Funding for affordable homes scheme announced

The mayor of the West Midlands has announced funding of £450,000 will go towards an affordable housing development in the Black Country.

Richard Parker said the money from the West Midlands Combined Authority would be used to cover the cost of cleaning up the former scaffolding works off Friar Park Road, Wednesbury, in preparation for its redevelopment.

Thirty-four homes will be built at the site and made available to local people at discounted rates or through a rent-to-buy scheme, the Labour mayor said.

The £7.4m development, partly funded by Homes England, is expected to create or protect more than 100 jobs, along with 10 construction apprentices working on site.

Parker said it formed part of his commitment to build affordable homes at a time when people were "struggling to secure the safe, warm home they need to get ahead in life".

"Schemes like this don't just build new homes, they provide jobs and help rebuild communities that people can feel connected to and proud of," he added.

The homes are being built by Keon Homes for housing association Citizen and are scheduled to be completed by late 2026.

The site will be located next to land earmarked for the Friar Park Urban Village development, which will see 600 homes built on derelict ground covering the size of 32 football pitches.

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