WORK has restarted on a £4 million housing development near Whitchurch to build 27 new homes.

Work on the development of the homes in Whitchurch Road in Prees ground to a halt in June 2022 after the building contractor Hawk Developments Ltd went into administration which meant the project had to go out to the market for re-tender.

Shropshire-based Morris Property successfully tendered for the completion of the development which is a partnership between local residents, The Wrekin Housing Group, Shropshire Council and Press Parish Council.

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People involved in the project are pleased it is starting again.

Wrekin Housing Group development manager Charlotte Prince said: "The pause of the development was obviously extremely frustrating for everyone involved.

"However, it is great to have a local developer like Morris Property on board.

"The company has a strong track record when it comes to building good quality homes and we’re delighted that work has now restarted back on site.

"I would like to thank all partners, particularly the local residents who have been so understanding during this unforeseen delay."

Prees resident and member of the project board, Ian Henderson added: "We’re thrilled that work has now restarted on site.

"There has obviously been some concern from local residents about the future of the development after work was brought to the halt, but it’s fantastic to see Morris Property getting stuck in on-site."

It is hoped the development will help deal with a shortage of housing and the development will offer a mix of one, two and three-bedroom houses and bungalows that will be available for affordable rent and shared ownership.

It is hoped the project will be completed in 2024 and Prees Parish Council chairman Councillor Raymond Hirons spoke about providing affordable housing for local people.

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He said: "It’s our aspiration to ensure that everyone in Prees has somewhere affordable to settle, live and call home.

"We know that there is a real shortage of affordable housing in this area, and our local residents have worked tirelessly with partners to ensure that people with a local connection will be given priority to move into these homes.

"Prees is a great place to live, and we are pleased to see this development get back on track."

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for physical infrastructure, Cllr Dean Carroll added: "It’s great to see activity starting on site again, and I would like to thank all of the partners for their help in ensuring we can deliver these much-needed homes."