tenants who have defaulted on their rents.

BHC chairman Raymonde Dill said the group was in talks with the owners of a derelict property in Union Street, Hamilton.

He said the eight-unit building would feature shared kitchen and dining rooms run by a caretaker.

He said: "The Housing Corporation is seeking alternative options to our eviction policy. If people don't pay their rent we try to help them, but it doesn't always work.

"This will get a roof over their heads but with a reduction in the independence associated with having your own front door key. It could be for single mothers with young children.'' The application was passed by the Development Applications Board and Mr. Dill said conversion work on the building could be completed by the end of the summer.

PLANNING PLN