HOUSING trust bosses hope people will not be put off bidding on newly built family homes in Winnington.

Staff at Weaver Vale Housing Trust said a number of people have been in touch following an article in last week’s Guardian about a lack of interest in available houses.

They asked for feedback on whether it could be bedroom tax, changes to the housing register or some other cause that had resulted in only 2,000 of the 8,000 people on the register actively bidding on trust properties.

They will reveal their findings in future weeks and in the mean time are appealing to families to bid for one of six new builds at Appleton Street, in Winnington.

These include four three-bedroom homes and two four-bedroom homes.

Jackie Hodgson, housing manager for the trust, said: “The homes represent a great opportunity for families to move into a brand new energy efficient home at an affordable rent and with all the benefits that come with a social landlord.

“We expect demand to be high and would urge people to get online and register now so they can bid for the properties as soon as they become available.”

The development, being carried out by contractors Wiggett Construction, is transforming a former garage site into homes with off-street parking.

“We understand the difficulties that many families have in finding an affordable place to live in mid Cheshire which is why we have invested in the new high quality homes,” said Jackie.

“It is part of an exciting programme of development being delivered by the trust that underlines our aim to invest in more affordable housing in the local area.”

Weaver Vale Housing Trust is also building one bedroom flats at Granville Square and Kingsway in Winsford.

A fourth site is being developed in Farm Road, in Weaverham, which will see another former garage site developed into six two-bedroom and one three-bedroom bungalows for disabled customers.

The properties are being allocated through TrustHomeChoice and new residents are invited to register online in order to bid on them, while existing trust clients are being advised to watch out for the properties.

For more information visit trusthomechoice.co.uk.

  • WEAVER Vale MP Graham Evans suggested that it could be the new housing allocations policy that has caused the drop in interest and not the bedroom tax.

He said: “78% of the population (according to November 2013 Ipsos poll) agree that social housing should be reformed.

“Almost one third of social housing tenants are living in homes too big for their needs while other families are living in cramped and overcrowded accommodation and these measures will save the taxpayer around £505 million in the first year alone.

“Many ordinary people are not in a financial position to afford a spare room so it is right that housing benefits should only be spent directly on people’s needs.

“The tax payer should not be subsidising for other people to have spare rooms when most do not have the luxury of spare rooms themselves.

“Weaver Vale Housing Trust do a fantastic job providing social housing, but I am concerned that my constituents might be unsure about the new Homechoice housing allocations policy.

“I would like to state that I am always happy to meet to provide help or guidance about any issue.”

To book a slot in Mr Evans’ weekly surgery email help@grahamevansmp.com or ring 01606 350 323.