by Bill Heaney
Long-term Willox Park tenant Billy Leyden has told how his new property is a ‘dream come true’.
The 80-year-old has been resident within the sheltered housing complex for the last 30 years and, along with his neighbours, recently moved into one of the new-build properties on the site.
Billy said: “It’s worth the wait. It’s a big, big difference being out of the old place. It’s a dream come true.”
Billy, who is originally from Levenvale in Alexandria, has been enjoying his new surroundings since moving in in February this year and says, when the weather allows, he enjoys sitting out in the garden areas with his neighbours.
He added: “There’s been different people living here over the years, but there’s always been a good community, always friendly people. We like to sit and have a wee blether. The new communal areas are nice too.”
Billy’s family has also been enjoying visiting, including his son and his granddaughter. He said: “She loves it.”
In 2024, the existing homes within the Willox Park Sheltered Housing Complex were designated for regeneration. A consultation exercise with tenants was undertaken, with most voting in favour of the properties being demolished and replaced with new modern energy-efficient homes.
Tenants were extensively consulted on plans and, earlier this year, the 17 new homes were completed.
Residents have since been settling into their new surroundings, and a special event was held this week to mark the completion of the homes, which were constructed by contractor McTaggart Construction.
The project is being funded from the Council’s Housing Investment Programme, supported by the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme funding.
The development, along with the Council’s development at Mount Pleasant in Old Kilpatrick, which was completed last year, has been shortlisted for the Affordable Housing Development of the Year Award at both the forthcoming Homes For Scotland Awards and Scottish Home Awards.
Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, right, Convener of Housing and Communities, said: “It’s great to see these properties completed and members of this close-knit and vibrant community enjoying their new surroundings.
“I want to thank both the tenants and the Council’s housing officers who have worked closely together to achieve this extremely positive outcome.
“It was vital that the tenants expressed their views and housing officers made sure these were properly represented during the entire consultation process.
“These homes are a key part in the Council fulfilling housing needs for older members of our community.”
Councillor Hazel Sorrell, Vice Convener of Housing and Communities, said: “I am delighted to hear the difference which these homes are making to the tenants, not just their individual properties but also the communal areas they can enjoy with their neighbours.”
McTaggart Construction was appointed the contractor for the project. As part of the social benefits aspect included in all West Dunbartonshire Council contracts, McTaggart Construction has committed to paying all staff the real living wage and using local companies for sub-contracting opportunities where possible.
They have created three jobs and one apprenticeship, all going to people from the West Dunbartonshire area. They have also provided 14 work experience opportunities covering a range of work-based skills.
The company have delivered four career events, engaging with 172 West Dunbartonshire pupils and has a school construction programme with Dumbarton Academy. In addition, they have supported two community projects through the donation of materials and services.
The new Willox Park sheltered housing development in Barloan, the land for which was donated to the old Dumbarton Town Council by the late philanthropist Mrs Nanny Willox, respectfully known as Dunbartonshire’s Lady Bountiful.
Brilliant and an excellent project from the Labour Council.