A NEW housing estate has just welcomed its final customer.

Millers Close, a £7 million affordable housing development has now fully welcomed all of its local renters.

Based in Botcherby in Carlisle it consists of sixty six two and three bedroom houses and bungalows, created by the housing association Home Group.

David Armstrong, Senior Development and Delivery Manager at Home Group, said: "We are delighted to welcome our last customers into their new homes at Millers Close.

"Development of the scheme has seen local people being able to access high quality, affordable housing that is much needed in Cumbria – something that gives everyone at Home Group great satisfaction.

"With the pandemic squeezing people’s finances even further, it’s more important than ever that we continue to work hard, with our regional partners, to deliver even more affordable housing options in the future."

The homes are available to rent at what we are told is a significant reduction of the market rate.

Home Group got funding from Homes England in an attempt to increase affordable housing options in the area for local people.

Alongside Home Group and Homes England, Millers Close has been created in collaboration with Carlisle City Council and Thomas Armstrong Construction Ltd.

A current resident, who has asked to remain anonymous, moved into the final home last week and said that it's very important that more affordable housing is built.

They said: "Private rent is absolutely astronomical. I was paying over £500 per month for a two-bedroom house and for a three-bedroom house it’s anywhere between £600 and £700.

"Home Group have been very helpful. Spot on from the first phone call. It’s been a long time coming as I was waiting for a three-bedroom house to become available."

The development sits on the site of of Botcherby Mill which was later used as a dairy farm and a range of other commercial businesses.

The land remained vacant for some time until Millers Close represented a priority for Carlisle City Council in creating new affordable homes in the area.