Families have begun to move into 27 former empty homes in Waterbeach after a deal was struck with Ministry of Defence bosses to bring them back into use.
 
The five year deal will see South Cambridgeshire District Council’s arms length property company – South Cambs Limited – manage the homes and rent them at affordable rates to local residents registered on the Council’s housing waiting list.
 
The first families to move in were handed over keys on 1 May after an overwhelming demand for the homes.
 
By leasing the two bedroom homes on Park Crescent, the Ministry of Defence will have the flexibility to use the homes for military personnel in the future if they are needed.
 
Other properties on the Barracks site are managed by Anninigton since military personnel relocated to RAF Kinloss last year.
 
The homes being brought back into use will also boost the local Waterbeach economy and build on a local initiative to encourage people to shop locally.
 
Homes were offered first to Waterbeach residents, and people with a connection to the village, who were on the waiting list for a property and all the homes were allocated within a matter of days.
 
Stephen Hills, Director of Housing for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The whole housing team gets a massive buzz when we put a roof over someone’s head and the feedback we have had about the homes in Waterbeach has been nothing but positive.

"This deal is a win, win, situation for all parties as we can use them to provide much needed high quality housing for local people on our waiting list, while the Ministry of Defence retains the flexibility to use the homes for military personnel in the future if they are needed.”
 
Emma Tedstone, 25, who grew up in Waterbeach, was one of the first tenants to be given the keys to her new home. She said: “When I was offered one of the properties I jumped at the chance as it meant we could make a new start back near family and friends.

"The home is perfect for me and my son, and will also mean I am near my mum who can help with childcare.”

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