CHILDREN from Orleton Primary School have marked the completion of Little Furlongs.

This is a complex of 14 affordable new homes in the village.

The ceremony was the culmination of activities by local children. Previously a 100 of them had visited the site during construction.

“While demand may be high, building in rural homes locations needs a collaborative approach from the outset and to this end Shropshire Housing Group involves the local community, parish and town councils and local authority right from the beginning,” said Councillor Sebastian Bowen, who sits on Herefordshire Council.

The local community formed a steering group and attended open meetings, ensuring residents could participate in key decision making.

Paul Sutton, director of assets and development at Shropshire Housing, said: “Our approach in Orleton has been a real blueprint for the future.

"While many people living in rural communities want more affordable housing, they worry that new homes will spoil or over populate the village.

“By making them part of the decision making process, it takes away those fears and delivers a development that they feel is part of the community.”