Affordable houses for Clitheroe grot spot

Sixty dilapidated garages on waste ground in Henthorn Road are to be turned into three four-bedroom and five two-bedroom rented houses.

Work on the site is scheduled to start in September and be completed by June 2013.

Ribble Valley Borough Council has joined forces with social landlord Ribble Valley Homes to provide the properties.

The council sold the land to Ribble Valley Homes and is undertaking the necessary legal work.

Stuart Hirst, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council's health and housing committee, said: "If you consider that there are only seven four-bedroom affordable houses for social rent in the entire borough, you can appreciate how much-needed these properties are.

"We are delighted to be working with Ribble Valley Homes and the Symphony Housing Group to bring this important scheme to fruition."

Christine Grimshaw, managing director of Ribble Valley Homes, added: "These houses will provide much-needed affordable accommodation for local families, as well as bring environmental enhancements to a dilapidated site.

Many of the garages had fallen into disrepair and are unused, but alternatives are being found where possible for those still in use.

Further details are available from Ribble Valley Homes in Station Road, Clitheroe, or by phoning 0800 111 4448.

Picture: Stuart Hirst and Christine Grimshaw.