AYRSHIRE Housing

Association have praised community spirit and their dedicated staff as they looked back on a successful year despite the challenges of coronavirus.

The Ayr housing association held their first ever online Annual General Meeting last week where they set out plans for work to start on 52 new houses in Troon along with a host of other projects which are at the planning stage.

Association chair Simon Leslie said: “I’m pleased to report on another very successful year.

“We’ve continued to receive excellent feedback from our tenants on our services.

“This includes 12 flats developed in partnership with the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

“We’ll shortly start work in a few weeks on 52 houses in Troon.

“Despite the challenges of coronavirus, we’ve been able to maintain essential services to our tenants from the beginning of the lockdown.”

Bosses at AHA have acknowledged the commitment of ‘excellent’ staff who worked hard through lockdown to help tenants who were facing financial difficulty brought on by the pandemic.

Mr Leslie said:“ Our staff have been excellent. Despite working from home they have focused on reassuring our tenants, particularly those facing new financial challenges.”

The meeting also heard that a grant from the Scottish Government has helped them with emergency projects.

Ayrshire Housing

Association have also supported three charities who have helped those threatened with homeless, suffering social isolation or bereavement.

The community spirit of residents was also praised, with neighbours from

Good Shepherd Court scooping a top prize for the best garden for their

shared courtyard.

A deserving red rosette also went to Lexi the Boston Terrier and his adoring companion Mrs Gibb.