FAMILIES have moved into the first homes built as part of a planned £50million investment in new affordable housing in Renfrewshire.

Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association has handed over the keys to 29 houses for social rent in Andrew Avenue and Edgar Crescent, in Renfrew.

The last of the 77 homes being built in the £10.6m first phase are due for completion in October.

Christine Pert has moved into Edgar Crescent with her daughter Daisey, 11, and nine-year-old son Rory.

The 50-year-old, who has lived in Renfrew for nine years, said: “The house is fabulous. People who visit can’t believe how big the rooms are.

“Our neighbours are very friendly and the area’s becoming a proper wee community.”

The building programme is being carried out in partnership with the Scottish Government and Renfrewshire Council.

A further 60 homes for social rent will be built on the site neighbouring Edgar Crescent, off Station Road, and 67 others will be erected in Renfrew’s Western Park by next spring.

Planning has also been approved for 171 affordable Sanctuary homes in Love Street and Wellmeadow Street, in Paisley.

Peter Martin, Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association group director, said: “We are proud to work in partnership with Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government to provide much-needed affordable housing in Renfrew.”

Renfrewshire North and West MSP Derek Mackay added: “I am delighted to see the first people move into these new homes.

“There weren’t many new affordable homes built in Renfrew for decades but, over the last few years, we have seen the transformation of the affordable house-building sector and sites are now being developed.”