Council 'proud' of new armed forces housing estate

Cheltenham Road in Corby is for serving personnel or veterans

A "first of a kind" housing development has opened for members of a county's armed forces community.

The Cheltenham Road development in Corby has 18 properties for serving personnel or veterans.

North Northamptonshire Council said it reinforces its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise that those who serve or have served in the military, and their families, are treated fairly.

Mark Rowley, a Conservative councillor and the executive member for housing and communities, said: "We're immensely proud of the site and it is hoped that it will make a real difference to people's lives - whether it be veterans or those currently serving and their families."

'An honour'

He added: "Even though the properties on site have only been lived in for a couple of months, you can tell there is already a real sense of community with residents settled in and benefitting from the facilities and layouts of the properties."

The properties range from three-bedroom and two-bedroom houses, to flats and bungalows.

The authority said the development was the first of its kind in the area.

Jason Smithers, the Conservative leader of the council, said the authority has a "strong commitment to the armed forces community".

He added: "It is great to have a development like this in North Northants.

"It was an honour to visit the Cheltenham Road site... meeting the residents who now call the development home and hearing their stories."