New homes take centre stage at the heart of Ilmington village

The whole community at Ilmington, south Warwickshire has come together to celebrate the formal opening of new affordable homes in the village.

Children from Ilmington Primary School demonstrated their maypole dancing skills in the centre of the new Warwickshire Rural Housing Association (WRHA) development at Wilkins Way. This was followed by a performance by the Ilmington Morris Men and refreshments from the Women's Institute.

The new development of 14 homes by Warwickshire Rural Housing Association (WRHA) comprises seven affordable rented homes and three shared ownership properties. The remaining four houses are privately owned.

Wilkins Way has been built on land provided by Warwickshire County Council at agricultural values, and was designed in order to blend into the existing properties in the village. For all the homes, priority is given to those with a local connection.

Chairman Derrick Dyas commented: “We have good reason to celebrate today. Since the Housing Needs Survey in 2006, many organisations have been involved in the development. We have established a real partnership here, working closely with the Parish Council and funders to create something that adds real benefit to the village.

“We have been developing homes in rural Warwickshire for over 25 years, and know that enabling young families to stay in their villages has a positive impact on local schools, shops and services. We wish all the residents every happiness in their new homes."

The homes were funded by the Homes and Communities Agency, Stratford District Council, Warwickshire County Council, Orbit and from WRHA funds. The homes were built by Linfoot Homes.