The first council-owned homes for 25 years have been finished in Bamber Bridge.

Nearly 30 people have now moved into the former McKenzie Arms site in Station Road.

Work on the site began in 2020 and in the past fortnight the first tenants have begun moving in.

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The development, built by South Ribble Borough Council, has a mix of three three-bedroom townhouses, nine one-bedroom apartments and three two-bedroom apartments.

Suzanne, who is one of those due to move into the properties, said: “We are really excited to move into our new home. The homes are gorgeous, they are very spacious and done to a high standard.

“Myself and my daughter are happy to stay in Bamber Bridge where we have lived all of our lives and get to stay close to our friends and family.”

The borough council has introduced a ‘local connection’ criteria as part of the application process so the homes are prioritised for those with a specific link to Bamber Bridge.

The development was part-funded through the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities along with the One Public Estates Land Release Fund and Housing England.

Leader of South Ribble Borough Council councillor Paul Foster said: “I just cannot get over how amazing it is to see these homes finished with new residents moving in. We wanted to create quality, affordable and energy efficient homes for local people and we have delivered.

“I hope this is the first of many quality homes we can build across the borough. Our residents deserve the very best, and local people should not have to settle for rogue landlords, many of whom offer sub-standard properties at extortionate prices. This is a new era for council housing, and I cannot wait to look at how we can develop more.”

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The homes were built by Tyson Construction and the day-to-day management of the properties will be undertaken by Progress Housing.

Director of Housing Operations for Progress Robert Porter said: “We are delighted to see the development reach completion and are thrilled to be managing these homes on behalf of South Ribble Borough Council. It is a great example of our continued partnership working.

“The properties have been built to a high quality and are situated in a convenient central location, near transport links, schools and shops.

“These new homes help to meet the acute shortage of affordable homes in the borough and an ever-growing increase in demand.

“We are really pleased to welcome tenants to their new homes and wish them many years of happiness in them.”

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