John Healey launches £4.5m Rotherham council house programme

HOUSING Minister John Healey this week hailed the first new council houses in Rotherham in a generation.

More than £4.5 million funding will go on bringing 77 new homes at four sites across the borough.

Wentworth MP Mr Healey visited Wood Street in Thrybergh on Monday, where work will start later this month, to discuss the plans with residents.

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He said: “This marks the beginning of the biggest council house building programme for Rotherham since the early 1980s, and we need to do more in future.

“Through the power of Government investment we’re tackling the shortage of affordable housing, creating new jobs and apprenticeships right here in Rotherham, and supporting the construction industry when it needs it most.

“These 77 new council homes will get local people off the waiting list and into the homes they need, and also help train a new generation of construction workers.”

Rotherham Borough Council apprentices Gillian Cunningham, Zack Middleton, James Lister and Victoria Dempsey are among those who will complete their training while working on the council housing project.

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Cllr Jahangir Akhtar, cabinet member for Housing and Neighbourhoods, said: “There are more than 19,000 people on the housing register in Rotherham, so the need for affordable social housing is clear.

“Thanks to the success of the RMBC’s bid we will soon be able to offer not only new build properties but well-designed sustainable properties suitable for 21st century living.

“We are delighted that the minister has taken the time to visit the start of this exciting development.”