Dudley Council embarked on a £1.7million pound housing development to build 16 council homes on the site of a former row of shops and maisonettes on Beech Road, and the build is near completion.

This is another project as part of the council’s commitment in 2014 to invest £40million to build more than 350 new homes on sites across the borough.

Four of the properties have been earmarked for tenants already living in the area who are looking to downsize, with 12 two-bedroom and four one-bedroom apartment available.  The new homes could be just the ticket for tenants who live in a house that is getting too big to maintain or those struggling with the stairs, garden or bills. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, said:

"I’m really pleased to see yet another one of our new build schemes nearing completion.The old buildings on this site had seen better days and were in desperate need of redevelopment.

"Now we have a new contemporary apartment block that fits in with the local street scene, offers quality affordable homes and possibly a suitable alternative to tenants in the area who might be thinking about downsizing.”