Housing improvements are underway across East Ayrshire following a decision taken by tenants at the end of last year.

Tenants were given the option to choose between a rent increase of 6.5 per cent or 7.5 per cent.

The first option would only allow the council to ensure the current service is kept at the same level.

The second would have allowed the council to deliver promised housing developments at Mason Avenue and Castle, New Cumnock.

East Ayrshire Council said that more than 70 per cent of respondents chose the 6.5 per cent increase, meaning that the planned housing in New Cumnock would be delayed.

READ MORE: New Cumnock housing plans dealt major blow following rent consultation

According to a report prepared for a council meeting, the consultation got a return rate of 9.41 per cent from the authority’s 11,582 tenants – a total of 1,089 responses.

Since the decision was taken, work has got under way with £109 million of investment for  set to take place over the next five years.

Cumnock and New Cumnock councillor, Jim McMahon, who is also East Ayrshire Council's, spokesperson for housing, transport and communities, joined members of the authority's housing asset services team to view housing improvement works under way in Auchinleck and Barshare.

Cumnock Chronicle:

In Auchinleck, he toured a number of sites with McConnell Construction, viewing the external envelope work underway.

McConnell has completed 150 homes with another 70 due to be completed by the end of the month.

In addition to the external envelope work, 800 homes are also set to receive new heating systems, 200 will get new windows and 680 will receive upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms and electrical upgrades.

Cumnock Chronicle:

Councillor McMahon said: "Over the next year, 400 homes across East Ayrshire will benefit from external envelope enhancements, which means everything is addressed at the same time, from roofing, rendering and guttering to doors windows and improved insulation.

“The impact this is having on our tenants is significant, our communities look more attractive but most importantly we are making our homes warmer and more energy efficient reducing energy costs.

“I know that this work is disruptive, like any home improvement works are, but it is clear that housing asset services are working hard to accommodate our tenants’ needs throughout the process and ensure that they have a say on how their homes are going to look.

“We’ve asked our tenants what matters to them, we’ve listened, and I will give a commitment that we’ll keep listening and keep taking action to deliver on the issues that really matter.”