HEREFORDSHIRE Council has already made a difference to affordable housing figures in Leominster amid challenges faced in the economic crisis.

Eleven new homes were secured by the Marches Housing Association in February after it received a grant from the local authority’s strategic housing department.

The properties are now on a six-year lease to the housing association and the first tenants have already moved in after money came from the council’s housing needs and development team.

Marches business development officer Amanda Knowles said: “There is a considerable need for affordable housing nationwide and we are happy to be providing homes for local people while supporting the local building network.”

Adrian Poiner, one of those currently making themselves at home, said: “I am really happy here, the house is perfect for me”.

Three affordable homes have also arrived in Hereford courtesy of the housing group behind the ESG development.

The Venn’s Lane properties are the first of 17 in the city to be introduced by Sanctuary this year after developers Bloor Homes recently handed them over.