Mark Garnier MP for Wyre Forest attended the official opening of The Community Housing Group's (TCHG) two new homes at East Street, Kidderminster.

Made possible through a successful partnership with Wyre Forest District Council, this is part of a wider plan to provide much needed affordable, quality homes for local families in the district.

They are the first homes to be built by CHG Property Services (part of TCHG), and the project was designed to give their apprentices on-site construction experience by working alongside existing trades teams.

Mark Garnier MP said: "It's great to see young people in the Wyre Forest getting an opportunity not only to develop skills, but to work on new homes for the district."


The homes have several innovative features to keep the fuel costs down for the families who moved in at the beginning of October. Loft insulation, made from recycled glass bottles, has been used and a Sunpipe Natural Daylight System was installed to provide natural light on the landing area.

"This is a win-win situation," explained Ray Brookes, Group Chief Executive, TCHG. "We consider apprenticeships a perfect way to support local young people who want a career in construction whilst enabling us to develop a skilled, professional and flexible workforce for the future. This will help us to continue to diversify into new business areas and as a not for profit company, to re-invest our surplus into community services."

Sam Machin, Apprentice, CHG Property Services, said: "It has been great to have been involved in a project from start to finish, and to know that I have helped build two much needed family homes for the area. I gained a lot of experience working on the properties, and now have skills for life."

(CD)