Bungalows for elderly built in Rowde and East Knoyle

Eight new bungalows designed to house elderly people in rural locations in Rowde and East Knoyle are now being lived in.

The Council own and run the bungalows which help older residents remain within their local community, have a home that is energy efficient and cost effective to run, and have suitable accommodation to meet their needs as they become older.

The homes were officially opened alongside residents on Tuesday 18 July. The bungalows are modern well designed built to a high standard and able to be adapted.

Chuck Berry, cabinet member for housing, said: "Wiltshire Council is committed to providing new affordable homes and this is an excellent way to utilise unused council-owned land to provide a much needed housing solution in this county."

"I am particularly delighted we are providing affordable homes for our older residents in rural areas so they can continue to enjoy and be part of their own local communities."

David Clayton, who moved into one for the bungalows in Rowde, said: "I never thought we'd have such well-equipped and high specification bungalows in such a lovely area. Everything here suits exactly what I need at this stage of my life, and I'm delighted with it."

Val Reilly, who moved now lives in one of the properties in East Knoyle, said: "It's like winning the lottery, and I'm just lost for words. It's perfect, and I really cannot thank the council enough for this wonderful home."

The innovative schemes are part of our £42.5million housing development programme, which will see more than 220 new affordable homes built in Wiltshire by 2020. The council is working with local communities to create, own and run 226 affordable homes for families and elderly residents across the county. These schemes will mean there will be approximately 5,540 affordable homes for families and elderly residents across the county.

Rigg Construction developed the sites on our behalf. The Homes and Communities Agency provided £90,000 towards the cost of the two developments.