'I've definitely got my smile back': Final tenant moves into new bungalow in Amble
The final tenant has moved into her new affordable bungalow in Amble, marking the completion of a scheme which has transformed garages into modern homes.
Christina, a wheelchair user, recently moved into her new home on Alndale and is already describing the move as ‘life-changing’.
Originally from nearby Red Row, Christina said: “Although I am a full-time wheelchair user, I am determined to live independently, and my new bungalow has given me a new sense of freedom. It's just absolutely fantastic.
“I have carers who I pay for who come and assist me and help me get out and about and the bungalow is beautiful and spacious with everything I need in a home.
“My father still lives in Red Row and visits regularly and my brother lives in Amble too so I get to see more of him.”
One of the first things she planned was to plant a red rose bush in memory of her late mother.
A partnership scheme between Northumberland County Council and HUSK – a firm which specialises in converting garages into homes – has seen old council garages converted into 14 new bungalows.
These are now owned and managed by the council and rented out at an affordable rate to local people in housing need.
Since 2017, some 2,470 affordable homes to rent or buy have been built in communities across the county.
Planning permission has also been granted for a further 1,130 affordable homes.
The one and two bed bungalows are eco-friendly with an insulated timber frame and roof, air source heat pumps, and solar panels to help reduce the energy bills.
The new bungalows, funded by the council, are situated on St Lawrence Avenue (3), Kennedy Road (4), Alndale (4) and Andrew Drive (3).
Cllr Colin Horncastle, cabinet member with responsibility for housing said: “The Amble scheme has turned some old buildings into really attractive energy efficient homes and in a cost-effective way too.
"The bungalows were designed with wheelchair users in mind, with a level access entrance, a wet room and wide doorways – which is ideal for Christina, and I am so pleased she is enjoying living there.
Russell Edwards, founder of HUSK, said: “Our designs breathe new life into old brownfield sites and address local housing needs by creating environmentally efficient homes with a modern look and feel.
“It's fantastic to see these old areas smartened up whilst creating new and needed homes for this community.”