A CROWD of local people including tenants, local schoolchildren, town councillors and local authority and housing association staff celebrated Rural Housing Week with the grand opening of the affordable homes at Millway, Bradninch, a scheme supported by the Duchy of Cornwall.

The 15 homes are designed with varying finishes, slate, brick and render set sympathetically between longstanding village dwellings and a picturesque Devon landscape.

They are fronted by an open grass area and all the homes have private gardens front and back and benefit from off road parking.

The Guinness Partnership, a major provider of affordable housing with a history of delivering high quality rural schemes which meet local needs, worked with contractors C G Fry to construct these on time and on budget.

These homes are approximately five minutes’ walk from the local shop, doctor’s surgery, bus stop and Guildhall. They will provide the vibrant community of Bradninch with homes that will remain affordable for people with a local connection to Bradninch in perpetuity.

Jackie Jones, Housing Officer, The Guinness Partnership, said: “Bradninch residents couldn’t believe their luck when they received the news that they were successful applicants.

“Since moving in last March they have settled well, forming a community who are very supportive of each other.”

After a ribbon cutting ceremony and a short speech by Ryan Hosken, Head of Development at The Guinness Partnership, the party proceeded to the Guildhall for tea and biscuits.