Construction work starts in £56m homes plan in Telford

Work has started on a £56m project to build new homes in Shropshire.

More than 400 houses and apartments will be built on seven sites in Telford, a spokesman for Telford and Wrekin Council said.

The houses will be rented by the council to private tenants, with 17% classed as affordable rent.

The first phase will see the site of the former Woodlands Primary developed and houses should be ready to let by the end of the year.

Units for shops, bars and restaurants at the Southwater retail development and in Madeley will also be built as part of the scheme.

The authority wants to build 20,000 homes in the town by 2031.