Seven chalet style bungalows are being built, with the project due to be completed later this year.

The £1.54 million project, which is being funded by South Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government, will see six, three-bedroom homes built and one six-bedroom property. The project replaces the former Houdston site, which was destroyed by storm damage in 2015.

The travellers, who currently occupy another part of the Troweir Road site have been there since their old homes were flooded more than three years ago. Given the families are very much part of the local community the new development continues to provide good access to schools, public transport, health and other services.

Councillor Philip Saxton, South Ayrshire’s Council’s community wellbeing portfolio holder, said the project would make a big difference: “With work now underway the local travelling community can soon look forward to modern, affordable homes which are energy efficient and cheap to run.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved for their patience in what has been a prolonged process, but it’s been important to deliver a project which meets the needs of the community.

“I’m sure the travelling community will be pleased with the end result and look forward to seeing the completed project.”

The work is being carried out by McTaggart Construction.

Spokesman Gary Climson said: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with South Ayrshire Council and the members of Girvan’s travelling community to deliver these much needed new homes.”

The project is due to be completed by September 2019.