Mayor opens £1.6million Kempston housing development
 
Much needed new affordable housing has been completed in Kempston, Bedford by Jephson Homes Housing Association as a result of a partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency, Bedford Borough Council and housebuilder Taylor French.
 
A ceremony was held to mark the completion of the homes yesterday (June 16th, 2010), when an English Rose tree was presented to new resident Mrs Zoe Dynes by the Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson. He was joined by representatives of the development partners.
 
Land in an established residential area was developed to provide the 10 new homes at The Glen, Kempston. The development is made up of nine three-bedroom houses and one three-bedroom bungalow.
 
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) contributed over £500,000 towards the development and Bedford Borough Council invested £100,000.  All of the homes have been made available for affordable rent and will be let through Bedfordshire Choice Based Lettings Scheme.
 
 
Timothy Cockerill, member of the East Region Committee, Jephson Homes Housing Association said: “We are very pleased with the end result and the St John’s Walk development will be a great home for the people moving in.
 
“We are happy to be working in partnership with Taylor French Developments, the Homes and Communities Agency and Bedford Borough Council to help meet the housing needs of local people.  Jephson is delighted to be able to offer them an affordable option for new housing.”
 
Cllr Colleen Atkins, Housing, Planning and Licensing Portfolio Holder for Bedford Borough Council, said, “I am pleased this new development will be providing much needed, affordable, three bedroom housing for ten families.  There is an acute shortage of affordable housing in Bedford and Kempston and we are therefore delighted to see this development come to completion.”   
 
Steve Collins, Head of Area for the Homes & Communities Agency, said: “We are delighted to have supported this scheme with grant funding from the National Affordable Housing Programme, which provides much-needed family homes in the area.”
 

 
PICTURED (left to right): Timothy Cockerill, member of the East Region Committee, Jephson Homes Housing Association, Steve Collins, Head of Area for the Homes & Communities Agency, the Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson and Councillor Colleen Atkins, Housing, Planning and Licensing Portfolio Holder for Bedford Borough Council with Mrs Zoe Dynes (centre holding rose shrub) new resident of The Glen in Kempston.

JULY 2010