Council houses across South Ayrshire have been given fresh leases of life after renovation works including brand new lightweight steel roofs.

The Metrotile roofing system has been fitted to 35 properties in Tarbolton and Symington, creating new aesthetic appeal on the streets and saving the residents considerable amounts off their heating bills.

“It was so draughty before,” said 50-year-old community carer Fiona McMurdo, who has been living in in Smithfield Crescent in Tarbolton with her daughters Sarah-Jane and Bethany for the past six years.

“It was cold, even in the summer we needed to have the heating on, and it winter it was awful – a real struggle, not to mention expensive.

“The roof was the first thing they did on the renovations. It has only been on for three weeks but I’ve already noticed my heating usage going down, and most of the other residents say the same thing.”

The houses are in Brewlands Crescent in Symington, and in Afton Avenue, Beechwood Road, Mansfield Road and Smithfield Crescent in Tarbolton.

Mrs McMurdo said: “It’s like having a new house. It’s nice and cosy, the houses all look great from the outside and it gives a good feel to the street as well, because everyone’s really happy with the work that’s been done.”

Metrotile is an innovative roofing solution which uses lightweight steel tiles in place of traditional clay or slate alternatives.

Up to seven times lighter than normal solutions, the tiles are extremely durable with a 40 year guarantee, excellent security and are also 100 per cent recyclable.

Metrotile, which is managed in Scotland by Rod Glen, grew by 30 per cent in 2014/15 as builders and developers recognised the benefits of such an innovative solution, and as public attitudes to construction in general began to change.

Mr Glen said: “Renovation of local authority housing stock is something which Metrotile has specialised in for many years and we are always delighted to be able to help make a positive impact on communities around Scotland and the UK.

“On this project in South Ayrshire, we are delighted that Mrs McMurdo, her neighbours and the residents in streets around Tarbolton and Symington are enjoying the feeling and the cost benefits of their new roofs.

“Increasingly, our tiles are being used by more mainstream housebuilders and developers as the advantages of using lightweight roofing become wider known.

“It’s an exciting time for our company and we are looking forward to further growth as the technology becomes less niche, and more established.”

Chris McDade, site manager for Ailsa Building Contractors, said: “The advantage of the new roof covering is that it is not just practical, in terms of keeping out the wind and the rain.

“It also greatly enhances the property and adds to the general feeling of wellbeing of the tenants. It also helps re-invigorate the whole area and help create and a more pleasing ambience.

“One of the great advantages of the lightweight metal tile is that it is colour fast and should stay looking good for many years. All in all, the work makes a huge improvement.”