Extra care is being taken to ensure work is carried out safely and in line with national guidelines relating to coronavirus.

Building work is resuming at a number of sites such as: 

• 50 new homes at the former Towerlands Primary School site, Irvine
• 18 new homes at St Beya Gardens in Millport on the island of Cumbrae
• 34 new homes at Brathwic Terrace in Brodick on the isle of Arran -these will be the first council houses built on Arran in decades.

Each of the projects is supported by a Scottish Government grant and will provide amenity bungalows, general needs houses and homes suitable for wheelchair users.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, cabinet member for Green New Deal & sustainability at North Ayrshire Council, said: “We’re delighted that construction work can now safely resume. While it was disappointing that our plans had to be put temporarily on hold during the lockdown, I’m sure everyone understands why it was necessary.

“Now we can look forward to the homes taking shape ahead of families moving in next year.

“Our housebuilding programme is a key part of our transformational ambitions for North Ayrshire, helping to regenerate towns and communities and giving our residents high quality accommodation which positively impacts on their health and wellbeing.”

North Ayrshire Council has one of the biggest and most ambitious house-building plans in the country and will deliver 1,575 new council homes.

Contractor Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd said it will endeavour to ensure minimal disruption for surrounding residents as work continues.