Budding footballers benefit from housing project

Budding young footballers in Renfrewshire are getting a helping hand thanks to contractors working on a £138million council housing improvement plan.

As part of Renfrewshire Council’s five year Delivering Housing Improvements programme, contractors working with the council have also committed to supporting local communities wherever possible, from taking on local trainees to sponsoring local youth football.

One of the contractors, Wates Living Space, have committed to a five year sponsorship deal with St Mirren Boys’ Club. The money will allow the team to buy new strips and training equipment.

Ronnie Bennett, Business Unit Director, Wates Living Space went along, with Councillor Brian Lawson, Renfrewshire Council’s housing spokesperson, to meet the team at one of their training sessions.

Ronnie Bennett said: “We are delighted to be able to support the local football team with their new kit and we wish them every success. We are committed to supporting local communities in the areas we work and the football team is an excellent example of this.”
Councillor Brian Lawson said: “As well as improving quality of life for our tenants the council and our contractors on the Delivering Housing Improvements programme are committed to providing benefits to the wider community throughout this five year programme.

“Community clubs like this are great for young people, both socially and in terms of health and community spirit, so I am really pleased that they are being supported through this project.

“As well as contractors supporting local clubs they have also taken on local employees and apprentices and are using local firms as suppliers wherever possible for the work being carried out.”

For more information about the Scottish Housing Quality Standard or the Delivering Housing Improvements programme, please visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/housingimprovements or contact the Housing Investment Team on 01505 384 303.