Houses like these in Dumfries are being targeted for renewal

The neighbourhood renewal project in Dumfries and Stranraer is one of the largest of its kind in Scotland.

It is proposed to build some 600 homes in the two towns over five years with many old properties demolished.

The project is jointly funded by Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership (DGHP), the local council and Communities Scotland.

The two areas identified as being most in need of renewal by the partners were south central Stranraer and north west Dumfries.

They say both places feature in Scottish Executive statistics for the most deprived council wards in the country.

Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm said the investment could make a real difference.

We're confident however that working closely with our tenants in Stranraer and Dumfries we will make this a real success story George Murray DGHP chairman Tenants welcome renewal plans

"I saw for myself some the challenges facing disadvantaged communities in Dumfries and Galloway on a visit to Stranraer last September," he said.

"I am delighted that Communities Scotland have been working closely with the council and DGHP to develop these investment plans which will bring about major improvements for many people."

Mr Chisholm said it also underlined the benefits of housing stock transfer and urged other parts of Scotland to follow Dumfries and Galloway's example.

Dumfries and Galloway council convener Tommy Sloan said the announcement was very welcome for the region.

"Both these areas have longstanding issues with the quality of the houses and environment.

"There is high unemployment and a record of poor health.

"This project tackles all these things in practical ways to deliver training and employment opportunities and sustainable community projects as well as new homes."

Major challenge

DGHP chairman George Murray said it was delighted to be part of the project.

"This is a major challenge for everyone at DGHP as we will be directly responsible for the building of the new homes and the management of our tenants' needs throughout the process.

"We're confident, however, that working closely with our tenants in Stranraer and Dumfries we will make this a real success story."

"This is a great example of partners coming together, understanding the needs of these areas and combining resources to tackle the problem," added Wendy Bullard, Communities Scotland's director for the area network.