AN UNDER-USED block of garages in Berkeley has been transformed into four new council homes.

The Stroud District Council project in Fishers Road was completed in April with the first tenants moving in a few days later.

District councillors joined the town mayor to see how one of the new families was settling in.

Andy and Narcisa Corodan and their four-month-old son were met by the chairman of the council’s housing committee Mattie Ross, Cllr Gordon Craig and Cllr Liz Ashton last Wednesday.

Mr Corodan said they were ‘really pleased’ with their new home.

“When we looked around the property for the first time it was love at first sight,” he said. “Previously we lived in one room with a shared bathroom, so we are really pleased to have our own home now.”

Speaking to the Gazette, Cllr Ashton said that it was great that the town now had more council housing.

“Unfortunately there is a lack of affordable and council housing across the country but it’s great that we now have four more houses in Berkeley.

“The garages there before were rarely used and had just become storage so having housing for four more families is good to see.”

Cllr Ross said: “This scheme demonstrates how the council is being creative with its land.

“I am delighted that we have added four high quality homes to our existing council stock, and I wish Andy and Narcisa much happiness here.”

Stroud District Council is also developing council homes at two other sites in the district. Construction work is in progress at council housing developments in Leonard Stanley and Stroud whilst work is due to start imminently on the former car park in Chapel Street, Cam.

It is the only local authority in Gloucestershire to still own and manage council homes and is also the largest provider of social housing in the county.

Cllr Gordon Craig who also sits on the housing committee said that the new homes were "absolutely wonderful" for the town.

"I've been supporting this development since plans were first put forward three or four years ago," he told the Gazette.

"We're one of the few councils in the country to still be building council homes and its great that we have more available for local people."

Under the council’s building programme, new homes are scheduled to be completed in Stroud, Mankley Road in Leonard Stanley, Hillside in Coaley and The Corriett in Cam.