NEW homes for people with learning disabilities are on the way to Ayr and Girvan.

Eleven specially-adapted flats will be ready by August 2020 in Ayr’s Elba Street, where they will sit among 27 one and two-bedroom flats from social landlord Ayrshire Housing built by firm CCG.

Old buildings will be demolished to make way for the properties.

South Ayrshire Council has agreed to hand over a plot of land worth £40,000 on Elba Street to Ayrshire Housing for free. The council said it is parting with the plot so accommodation is made available for people with learning disabilities. The move was approved at the council’s leadership panel.

Speaking after the meeting, Labour Councillor Philip Saxton said: “I am delighted with the progress. The gifted area of land will progress the development.”

Twelve newly built properties in North Park Avenue in Girvan are being converted to make them suitable for people with learning disabilities.

Wet floor bathrooms and carpets are being fitted. The council bought the flats from a private developer for £1.1 million. Developer Craig Hunter approached council officials offering them at a discount.

The leadership panel meeting heard the Girvan homes would be ready soon and tenants were already interested in moving in.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Saxton said: “What we are are doing in Girvan is already welcomed.”

He added afterwards: “The Girvan homes will be adapted for each specific person. It will give people the chance to live by themselves and be assisted.”

SNP Councillor Julie Dettbarn said the housing was “innovative and exciting.”