Village furniture is being given to families in need

Glasgow Housing Associa-tion, which is part of the Wheatley Group, has started moving more than 60,000 items including sofas, beds and wardrobes from the Athletes' Village.

It is estimated that one of the biggest flittings Scotland has ever seen will require more than 2500 trips to move the furniture to storage facilities in Dalmarnock, where it will be catalogued.

Wheatley Group will then distribute it directly to tenants in and around Glasgow who may be struggling to furnish their homes.

They will include GHA tenants and tenants of Cube and Loretto housing associations, which are also part of Wheatley.

Furniture will also be available for city based registered social landlords and community groups which support families in need.

A showhome has been set up on the Wyndford Estate in Maryhill, where tenants, landlords and groups can see what is available.

GHA chairman Gordon Sloan said: "We know many tenants are struggling to make ends meet in the current economic climate and we are pleased this furniture has been made available to help people furnish their homes.

"The amount of furniture being uplifted from the Village is way beyond our expectations and while this means a huge operation, it also means many thousands of people will benefit.

"It is a tangible way in which the Commonwealth Games has left behind a legacy for the people of Glasgow."

As well as wardrobes, bedside tables, beds, sofas and bean bags there are also smaller items such as pedal bins, cushions and clothes horses.

The furniture was used in the accommodation which became home to 6500 athletes and officials during the Games.

Wheatley's neighbourhood services leader Jacqueline Norwood said: "We will be ready to start delivering it to our customers later this month.

"Our housing officers are talking with tenants and identifying those who would really benefit from this kind of support."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk