Wiltshire £77m housing project to create 350 homes

New homes are being built in Westbury, Trowbridge, Warminster, Melksham and Hilperton

Work has started on a £77m housing project to create 350 new affordable rented homes in Wiltshire.

The Private Finance Initiative was given the green light last year and is using land which has been provided by Wiltshire Council and Persimmon Homes.

Properties are being built in Westbury, Trowbridge, Warminster, Melksham and Hilperton during the first phase and should be ready to live in by summer.

A further 100 homes could also be created as part of the housing scheme.

Councillor John Thomson, deputy leader of the Conservative-led council, said he was pleased the houses were being built despite the "difficult financial times".

"It is especially important during the economic downturn that we are able to provide enough good quality accommodation for Wiltshire's residents, and also bring much-needed jobs and commercial activities to the area," he said.

The housing PFI allows local authorities to work with private sector partners to build, improve and manage housing.