By Timothy John A young family has welcomed a new development of homes in a North Dorset village.

Jonathan and Jane King were among the first to move into Signpost Housing Association’s new Pidney Green development at Hazelbury Bryan.

“We have family in the village so Pidney Green is perfect for us. We’ve been waiting for a three-bedroom property for a while and we are so pleased with our new home.

“The design of the development means that our children will be able to play safely outdoors. They will also be attending the local school,” said Mrs King.

The £870,000 development was funded with £390,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency, and a £120,000 “recycled capital grant”.

Western Challenge Housing Association – a sister company to Signpost – provided the remainder of the funding.

Signpost chairman, Ian Keys, said his housing association would stay committed to providing quality housing despite uncertainty over grants in an era of government belt-tightening.

“The development of homes is not just about the bricks and mortar it’s about the jobs it creates and the training it provides – local employment helps to create sustainable communities with money being spent in the locality.

“With house prices still at high levels the provision of affordable housing also enables people, who may not be in a position to buy on the open market, to live in their local town or village close to family and friends.”

District councillor, Mervyn Jeffery, helped to plant a tree in an area of green space at the centre of Pidney Green to celebrate the opening of the new development.

He praised the scheme for proving “much needed homes” and pledged the council’s support for 700 affordable homes over the next five to six years.