Two Rivers programme tackles huge waiting list

Published by Anonymous for Two Rivers Housing in Housing and also in Communities

Massive growth in the Forest of Dean house waiting list is even more reason to support Two Rivers Housing Association's ambitious plans to build another 380 new affordable homes, housing chiefs have said.

The not for profit local homes organisation is taking the lead in tackling homelessness in the Forest of Dean and beyond, building new homes for the future, while nationally and regionally the building industry is grinding to a halt.

Over the last year Two Rivers has delivered 43 new homes and is already at work on another 116.

It's all systems go for on a major building programme, delivering new energy efficient affordable new homes for even more local families.

The building programme includes developments in Joys Green, Sling, Cinderford, Coleford, Newent and Lydney.

In April the organisation was given the go ahead to build another 380 new homes over the next few years. Over the last decade it has built over 450 homes. The Government gave Two Rivers £3 million to pump prime the programme.

Chief Executive Garry King said Two Rivers had to find £5m by selling some of its existing homes to fund the £38m programme.

"To attract the funding from Government we had to agree to find some of the funding through the sale of some of our existing houses. But this means we can build, at the very least, two new comfortable and energy efficient homes for affordable rent for every old one we sell.

"And the older houses we are selling to pump prime the programme are going to local people for an average price of just over£100,000. That's great value and very affordable in today's market for someone looking to get on the housing ladder.

"With the waiting list for affordable rent growing day by day, objections to our small scale sales programme are totally self-defeating. We are only doing this to more than double the number of affordable homes available to local people. As a not for profit community organisation that is what we are here for.

"There is a massive shortage of affordable housing in the area with the double rural whammy of lower than average wages and higher than average house prices. Two Rivers is here to help bridge the gap and help even more families benefit from good quality affordable accommodation. That's exactly what we are doing," he said.

Where many other housing organisations have hit the buffers with their building programmes, Two Rivers is forging ahead.

"Two Rivers spend £16 million a year in the local economy. Building homes is a critical engine for economic recovery, for local jobs and prosperity," Garry said.

Anyone looking for an affordable home for rent, shared ownership or to buy should contact two Rivers on 0800 316 0897.