Melville Housing Association, Midlothian’s largest registered social landlord, is to fit an additional 105 homes in Mayfield with energy efficient insulation, making them both warmer and significantly cheaper to run.

The news was welcomed by Margaret Burgess MSP, Scottish Government minister for housing and welfare. During a recent visit to Mayfield the minister saw for herself the work carried out over the past three years which has seen more than 400 non-traditional homes benefit from the major work that not only dramatically improves insulation levels, but also extends their lifespan and vastly enhances their appearance.

Mrs Burgess said: “Tackling inequality is a priority for this government and I welcome the gains that have been made in improving housing conditions. Over the past 10 years social landlords have directed investment into hundreds of thousands of homes to provide the better homes required to achieve the Scottish Housing Quality Standard. I was delighted to have the opportunity to see how this has benefited Peter and Elaine Thomas in their Melville Housing Association home. Many more tenants like Peter and Elaine now live in warmer, safer and drier homes and social landlords should be congratulated for their continuing focus on improving housing standards in Scotland.”

The extension to the work, which will cost £820,000 and be carried out by contractor SERS, will begin shortly and carry on throughout the year. The work will be funded by grants from energy suppliers alongside Melville’s own contribution and has been made possible thanks to assistance from Midlothian Council.

Melville chief executive Andrew Noble said: “Energy efficiency is one of our key priorities and the massive project to fit external wall insulation to all of our 568 non-traditional properties in Mayfield is a huge undertaking. We are making excellent progress, having completed 400 homes so far with another 105 to benefit over the next 12 months.

“The success of this project, and all the work we’ve done so far to meet the SHQS, is built on strong partnership working. Quality, affordable homes are at the heart of what we do and by working together we are making a real difference to the lives of our customers, giving them warmer homes, saving them money on fuel bills and improving the appearance of whole communities.”

The latest Melville areas to benefit from the work include Bogwood Road, Lawfield Road, Hawthorn Crescent, Kippielaw Park, Campwood View and Langlaw Road. Melville will be writing to all tenants affected well in advance.