Affordable homes given the thumbs up

Residents have moved into one of several new affordable homes, developed with the help of grant funding from the Welsh Assembly Government. Mr and Mrs Pearce received the keys to their new property on Colliery Road, Chirk this week. The property is one of seven two-bedroom bungalows on the street developed by a local housing association to provide more affordable housing for people in Wrexham.

The homes have been funded through Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd housing associations and the Welsh Assembly Governments Social Housing Grant (SHG). The grant is given to Registered Social Landlords (housing associations) by the Assembly Government with the aim of providing new affordable housing for rent or low cost home ownership.

• SHG can be used to support:
• schemes to increase the supply of affordable housing for rent;
• schemes for older people including Extracare schemes;
• Homebuy - to assist people to purchase a home;
• schemes to address low demand and to support community regeneration; and
• schemes for people who need support with independent living.

The authority works with Pennaf Housing Association, Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd, Wales & West and other housing associations to help deliver affordable housing in Wrexham.

Terri Sheern and her husband Douglas have also moved into a bungalow on Colliery Road and are delighted with their new home.

Mrs Sheern said:

"It is fantastic. We’re really pleased with it. It has everything we need and is very convenient because it is so close to the shops."

Appropriate Affordable Housing is one of Wrexham Council’s corporate priorities for 2009/2010. The authority has been exploring ways to increase the provision of affordable housing and make better use of the Social Housing Grant from the Assembly, hoping to have built a further 2205 affordable houses by 2021.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, Lead Member for Housing and Planning, said:

"Wrexham Council is committed to providing more affordable homes for local residents. This is an excellent example of how, by working in partnership with local organisations, we can deliver more affordable housing for the people of Wrexham. I would like to thank the Assembly Government for the funding that helps provide affordable housing for local people during these difficult times.

"Everyone has the right to a good quality, affordable home. Appropriate Affordable Housing is one of Wrexham Council’s corporate priorities for 2009/2010 and the authority is making great inroads in helping to meet demand."

For further information about affordable housing in Wrexham, please contact the Housing Standards and Strategy Team on 01978 315300 or by emailing housingstandardsandstrategy@wrexham.gov.uk.