A FAMILY from Widnes has cut the first sod of earth on a highly anticipated development at Clarke Gardens in Widnes.

Donna and Mike Hill helped design a home within the Halton Housing Trust scheme that will help provide better care for two of their three children who have disabling conditions.

Mr Hill said: “It is not just about this family because the development will help other families in a similar situation.

“Halton is in need of more affordable housing for larger families like ours.

“We have been involved in this development from the start. I would like to thank Halton Housing Trust for their ongoing support in helping us get the home we needed. I would also like to thank our MP Derek Twigg for all his help.”

Halton Housing Trust is building 12 two-bedroom apartments and six bungalows on the former brownfield site.

The Hill family’s new home will be completely wheelchair accessible, with a specially adapted bathroom, and ceiling hoists. Children will be able to open doors via remote control, and there is undercover off-road parking for the family’s large Motability vehicle.

“It will make a huge difference to our family,” added Mr Hill.

The development has been made possible by a £1million grant from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) combined with a £1.3 million investment from the Trust itself. Funding has come from the HCA’s National Affordable Housing Programme, which is providing high quality, affordable homes in sustainable communities.

Deborah McLaughlin, North West Regional Director of the HCA, said: “I am pleased that we are able to support a scheme that is so important to the needs of local people.

“Clarke Gardens is a great example of how the HCA invests in innovative and effective partnerships to ensure that much needed affordable homes are built with full consideration for the people who will be living in them. I sincerely hope the Hill family will be happy in their new home and wish them all the best.”

Plus Dane Group has helped manage the project for the Trust.

The project, at the former site of an unpopular bedsit scheme, will create much needed affordable housing for the town.

“The project will be a major boost for Widnes,” said Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Halton Housing Trust.

“We have invested a considerable amount of time and research to ensure this develops to be a flagship scheme that addresses the housing needs of people across the Borough.

“We are delighted to have the Hill family attend the launch of the development. It shows how this project is having a major impact on local families.”

Peter Marsh, Chief Executive of the Tenant Services Authority, which regulates social housing in England, also attended the event.

Bramall Construction has been chosen to carry out the construction work, which is expected to take around nine months.

The company’s Construction Director Steve Parrington said: “We are delighted that work is about to begin on this exciting new scheme and it is a real privilege to be part of something that promises to rejuvenate Widnes and help people access affordable housing at the same time.

“Donna and Mike will see firsthand their input into the design to provide a home which is fit for purpose and will make a big difference to their lives. The homes are also eco-efficient which is very important as the environment is always high up on our list of considerations.”