First council houses for 37 years
IT WAS 1981 WHEN ASHBY LAST HAD NEW LOCAL AUTHORITY HOMES
MARGARET Thatcher was Prime Minister, Dolly Parton was all over the radio with “9 to 5” and England footballer Steven Gerrard was just a baby the last time a council house was built in Ashby.
But seven new council houses have now been completed and tenants are moving in for the first time since 1981.
The new homes, spearheaded by North West Leicestershire District Council, include three houses in Smedley Close and four bungalows in Staley Avenue.
They will provide a welcome boost to residents on the council’s housing waiting list.
They will be let out at an “affordable rental” cost, for those unable to buy or rent at higher prices.
Councillor Roger Bayliss, portfolio holder for housing at the district council, said: “These new homes show our determination to provide affordable housing across North West Leicestershire and increase the council’s housing stock.
“This is an investment that will benefit our communities long into the future and we’re delighted with how the project is progressing.
“From speaking to the new tenants it’s clear they’re delighted too.”
John Watts, 72, is one of the first tenants who is currently moving into his new home.
He said: “My wife and I are proud to be moving into our lovely new home and are very excited.
“It’s going to make a real difference to our lives, mostly in that it will allow us to be much closer to family, shops and the doctors.
“We’re very grateful and excited to be moving in next week.”
Four of the homes have unique grass roofs instead of traditional tiles, offering improved insulation. They will also reduce run-off from rainwater, and will attract birds, bees and butterflies.
A celebration event was held on Friday, November 30 to show off the new homes, with MP for North West Leicestershire, Andrew Bridgen and representatives from the contractor behind the scheme, Robert Woodhead Ltd, present.
Mr Bridgen said: “I’m delighted that the council is building high quality affordable homes for local people. “For the first time in decades we have a council that is committed to building social housing as part of the Government’s affordable homes programme.”