THE first tenants have received their keys to the first newly-built council houses in the Selby district in a quarter of a century.

 

Five new bungalows have already been completed by Selby District Council at Byram, with another ten almost ready at a development in Eggborough, to help deliver affordable homes to the region.

 

The homes are specifically designed for older people and those who need additional support, and tenants have applied for the properties through the North Yorkshire Homechoice system.

 

David Nicklin was one of the first tenants to receive his keys this week, and has been involved in supporting the village for a number of years.

 

He said: "I’ve lived in Byram all my life and raised my own family in this village, so it’s fantastic to see this new development to support families in this area.

 

"I used to have a three-bedroom home in the village, but as my own family have grown up I was more than happy to move into one of these bungalows, which also helps families who need larger properties. I’ve been watching these new homes being built and really delighted to be able to move into one of them myself."

 

Julie Slatter, director of corporate services for the council, handed over the keys and said the new homes were just a start for the region.

 

She said: "One of our big ambitious for our area to make the Selby district a great place to enjoy life. Quality housing is a really important part of this.

 

"That includes supporting more good quality homes to buy, as well as investing in homes for rent. We want to make sure that people have the housing they need, in places where they need it. These two brand new developments are the first new homes we’ve been able to build for many years and it’s really great to see people with the keys in their hands."