New Year brings a fresh start for families moving into new housing development

The first families have started moving in to Halton Housing Trust’s new development of 22 affordable homes in Avondale Close, Widnes.

Among the new neighbours are Emma Riley and Edward Stokes who have moved in with their nine-month-old son, Zen.

“We’re so happy to be in a home together because we had been living apart,” said Emma. “We are so happy with the house, we absolutely love it.”

Partner Construction is the principal contractors on the scheme which is due to finish on schedule and within budget in March when the final neighbours will move in.

All the homes have been designed and built with young families in mind. Among them is one bespoke, four-bedroom house that is equipped for children with disabilities.

Barry Smith, Managing Director of Partner Construction said; “There is a serious responsibility that comes with building new communities. It’s important to us that we establish partnerships with local organisations that share our dedication to deliver desirable, sustainable communities . Working together with Halton Housing Trust on this scheme was an exciting partnership and we are confident that the scheme will be a fantastic addition to the local community.

The Trust’s Housing Options Officers, Sue Walkey and Rebecca Harrop, have met with the families and allocated the homes to those on the waiting list.

Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Halton Housing Trust, said: “There is a real need for more homes like this in Halton so this is an important development for the area.”.

“This scheme will provide people from across the borough with homes that are flexible to meet their changing needs. It also has the benefit of providing much-needed family housing to meet an ever increasing demand.”

During the 2012 the Trust will complete a further 12 new homes for rent in Widnes and 47 extracare homes at its Naughton Fields scheme in Widnes for rent, shared ownership and sale.