Demolition work has started to clear the way for 95 new build homes for Renfrewshire Council in Johnstone Castle.

The development will feature a mix of mainly two and three bedroom homes and own-door flats, as well as two specially designed bungalows for tenants with mobility requirements.

The regeneration project has also catered for larger families, with four semi-detached homes which have four bedrooms.

The next phase of work will see vacant properties at Cedar Avenue, Tower Road and Elm Drive taken down to make way for the new energy efficient homes.

Excavators from Reigart Contracts Limited have moved in to start the demolition of the flats at Elm Drive, which were built in 1960.

Construction work on the new housing is expected to start next month by the council’s recommended contractor ENGIE Regeneration Limited, with the first completions due next spring.

The construction costs of almost £13 million will be funded from the council’s housing investment programme and a Scottish Government grant.

Convener of communities, housing and planning policy, Councillor Marie McGurk, said: “The regeneration work underway at Johnstone Castle demonstrates our commitment to providing affordable, energy efficient social housing that will meet the needs of local people as well as improve their quality of life and community.

“It’s been key to have the community on board, as an integral part of the process.”