EMPTY offices have been converted into affordable homes in the town centre.

The building, which was vacant for three years, was renovated under Swindon Council's Empty Homes Scheme.

The council launched Swindon Empty Homes Partnership in 1997 and since then has played a role in making use of more than 300 empty private homes.

The creation of 14 flats was jointly funded by grants from the Housing Corporation and private finance raised by charitable organisation Jephson Housing Association.

The flats are being let to people nominated by the council from their waiting lists. Rents are set at a level, which makes them affordable to ordinary working people.

Swindon's Mayor, Coun Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham & Nythe) unveiled a plaque to commemorate the event. He said: "It is a tremendous scheme and it was an honour to open the flats. There is a shortage of affordable housing throughout the country so these homes are really needed. I started off in a council house and in many ways it is the first rung on the ladder and people move on up."

Yesterday, the partnership held a 'drop-in' event at the Steam museum to encourage owners of empty properties to renovate them.