VILLAGERS are celebrating after work has started on 14 affordable homes in Tattenhall.

Residents turned out for the laying of the first foundation stones for the two and three bedroom homes off Ravensholme Lane.

The need for more affordable homes in the village was identified in the parish plan in 2006 and since then councillors have been investigating the possibility of bringing a small number of homes to the village.

A Housing Open Day in the village, for residents of Tattenhall ward, saw more than 150 people go to find out more about affordable housing, and further investigation established there was an acute shortage of this kind of housing.

Arena Housing was able to secure funding for a small development, which was initially for a number of rental and shared equity houses. The recession meant a rethink on the type of houses to be built, and all 14 of the new two and three bedroom homes will be for rent only. Arena also brought developer, McInerney Homes, on board, to work with them in delivering the project.

Andrew Garnett, Land Manager at McInerney Homes North West, said: “The new homes will make a significant contribution to the future sustainability of the Tattenhall community and have been designed specifically to meet local needs.

“Affordable homes are badly needed but we will also be sensitive to resident’s requests and ensure any inconvenience or disruption is kept to a minimum.”

Chairman of the Parish Council, Carol Weaver, said: “One of the action points in the Parish Plan was to investigate the provision of more affordable housing, so I am very pleased that the Parish Council has been able to bring this project to fruition.”