The first families have moved into a new £2.3m housing development in Widnes.

Several young families have moved into Halton Housing Trust’s flagship development of 12 apartments and six bungalows with the final new customers due to move in early next year. 

New residents were able to help influence the design of their homes, from the interior design of their new home right through to the communal areas. In some cases custom adaptations have been made to the homes to make life easier for people living with disabilities.

Stacey Twigg, 23, has moved in with partner Gary Callan and one-year-old-daughter Ragan.

The family had been living in private rented accommodation, but as Stacey’s sight began to deteriorate it was no longer suitable. She was finding it increasingly difficult to move around the property and couldn’t use the stairs.

“Our new home is smashing, really nice. It is set up much better for me and my needs. Even little things like having lighting under the kitchen cupboards helps me to get on with everyday life,” she said.

The Trust, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary, committed £1.3m to the project, with £1m coming from the Homes and Communities Agency.

The contemporary development has been built by Bramall Construction and Plus Dane Group has helped to manage the project.

Mark Hooper, Project Manager at the Plus Dane Group, said: “Plus Dane was pleased to work in partnership with Halton Housing Trust to deliver 18 new affordable homes for the area.

“The Clarke Gardens site was identified as a key opportunity to improve the provision of high quality homes because of its prime location within easy walking distance of the shops and services in the town centre.

“Particular attention was paid to the landscaping around the development to ensure that it provides a safe, attractive and welcoming environment for customers, and we are delighted with the result so far.”

Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Halton Housing Trust, said the Clarke Gardens development was an important landmark in the not-for-profit organisation’s history.

“December is the Trust’s fifth anniversary and the first customers moving into Clarke Gardens seems a fitting way to mark the occasion,” he said. “One of our goals is to improve local communities in Runcorn and Widnes through providing high quality affordable housing for rent and this is one of the many good examples where we are doing just that.”