Shropshire Star

New homes taking shape on notorious Oswestry flats site

Once it was an estate of concrete flats with a reputation for vandalism and crime. But the three-storey buildings in Swan Lane, Oswestry, are now just a memory, having been bulldozed to make way for a new estate.

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That estate of 19 affordable homes is nearing completion and will soon welcome its first tenants.

Even the name Swan Lane has been consigned to the history books.

Developer Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing says the new name, Hignett Place, marks a fresh start.

Jason O'Donoghue, development manager at Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing, said: "The homes are nearly finished now and are looking great.

"We have a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership properties available for purchase which provide a fantastic opportunity for people to be able to get a foot on the housing ladder."

Residents of the Swan Lane flats were moved out more than two years after Shropshire Council admitted there was a high turnover of tenants and a history of substance abuse associated with the site.

It also had a reputation for vandalism, anti-social behaviour and arson attacks on wheelie bins and rubbish.

Three homes were targeted in April 2011 when police launched a major drugs crackdown nicknamed Operation Bubble, adding to the stigma for those who lived there.

But Sue Adams, managing director of the group, said: "We want future generations to feel safe and be proud of where they live.

"Hignett Place being so close to completion is really exciting and we're looking forward to welcoming new tenants to what will be a great place."

Hignett Place features 15 three-bedroomed and four, two-bedroomed homes.

One of the homes will be a bungalow for people with physical disabilities. It has been designed in conjunction with Transhouse, a local registered charity providing living accommodation for people with physical disabilities.

The new homes, which meet the Homes and Community Agencies Housing Quality Indicators, offer a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership properties available to buy.

Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing is working with the Homes and Communities Agency to build 68 affordable homes in Shropshire.

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