AUDIO NEWS: Skills shortage could undermine housing plan and landscaper clears pensioner's lawn for free

Skills shortage could undermine Scottish government's emergency housing plan, police fail to attend tool theft due to clerical error and landscaper helps pension clear overgrown garden

Select has warned the skills gap could derail the Scottish’s Government Housing Emergency Action Plan.

The plan, which was unveiled at the start of the month will invest £4.9 billion in social and affordable housing over the next four years.

But according to Alan Wilson, managing director with Select, the construction sector needs a “pool of trained and skilled professionals, including electricians” to deliver the plan.

---

A landscaper from Milton Keynes has been left frustrated after the local police failed to turn up after his van had been broken into.

Last week, the locks on Will Trick’s van were smashed, and £2,500 worth of tools were stolen. Police were informed at the time but failed to respond due to a ‘clerical error’.

Will told his local paper that he has been regularly targeted by “organised gangs” of tools thieves. He estimates he has lost more than £30,000 worth of equipment during his career.

A police investigation is ongoing.

---

A landscaper in Hull has helped a pensioner by clearing her garden so she can hang out her washing.

Aiden Jay-Taylor was fitting a new gate on the property next door when he noticed the 80 -year-old lady struggling with her overgrown backyard.

After finishing the work, Jay-Taylor set a GofundMe page to fund ongoing maintenance and lay a new lawn.

---

To listen to the construction news please click below