THE first residents have moved into a new housing scheme which is part of a £15m village regeneration project.

Two families have arrived at College View, in Esh Winning, where 30 new homes have been built under the Durham Villages Regeneration Scheme (DVRC).

DVRC, a partnership between Durham County Council and developer Keepmoat, has also seen nine bungalows at Station Avenue and 21 homes at Oak Green built. Together, the three projects are worth around £15m.

In addition, planning permission was recently granted for 78 new homes off Ridding Road.

At College View, eight homes will be privately owned and 22 rented through Isos Housing Group and Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association (DAMHA).

Shaun Dixon, who has moved with his wife Janice and son Rhys, said: “We never thought we’d get a house in the village where Janice grew up and where most of our family, who have been our rock in recent times, live. It’s like a dream come true.”

Their new neighbours are Kevin Kenny, his partner Joanne Hinde and their son Shay.

Councillor Clive Robson, the council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We are delighted that this joint venture is both popular and exciting for the local people in Esh Winning who are witnessing the transformation of their former pit village.”