THE first new council homes in Colchester for 20 years are ready to be lived in.

Three have been completed, in Holborough Close, Greenstead, and 31 are being finished.

Tina Bourne, councillor responsible for housing, said: “This is a landmark occasion.

These are the first homes the council has built in more than 20 years.

“We are committed to tackling the housing shortage while providing new homes for local people and this is something the council has received national recognition for. I look forward to seeing the completion of our other homes soon”.

The homes were built on the site of council-owned garages.

Other sites are being completed at Monkwick Avenue, Windsor Close and Rosabelle Avenue.

The homes will be managed by Colchester Borough Homes.