A DISABLED teenager trapped at home during an 11-year wait for a groundfloor property has moved to a new home.

Tanveer Hussein, his big sister Hannah and their mum yesterday took possession of one of a development of properties in Govanhill.

Nicola Sturgeon was on hand to open the new complex of 22 homes, which are a mix of one-bedroom to four-bedroom flats over four storeys.

For Tanveer, the day is a milestone that gives the 19-year-old new freedom.

Hannah, 20, said: "It's brilliant. It's a main door flat with plenty of space and it means my brother can sit out in the garden.

"It gives him more independence and means he can take part in more opportunities - it gives him his freedom."

The Evening Times first told in October last year how Hannah and her mum first applied for a ground floor flat in 2006.

In frustration at the lengthy delay, Hannah set up a petition calling for action.

To leave the house, Hannah or her mum had to bump Tanveer's wheelchair down 41 stairs, which was becoming impossible as he grew.

Now they have a ground floor flat that is wheelchair accessible.

Govanhill Housing Association’s new development sits on the site of the former Our Lady of Consolation RC Church on Inglefield Street.

Another new tenant is mature student Eva who is in her final year at Glasgow Caledonian University studying International Business and Tourism.

Eva said: “I was living in a 1 bed flat with a seven-month-old baby so I feel really great to be moving into a new two bedroom flat.

"Everything is so clean and new, it’s a great start for us”

The new development has also allowed Morag McCrae to move closer to her family after 15 years in Somerset.

Mrs McCrae, who was born on Batson Street, is happy to be able to move back to the neighbourhood she grew up in.

She said: “I was so excited when I got the phone call about the flat. In some ways it’s quite surreal to be back, in other ways I feel like – was I ever away?”

The Inglefield Street development has been supported by £1.64 million of grant funding from Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government.

Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convenor for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm, said: “It’s great news that the council is investing in Govanhill as part of a longer term plan to improve the area’s housing stock.

“Bringing a previously vacant site back into use has a real benefit for the look of the area and it’s clear the available space has been used very creatively."

The Association’s Chairman, John McLardie, added: “This project, which is part of our regeneration strategy for Govanhill, provides much-needed social housing for people in the area."

The build brought local employment opportunities and a £6000 community garden project.