The development of six new bungalows built in Workington by Westfield Housing Association has been completed.

Colleagues from Cumberland Council were present at the opening of the bungalows, which are set to provide affordable homes for over 55s or individuals with mobility issues.

The new builds are positioned on land gifted by the former Allerdale District Council, transforming the area from a disused welfare site into versatile accommodation for residents.

The finished bungalows are designed to adapt to changing needs, providing an environment allowing tenants to live in their community for a prolonged period.

This forms part of a more extensive project completed by Westfield Housing Association that aims to offer 17 affordable bungalows to the Westfield estate.

The wider development, costing £3.3 million, attracted a grant of £765,000 from Homes England, with Westfield Housing Association covering the remaining expense.

The designs were drafted by Architects Plus, while Thomas Armstrong Construction Ltd completed the build.

The land selected for the six new bungalows, previously a 'rundown' welfare site, was given to the housing association free of charge by the former Allerdale District Council.

This coincides with the council's right to nominate suitable tenants for the properties, whom the council feels are the most in need of the facilities provided by the bungalows.

Councillor Emma Williamson, executive member of Cumberland Council for Children’s Services, Family Wellbeing and Housing said: "Today has been a fantastic celebration of our collaboration with Westfield Housing Association to provide these much-needed bungalows.

"The Council has effectively made use of its assets to support this affordable housing development, catering to our ageing population's needs—a vital initiative for the Cumberland area.

"We hope this area can now be a source of comfort, and provide much-needed accessible housing for the local community for generations to come."

The chair of the board of Westfield Housing Association said: "Westfield Housing Association is a small housing association, and this is our first development for many years.

"We are delighted with the 17 new bungalows on the Westfield estate.

"Bungalows are a popular choice for residents as they grow older and help free up family-sized accommodation.

"It is fantastic to see the completion of this quality accommodation.

"The properties have improved derelict areas of land and have enhanced the lives of all the residents who live in the new homes.

"Building more quality, affordable bungalows is a top priority for Westfield as currently there is just over 150 households waiting for level access accommodation".