A HOUSING association will provide more than 30 new homes as part of a £2.5m development programme.

Endeavour Housing Association will build the homes, on Teesside, including some specially designed for the disabled, during the next 12 months.

Following the success of two self-build schemes in Middlesbrough, funding has been secured for a third in Skelton, in which 12 houses will be constructed, at a cost of about £765,000.

In addition, £400,000 worth of improvements will be carried out to the association's existing stock.

One of the most ambitious parts of the proposals involves converting a pub and its adjoining premises to provide six houses.

It will see the association branching out to develop in Middleton-in-Teesdale for the first time.

Development director Ray Gibson said: "We are delighted to be developing in a new area for us, as well as in our heartland.

"It is especially encouraging that we are to maintain our trend towards self-build.

"The new scheme at Skelton represents the major investment of the new programme, for we have been successful in attracting a £290,000 grant from the housing corporation.

"The new developments in Middlesbrough are both meeting specialist needs, and reinforcing our commitment in this field."

Mr Gibson said the improvements to properties would include fitting secure doors to 125 homes, new windows to 70 and new kitchens to 38, as well as electrical fittings, gas fires, and upgraded central heating.

Mr Gibson said: "In addition, some money has been set aside to meet the costs of aids and adaptations to houses to make life easier for disabled tenants."