Preparations are well underway and there are major plans for an extensive refurbishment of the high flats in Saltcoats.

Following a vote by residents in 2018, North Ayrshire council committed to upgrading Lambie Court and O’Connor Court and since then council officers have been putting plans together for the major refurbishment, which will include internal and external works.

North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet yesterday approved a tender for the external works and afterwards they will deliver the external works, which are set to be underway during Spring 2020.

The work is expected to be complete by winter 2020 and will see both tower blocks fully re-rendered as it became clear during preparatory investigations that both buildings have experienced water ingress.

The work will also include the fitting of new windows.

Once re-rendering is complete, work will be able to start on the internal refurbishment which will take roughly a year to complete.

The internal works to the buildings will include full rewiring of flats to current standards with new smoke detectors, installation of replacement central heating, kitchen and bathroom replacement in individual properties, alterations to conceal services which may include lowering of ceilings, replacement of doors and full decoration on completion.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “Over the past months, we have been putting together the comprehensive programme for the delivery of works.

“Throughout this process, we have maintained regular contact with our residents, and I’d like to thank them for their co-operation throughout.”

He also added that: “Undoubtedly, there is likely to be some level of disruption when works get underway, but we fully expect the end result to be worth it.

“Residents can be assured that we will continue to work closely with them to minimise any convenience and disruption.”