SIX new homes exclusively for residents on Basildon Council's homeseeker register have been completed in Kershaw Close, Wickford.

The development consists of four two-bed houses and two two-bed apartments, being the second phase of a scheme which previously saw four two-bed houses built also for council tenants in the nearby Thackeray Row.

The homes have been built by the council's house building company Sempra Homes, offering high levels of energy efficiency through increased insulations, targeted air permeability, and energy efficient boilers. Each property also includes two parking spaces plus additional ones for general use.

The completed development was visited by senior councillors and officers who worked on the project for a tour of the site.

From left: Cllr Jeff Henry - Non-Executive Director of Sempra Homes, Melanie Keys - Manager of Sempra Homes, Cllr Andrew Baggott - Leader of Basildon Council, Mandie Skeat - Deputy Chief Executive, Leslie O'Shea - Director of Housing and Property, Louise Humby - Project Manager

Council leader Cllr Andrew Baggott said: "Kershaws Close and the nearby Thackeray Row have transformed an area of wasteland into a brand-new affordable development which is vibrant, attractive, and accessible to residents.

"It's important that we build homes across the borough of different tenure types to suit different needs. This development consists of much needed council housing, which will give families on our council housing list a chance to create a new life in a brand new modern, sustainable home."

Sempra Homes manager Melanie Keys added: "This is a brilliant development that's been made by borough residents for borough residents. The large majority of labour used in the construction phase were from the borough, as were the local merchants who supplied the general building materials. This aspect of our work, as well as the work experience placements on the project to local students from the surrounding schools and construction colleges, is really important to Sempra Homes.

"I'm delighted with both phase one and phase two of this scheme, it's great for us to be able to give ten tenants the keys to a brand-new home that memories can be made in for years to come."