MAYOR ENDS HER YEAR IN TERM WITH SOD TURNING CEREMONY AT NEW RURAL HOMES DEVELOPMENT.

THE Mayor of St Albans, Councillor Alison Steer, donned her hardhat and hi-vis vest and officially marked the first stage in the development of a new rural scheme of affordable housing in Sleapshyde.

On Monday May 14 the Mayor turned the first sod at the former garage site in Sleapshyde Lane. The development will consist of three 3-bedroom houses that will be available at affordable rents to people nominated by the Council. The new homes will be owned and managed by Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association (HPCHA) and are being constructed by Jarvis Contracting of Harpenden.

Mayor, Cllr Alison Steer, said: "During my year as Mayor I have been fully supportive of the work taking place to deliver much needed affordable homes in the district. This scheme, along with other developments that are being worked on, will make a real impact in the community and are an opportunity for local people to find an affordable home.

"I look forward to visiting the homes in Sleapshyde once they have been completed."

The new development of three family houses is on an old garage site that was owned by the District Council and has been transferred to HPCHA. The site has been cleared and an electrical sub station has been relocated. Work has now started on digging the foundations for the new homes.

Chief Executive David Bogle, of Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association, added: "This is an excellent scheme that will benefit the whole community. In the past garage sites have been left to deteriorate and can have associated problems such as anti social behaviour. This new scheme will transform the existing site into three houses that will be available for rent.

"We are committed to delivering affordable housing across the county and currently have over 380 homes being built with a large proportion in the St Albans area. We are not just focused on building homes in town centres and this development in Sleapshyde is an example of a much-needed rural scheme.

The development at Sleapshyde has received grant funding from the Housing Corporation and is expected to be completed in December 2007.

Jeffrey Hollis, Jarvis' Director of Marketing, added: "We are very pleased to be involved with this project, one of several being undertaken on behalf of the client. The job comprises traditional construction with slate roof, brick and block walls and timber boarding to ensure harmonisation with the local area. The contract, valued at approximately £450k, is due for completion in December 2007."