The first snow of winter has christened 32 brand-new affordable homes in Heanor, built by J Tomlinson.

The colder weather heralds the first Christmas for families on the Lockton Avenue site following the redevelopment of an out-dated sheltered housing complex.

Transformed by Midlands-based landlord Futures Housing Group, the area now boasts two and three-bedroomed homes, bungalows and one-bedroom apartments.

Alan Boucker, Director of Development and Investment at Futures, said: “This development has brought much-needed homes to the area, supporting individuals, couples and families to move in and enjoy what Heanor and the surrounding area has to offer.

“The homes form part of the Group’s commitment to build 1,000 new properties by 2020 and I’m really pleased family memories are already being created in them.”

Funding of £958,400 was provided by the Homes and Communities Agency, while Amber Valley Borough Council also contributed an additional £61,500 grant.

The affordable homes replace an under-used social housing scheme, Delves Court, with homes to suite families, couples and individuals.

The new properties were built by integrated building solutions company J Tomlinson, which works primarily across the East Midlands, West Midlands and Yorkshire.

“As a local contractor, J Tomlinson was very pleased to have been involved in this housing regeneration scheme for Futures Housing Group, which has provided 32 new properties in Heanor,” said Martin Gallagher, managing director (construction) of Nottingham-based J Tomlinson.

“J Tomlinson has wide experience of development and also of working with housing organisations, and we are proud to have played a key role in creating new homes for Derbyshire families.”