Describing how Kacper now has his own room “to cope with his growing mountain of toys,” Pawel added: “Compared to what we had, it is so spacious as we were finding the lack of space really difficult. Everything here is brand new and to give Kacper his own room was an unexpected bonus.”