A PROPERTY take over scheme on the South Side of Glasgow has reached a new milestone.

The Property Acquisition & Repair scheme has now seen 246 properties on Govanhill brought into housing association control.

Of 700 targeted properties, around half have been inspected, putting the project on track for its completion in 2021.

Latest figures from Glasgow City Council about housing improvements were revealed at the Govanhill Regeneration Group meeting.

A council official also stated:

*Six more closing orders have been served on below standard flats since the end of a pilot project in 2017 with eight referrals to the Housing and Property Chamber

* 30 landlords have had their registration revoked/refused

*53 landlords are now registered in total and

*Two statutory repair schemes on currently on site at 299 Allison Street and 231 Langside Road.

A pilot project from 2015 to 2017 was carried out with £5 million funding from Glasgow City Council and £4.3m from the Scottish Government to enable Govanhill Housing Association to acquire and repair more than 80 properties within four target tenement blocks.

Since the continuation of the scheme, the majority of properties are now passing their first inspection.

The council officer said: "Things are definitely moving forward."

Govanhill HA's Development & Regeneration Services Manager, Ken MacDougall, also presented figures to the meeting.

He said scaffolding is now up on Annette Street for major repairs while common repairs are to be carried out at 8, 10, 20 and 22 Annette Street.

So far 112 properties have been taken over for social rent with a further 119 in the pipeline to achieve site start before the end of this financial year

Tenders have been returned for 19 Garturk Street with work due to start in January 2019 subject to a final acquisition.

A total of 49 closes have now been taken into GHHA Factoring control in the overall SW Govanhill area

Mr McDougall said: "Our priority is reducing levels of private rented and increasing the levels of social rented housing.

"At the end of the day, it's about better management and we're working with Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government to achieve that."

Mr McDougall said Slovakian and Romanian speaking workers have been hired by the association along with a Backcourts Engagement Officer who is "out face-to-face trying to change the behaviours".