THE final touches are being made to unique new trust homes in a village’s trailblazing housing scheme.

Applications are now open for people aged between 18 and 40 years old to become tenants in the first eight Lawford Housing Enterprise Trust homes.

The houses, built by Rose Builders as part of the company’s Summer’s Park development off Cox’s Hill, have been donated to the new trust.

They will then be rented out to people living in or with a strong connection to the village.

After five years, a portion of their paid rent will be handed back in a lump sum for them to use as a deposit towards buying a home of their own.

It is thought the scheme is the first of its kind in the country.

Alan Coley, chairman of the board of directors, said: “All the houses are almost complete and they will be available for occupancy in July.

“It is a unique scheme - we have eight that will be available for local young people and there will be 31 within the next three years.

“The first eight are in Strawberry Avenue.

“It was an idea Carlo Guglielmi and I had to make sure our affordable housing remains available to local people in the community.

“Unfortunately our local authority housing, with right-to-buy, gets lost after a period of time.

“With the trust, the homes will always be available.

“From what we understand this is the first trust of its kind.

“I think its really good, I’m really excited about it.

“It’s a great thing for our community and will help young people get on the housing ladder.”

Those applying for tenancies need to live in Lawford, have grown up in the village or work there.

For full criteria and to apply, visit www.lhet.org