Twenty-five affordable new homes were unveiled in Ilkeston recently, thanks to a partnership between Eastern Shires Housing Association and Three Valleys Housing.

The event was marked by a tree planting ceremony attended by the Mayor of Erewash, Mrs Eileen Knight, who was joined by children from the nearby Granby School.

The scheme, comprising seven houses and 18 apartments, was built by Thomas Vale Construction. It is the first development to be completed by a partnership between Eastern Shires Housing Group and Three Valley’s Housing Association, whose aim to is develop more affordable housing in the Erewash area.

The new homes are available to rent and on a ‘shared ownership’ basis, there is also one home for outright sale. The scheme has been financed with the help of funding from the Housing Corporation as part of the National Affordable Housing Programme 2006-2008, with the encouragement of Erewash Borough Council.

Anthony Riley, Director of Business Development at Eastern Shires Housing Association said: “We were very pleased to work on this project – it is the first of its kind in Erewash. The quality and design of the homes is very good and the project finished earlier than planned, which reflects well on the good working relationship between ourselves and the Housing Corporation."

Kevin Lowry, Chief Executive at Three Valleys Housing, commented: “One of our key aims is to help to address the shortage of affordable housing Erewash. This development has been a very positive first step in our partnership with Eastern Shires Housing Association.”