SEVERAL new homes were officially opened in Bridgwater earlier today by Cllr Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council.

Cllr Revans was joined by fellow councillors, and Homes in Sedgemoor staff and board members to cut the ribbon for the official opening of the £4.3million development at the old Bigwood and Staple Printworks site.

The 29 new homes are now available as social rental properties, thanks to Homes in Sedgemoor.

Cllr Revans said: “What I really love about these houses is some of them are going to be allocated to adults with learning disabilities, who will have an ideal place to live, to be looked after, to take part in community, to live independently and that’s exactly what we want to do with our housing stock in Somerset.”

All of the homes come with single parking spaces and landscaped surrounds, external cycle storage and bin stores.

As well as welcoming new tenants to their first affordable home they are also suitable for those who wish to downsize to a smaller, more energy-efficient property, freeing up a bigger home for a family that needs it.

The homes will also target individuals, couples, those wishing to work from home, or perhaps those who have a need for overnight carers.

Cllr Leigh Redman, who was also in attendance alongside Cllr Hilary Bruce, added: "Really pleased to be part of the handover of 29 amazing homes in the centre of Bridgwater."Bridgwater Mercury: Cllr Leigh Redman & Cllr Hilary Bruce near the Bigwood & Staple development. Cllr Leigh Redman & Cllr Hilary Bruce near the Bigwood & Staple development. (Image: Cllr Leigh Redman)

Peter Hatch, chief executive of Homes in Sedgemoor said: “The new homes at the former Bigwood and Staples site meet a wide variety of needs for families and individuals in Bridgwater looking for safe, affordable and environmentally responsible properties.

"We are delighted to have been able to work together with Somerset Council, Homes England, Abracore and LOHC on this project and today marks a very special day for the community and everyone that’s worked so hard to get this project over the finish line.”

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, added: “These are such fantastic properties, they are built to such a high standard and will have lots of benefits to the tenants, solar panels, being built to high EPC ratings and they’re just really perfectly centred in the centre of Bridgwater.”