The development has been built on the site of the old council depot and consists of 43 new council houses. They are a mixture of two, three, four, and five, bedroom homes and have been designed and built to meet the diverse needs of local people. Some are for general purpose, some are amenity cottage flats and some are bungalows suitable for wheelchair users.

The project is part of Fife Council’s ambitious Affordable Housing Programme that is increasing the number of affordable houses across Fife. Where possible the council is putting sites and buildings that are no longer being used back into use.

Councillor Judy Hamilton, convener of Fife Council’s community and housing services committee, has been visiting tenants who have just moved into their new houses.

She said: “It’s fantastic to see tenants moving in and enjoying their new homes. This development is part of the much-needed high quality council housing that Fife Council is absolutely committed to providing in our local communities. The houses have been built to be warmer, drier, healthier for people across Fife.

“Fife Council’s Affordable Housing programme has been designed by listening and talking to communities, and we have prioritised the building of new houses where they are needed. This new development in Thornton is one of a number of sites where construction is underway to meet the council’s commitment to deliver 3500 new affordable homes by 2022. The council has committed £114 million to meet future housing needs.”

New tenants Ian and Caroline Watson who moved in recently said: “After spending 28 years in our last flat, it was great to get a house.”

Fife Council’s Affordable Housing programme is one of the biggest in Scotland and as well as providing more housing it aims to create jobs and apprenticeships, supporting the Fife economy and the construction industry.