WOOTTON Bassett has just seen the completion of five new affordable homes, which the town council hopes will enable young people to stay in the town and get their own homes.

The flats were converted from redundant offices above HSBC bank in Station Road and will all be rent controlled to allow ordinary working people to live there.

Tenant Kate Jackson, 56, said: "I was living in Wootton Bassett with my two sons, but then one went off to tour the world and the other moved to Swindon and I just couldn't afford to pay the house rent on my own.

"I applied for housing in Westlea and they told me about this place, which I am really grateful for because I really didn't want to leave Wootton Bassett. I like the town and the sense of community it has.

"These are lovely little flats. They are so convenient, right on the High Street. I have a kitchen, bathroom, double bedroom, sitting area and hallway all for £60 a week."

Wootton Bassett Mayor Marion Sweet, said: "I really welcome this development, because I think it is an important first step in attracting young people in to the town.

"What we need to do now is bring the jobs in to the town so they have somewhere to work as well as somewhere to live. We really need some inward investment."

"We do have some housing association owned property, but for older and young people who want to have a home of their own, it is important that we encourage more of this low cost housing."

Manager of developer, Jephson Housing Association, Sharon Hayward said: "The £400,000 development was financed partly by North Wiltshire District Council, and partly by Jephson, and will house people referred by North Wiltshire District Council from their Common Housing register."