High praise for River Clyde Homes at 10th anniversary party

The event was hosted by Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan.

He spoke of the difference the largest housing association has made in Inverclyde and says it ‘leads the way in Scotland for its customer involvement activities’.

Mr McMillan said: “It was a privilege to have River Clyde Homes and some of their tenants at the parliament to celebrate their anniversary.

“The event was both an opportunity to look back at the improvements RCH has made in my constituency since 2008, but also a chance to look to the future.

“There are still some challenges when it comes to housing in Inverclyde, but without RCH many of my constituents would still be living in cold homes with sub-standard heating, insulation and windows, and those living in RCH’s residential accommodation can enjoy being independent whilst feeling secure in their own home.

“I therefore thank RCH for all their hard work over the last decade, and look forward to making Inverclyde the best place it can be alongside them in the future.”

Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities, Angela Constance, was a guest at the event and she spoke highly of the association’s efforts to tackle fuel poverty and help those affected by recent changes to the benefits system.

Albert Henderson MBE, chair of the RCH board, pictured left, outlined plans for the next five years to build 750 new homes, meet the government’s energy efficiency targets and to develop activities to allow for business growth.

He said: “We look forward to the future and the ambitious plans we have, the challenges we face and how we can continue to help improve lives and places.”

The housing association, which manages almost 6,000 homes and acts as a factor for 2,500 owners, was established after a vote in 2007 by then-Inverclyde Council tenants for a stock transfer.

Since then thousands of homes have been improved across the district, 500 new properties built and unpopular blocks demolished.