BOURNEMOUTH council unveiled a new affordable housing scheme last month.

Cherries Court in Boscombe cost £1.9 million, part-funded through the Homes & Community Agency with a contribution of £264,000, the majority funded through the initial sales of the properties with any remaining balance paid by the borough.

Aimed at local families looking to get onto the property ladder, the development comprises six three-bedroom five two-bedroom houses, which have been made affordable to first time buyers via the shared ownership scheme.

Property prices start from £97,500 for a 50 per cent share plus rent.

Councillor Robert Lawton, cabinet member for housing, said: “Affordable family accommodation in Bournemouth is a top priority for the council.

"Cherries Court is an exciting development and I am delighted that local families are benefitting from the opportunities of home ownership that this scheme provides.

"The council is committed to provide housing of all tenures and enabling local residents to gain a foothold on the property ladder is one of our priorities."

The borough has been criticised in recent weeks for building only 12 new social housing units in 2016/17, despite thousands of people on the waiting list for such homes, and only 364 social homes since 2010.

Visit bournemouth.gov.uk/cherriescourthousing for more information.