With over half a million people living in widely contrasting communities, County Durham offers a diverse range of challenges and opportunities– and the Homes and Communities Agency is supporting projects both large and small. At Seaham, the HCA is working with the county council to push forward development of a former colliery site, while a project at Shotley Bridge is forecast to bring more than 200 new homes to a former hospital site. Other projects include new affordable housing in Peterlee and Spennymoor and a vital supported homes scheme in Durham.

FOR one County Durham family, the dream of owning their own home has at last come true, thanks to support from the Homes and Communities Agency.

June Millward lives with her three sons, who all have Down’s Syndrome and severe learning disabilities. Following advice from Four Housing Group, the family applied for a new home through the HCA’s Home Ownership for people with Long-term Disabilities (HOLD) scheme.

HOLD allows people with long-term disabilities to buy a share of 25-75% of their home. The Millwards’ application was successful and they moved into their new four bedroom bungalow in Wolsingham last June.

Now settled into their new home, Ms Millward said: “I am a single mother and carer to my sons. They always need somebody to live with them and this scheme ensures that my sons have a secure future together.

“Social services are always on hand to help with care should I require it and we know that we can rely on Four Housing for maintenance and repairs to the property.

“We can look forward to the future by staying together and being the family we are.”