Tower blocks that had been earmarked for demolition are being reinstated by North Lanarkshire County Council to provide accommodation for people fleeing Ukraine.
Using £5m funding from the Scottish Government, the council is refurbishing 200 homes in two residential towers in order to move refugees out of hotel accommodation.
Cllr Jordan Linden, leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: 'Already, council staff are working with partners to provide support and advice to people from Ukraine in hotel accommodation, and that extensive work will continue when these homes are occupied. As Scotland’s largest council landlord, we are well-placed to deliver the reinstatement of these homes and I look forward to welcoming people over the coming weeks.'
The towers in Coatbridge and Wishaw were being prepared for demolition as part of the council’s strategy to demolish all residential towers and replace them with new homes.
Neil Gray, minister with special responsibility for refugees from Ukraine, said: 'We appreciate this contribution from North Lanarkshire Council. These homes will play a vital role in providing longer term accommodation and support to displaced people from Ukraine.
'The council is to be commended for recognising the importance of assisting national efforts to home thousands of people fleeing the illegal war in Ukraine.'
