New bungalows transform residents’ lives

Housing Hartlepool has unveiled a £1 million bungalow development, which is transforming the lives of residents.

The nine properties in Laureate Close, Hartlepool, have been officially opened by Anne Mulroy, from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), which contributed a grant of £477,000 to the scheme.

Harry Moon, who has mobility problems, was the first person to move into Laureate Close. He previously lived in a house with a large garden.

The 75-year-old retired shipyard riveter, said: “I love living here. It is roomy and warm and I have no problem getting around my new home with everything being on the same level.

“The stairs in my previous home were a problem and I was not able to care for the large garden. This bungalow is perfect for me and I settled in straight away.”

Mulroy added: “These striking new homes have transformed an area of land that was derelict for over 20 years.

“With distinctive rooflines and decorative wrought iron railings, Laureate Close will give the whole area a lift.

“Our role is to help housing providers like Housing Hartlepool to make things happen in local neighbourhoods, and Laureate Close is a great example of that approach in action.”

Colin Wilson, Housing Hartlepool’s director of regeneration, said: “As can be seen by the example of Mr Moon, this development will make a real difference to people’s lives.

“The homes and their layout within Laureate Close have been designed to the highest standards and to create a tight-knit community atmosphere for the residents who move there.

“They also have state-of-the-art heating systems and high levels of insulation, which will make them extremely economical to run.”

Laureate Close comprises eight semi-detached two-bedroom bungalows and one detached wheelchair accessible two-bedroom bungalow, built by Dunelm Property Services, which are available for rent.

The scheme is the latest in a series of local projects supported by the Homes and Communities Agency, which is supporting the development of Hartlepool’s first new council homes for decades at Charles Street, Seaton Lane and Kipling Road, as well as other key schemes for Housing Hartlepool at Belle Vue and Easington Road.