A SCHEME to provide 10 new affordable homes in Chulmleigh has been officially opened.

A ceremony was held to mark the official opening of the properties, called Leigh Villas, on December 19 and it was attended by representatives from North Devon Council, Hastoe Housing Association and Devonshire Homes.

Built by Devonshire Homes, the six two-bedroom, three three-bedroom and one four-bedroom homes are all now let to families with a local connection to Chulmleigh.

North Devon Council's executive member for housing, Councillor Faye Webber, said: "I'm really pleased that these homes have all been let to local people from Chulmleigh.

"It is good that we have been able to help local families stay in the area where they grew up and be close to their families and friends."

Council Leader, Brian Greenslade, said: "I am delighted by the successful delivery of this project.

"Increasing the supply of affordable houses in the district is a priority for the council and the progress this year is an excellent step upwards from the low point in 2011/12. Good for people wanting a decent home and for the local economy."

Managing director of Devonshire Homes, Paul Land, said: "We are delighted that the new development is becoming home to people so quickly, particularly as they are affordable homes which we know will make a difference to the local families who occupy them."

The scheme has been supported by North Devon Council with an investment of £230,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency. This has meant that the housing association is providing the homes at an affordable rent level. An additional grant of £80,000 was given to Hastoe by the council.

Regional head of development for Hastoe West region, Robert Aspray, commented: "We are very pleased to have been able to provide these much needed new homes in Chulmleigh for local people who we know will really benefit from them. We are very grateful to the Homes and Communities Agency for the investment that helped make it possible."

Amanda Scott is one of the residents who has just moved in.

She returned to North Devon in 1994 to raise her family in Chulmleigh, where she herself was brought up.

However, 18 months ago, due to her multiple sclerosis, she had to move away to a bungalow in Witheridge.

Mrs Scott said: "I applied for one of these houses in Chulmleigh because it was capable of having a stairlift installed to help me get upstairs due to my MS - I've come home."