THE first resident has moved into an affordable housing scheme in Richmondshire.

Fran Bateman, who has lived in Colburn for the past 45 years, said she was delighted with her two-bedroomed bungalow.

It has been built, along with another, on the site of an old council-owned garage.

Richmondshire District Council gave the land to Tees Valley Housing Group in order to build them. The bungalows have been designed to meet the needs of disabled residents, with a wide hallway and specially-equipped bathroom.

"Providing affordable housing to meet the local need is a key priority for the council," said local councillor Peter Wood.

"Mrs Bateman's case is a prime example of how providing the right sort of accommodation will benefit the whole community.

"By moving into this bungalow, life will become easier for Fran, as she no longer has to cope with the stairs, and her old, two-bedroomed home has been freed up for allocation from the housing list, so a local family could also benefit."

A further seven bungalows are being built in Colville Crescent, Colburn.