THE tenant of one of eight bungalows built to help elderly people stay close to the communities says taking on the new property felt like winning the lottery.

Wiltshire Council owns the properties in both Rowde, near Devizes, and East Knoyle, near Warminster and will be run by the council.

A spokesman said: "The bungalows will help older residents remain within their local community, have a home that is energy efficient and cost effective to run, and have suitable accommodation to meet their needs as they become older."

David Clayton, who moved into one for the bungalows in Rowde, said: “I never thought we’d have such well-equipped and high specification bungalows in such a lovely area. Everything here suits exactly what I need at this stage of my life, and I’m delighted with it.”

Val Reilly, who moved now lives in one of the properties in East Knoyle, said: “It’s like winning the lottery, and I’m just lost for words. It’s perfect, and I really cannot thank the council enough for this wonderful home.”

The homes, which are built to a high standard and able to be adapted, were officially opened by Wiltshire Council and residents last week (Tuesday 18 July). The bungalows are modern well designed built to a high standard and able to be adapted.

Chuck Berry, cabinet member for housing, said: “Wiltshire Council is committed to providing new affordable homes and this is an excellent way to utilise unused council-owned land to provide a much needed housing solution in this county.

"I am particularly delighted we are providing affordable homes for our older residents in rural areas so they can continue to enjoy and be part of their own local communities.”

The schemes are part of Wiltshire Council's £42.5million housing development programme, which will see more than 220 new affordable homes built in Wiltshire by 2020. The council is working with local communities to create, own and run 226 affordable homes for families and elderly residents across the county. These schemes will mean there will be approximately 5,540 Wiltshire Council owned affordable homes for families and elderly residents across the county.

Rigg Construction developed the sites on behalf of Wiltshire Council. The Homes and Communities Agency provided £90,000 towards the cost of the two developments.