THE creation of a new housing scheme in Leaden Roding has been marked by one of the scheme’s future residents laying the first brick.

Eighty-seven-year-old Hilda Newton, who will be moving into one of the five new bungalows in April next year, carried out the ceremony accompanied by her daughter, staff from Uttlesford District Council’s housing team and representatives from Hill Partnerships, the company constructing the homes.

Hilda, who has lived in Holloway Crescent, where the new development is being built, for 11 years, said: “I’m really looking forward to being able to go out through my French doors and into my new garden.

“The new design of the property will mean I’m much more mobile – I’ll have a kitchen at the front so I’ll be able to see what’s going on, and everything in the home will be easier for me to use.

“Everything about the new place will allow me to be more independent than where I am now.”

Each bungalow has been specially designed with an emphasis on accessibility, to provide comfortable, modern homes for elderly members of the community.

The five properties are being constructed on council-owned land and will be entirely owned and run by the council.

Chairman of the council’s community and housing committee Rod Chamberlain said: “It’s great to see the new bungalows taking shape, and Mrs Newton laying the first brick really marks the beginning of the construction of these five new homes.

“This project would never have been able to happen without the great deal of hard work that has been put in by the council’s housing team, who deserve credit for bringing this scheme to fruition.

“These new properties will provide excellent accommodation for the members of our community who need it most.”

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