Taunton's Halcon estate scheme given cash boost

An housing redevelopment project aimed at transforming a deprived area of Taunton, Somerset, has been given a cash boost.

The scheme could see 50 new council-owned houses built in Creechbarrow Road and 30 low-cost properties, in another part of the Halcon estate.

The new properties will be flats and family homes - some flats designed especially for the elderly.

Taunton Deane Borough Council has agreed to invest £7m in the scheme.

Knightstone Housing, supported by funding from the Homes and Communities Agency, will also invest £4m.

People living in Creechbarrow Road will be helped to find alternative homes and assisted with the move.

A consultation will be held with the wider community where residents and neighbours can comment on design proposals at a date to be fixed.

The Halcon estate was built after World War II to replace slum housing.

• This story was amended on 27 September to clarify the status of the project.