Council house project starts

WORK has begun on a scheme to build 27 homes in the heart of Ormskirk.

West Lancashire Borough Council has embarked on the project to build houses specifically to be sold for the first time.

The homes are being built near the council’s Derby Street offices on the site of Westec House, former council offices demolished in 2014. There will be: Three two-bedroom terraced houses.

Eight two-bedroom semi-detached houses.

Six three-bedroom semi-detached houses.

One three-bedroom detached house.

A further two-bedroom terraced house will be available for shared ownership.

The remaining eight homes will be one-bedroom flats to be retained by the council and rented on an affordable basis.

These eight properties will be 30% funded from money held by the council under Government rules to replace housing lost through right to buy sales.

The homes are being built for the council by construction firm Cruden.

Cllr Jenny Forshaw, portfolio holder for housing and landlord services, said: “As well as providing 27 new homes, the scheme will have an extra benefit of bringing in much needed funds for the council.

“Like many other authorities ... we are facing difficult financial challenges, and also have to become self-financing by 2020. The funds raised from the sale of homes will go towards supporting the council’s capital programme and helping to meet our priorities.”