Housing chiefs in Scotland have called time on two derelict pubs to provide new facilities for the community.

Parkhead Housing Association have spent £260,000 buying the two pubs in Glasgow. The housing group plan to demolish The Pippin bar in Duke Street, creating 10 new flats for people currently on their waiting list.

The plan for the Bank bar in Gallowgate will cost around £500,000 as the building is developed from a five storey building into a facility suitable for local residents. It is hoped the restoration which is being part funded by Glasgow City Heritage Trust, will be complete by Autumn 2011.

Jim Strang chief executive of PHA told the Evening Times: "Our slogan is 'Good Homes, Balanced Communities' and that is what Parkhead Housing Association aims to create. There is a high concentration of pubs in Glasgow's East End and as a socially responsible local organisation, we want to offer people a positive alternative to spending their evenings at the bar."

In a separate project which is also part funded by Glasgow City Heritage Trust, the association is refurbishing the exterior of the redstone Gushed building which was built in 1902. The project is also estimated to cost £500,000.

The association has also announced plans that it plans to create 60 new family homes as part of Phase Two in its Whiterose development. Although most of the projects are dependant on government support, Mr Strang said investing in housing would not only sustain the social housing jobs in the area, but would also boost the number of apprenticeships available whilst "bolstering health and educational attainment.''