Keys handed over to new affordable homes
Keys have been handed over to some of the first residents of a new affordable housing development in a Staffordshire village.
The 14 new homes at Forest Edge in Loggerheads have been built for The Wrekin Housing Group by Shropshire Homes.
The development lies on the edge of the village off Market Drayton Road, next to the fire station, and will include a total of 56 houses along with public open space once completed.
Speaking after receiving their keys, the new tenants said they were overjoyed with their homes and couldn’t wait to get settled in.
They included new parents Jade Barnett and Ant White, along with their baby daughter Charlotte.
Jade, 32, said getting the keys to their first family home felt like “freedom”.
She said: “It won’t sink in until we’re settled. We live in Silverdale with my mother-in-law but it’s getting pretty cramped because Ant’s brother is there, and his partner.”
Jade said she fell in love with the property when she first came to look around, and was also happy to be moving just five minutes from her sister’s house.
She said: “When I came to look at the house I loved it. The size of the house is amazing, it’s not too big and not too small.”
New neighbour Jill Suddes, 42, was also looking for a family home, as she needed to move out of her old property in Madeley.
With four boys, aged 17, 16, 14 and 12, Jill said the biggest selling point of the house was the downstairs toilet – and is planning to get moved in quickly with so many pairs of helping hands.
She said: “I just thought it was a lovely house, and I was taken aback because I didn’t expect a new build, so it was a nice surprise.
“All my children have got friends around here so they’ll be happy.
“I love it, I can’t wait to move in now.”
Another new neighbour is Carl Cino, 38, who is moving from Newcastle-Under-Lyme with daughter Angel, 14.
Carl said he had reservations at first, but was instantly sold on the house when he came to view it.
“I knew Loggerheads was a beautiful rural area,” said Carl.
“I do have friends in Loggerheads and I’ve always come here a lot over the years, so I know everyone in The Loggerheads pub and the local shop.
“The house is absolutely amazing. I’m so happy and very, very lucky to be getting a new build.”
Carl also praised the housing group, saying assistant project manager Katie Schulz and housing services executive Sue Beech had been “absolutely amazing”.
He added: “The whole process has been perfect – I can’t knock them at all.”
Of the 14 Wrekin homes on the development, nine were made available for affordable rent while the remaining five are shared ownership.
Katie said: “The Wrekin Housing Group is very proud to have been able to provide these good quality, affordable new homes for local families.
“We know there is a real need for this type of housing in our rural communities and we’re happy to help play our part in meeting the demand.
“At Forest Edge we aren’t just providing houses, we’re building a lasting community of people who love their homes, love their neighbourhood and have real pride in where they live."
20th February 2024