West Lothian Council has been recognised at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Awards for its new council house building programme.

The local authority received the Best Housing, Regeneration or New Build Initiative accolade by successfully demonstrating that it was implementing “innovative” ideas which support “continuous improvement and adaptation in local services”.

In addition, the council was shortlisted in the Best Service Team: Building Cleaning and Facilities Management Service category and Best Service Team: Parks, Grounds & Horticultural Service.

Council leader John McGinty said: “West Lothian Council is investing approximately £100 million to build 1,000 new council homes which will provide affordable housing for tenants. National figures highlight that West Lothian Council is building more council homes than the vast majority of other Scottish councils. Congratulations to all of the staff who were involved in the projects.”

Cllr George Paul added: “We are delighted that our ambitious new council house building programme has received national recognition.

“It is a great accolade to the team who are delivering 1,000 new homes across all council wards. There was stiff competition in the category so everyone can be very proud of this fantastic achievement.”