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Back to the future at Wrekenton

DAMHA opened eight two-bedroom bungalows at Brandon Gardens in Wrekenton in April, less than half a mile from the site of its first ever new-build housing scheme - the Wallace Village Homes, built in 1906 (the old homes were demolished some years ago).

The opening honours at Brandon Gardens were performed by Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Joe Mitchinson, who was presented with a miners' lamp as a reminder of the historic occasion.

The Wrekenton scheme, designed for older people, was built on the site of former one-bedroom bungalows, provided by Gateshead Council.

DAMHA Director John Humble said: "We are delighted to be coming back to our roots and building new bungalows so close to our first purpose-built scheme. And we are particularly pleased to be assisting Gateshead Council in helping to meet a demand for older persons' housing at the same time . Brandon Gardens, a partnership project with Gateshead Council, was built by local firm, Able Construction of Felling. They started on site in January 2005 and completed the bungalows before Christmas.

Two of the new residents and former Gateshead school caretakers, Irene and Ray Clark, moved to Brandon Gardens from their home at Wrekenton's Longbank estate in January. "It's marvellous. The bathroom and the kitchen are really nice and quite big," said Mrs Clark, 68, who has three daughters and three grandchildren.

Mrs Clark added that she loves the bungalow and especially likes being on the flat as she found the stairs in her former home too strenuous to climb, due to health problems.

For former baker Mr Maurice Smiles, 67, and his wife Cathy, 68, who used to work as a cleaner, moving from their council flat nearby was "the best move" they've made.

"It's nice and quiet, it's got everything we need and we're very happy here," said Mrs Smiles who has a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her husband added: "It's absolutely beautiful. There's nothing to complain about."

The £743,000 scheme is DAMHA' second project to be completed in partnership with Nomad Homes and President Bob Olaman told guests and new residents at the opening ceremony that a second £657,000 scheme of eight bungalows is due to be completed at Sheraton, Leam Lane, in June, just a mile down the road. It's also being built by Able Construction.

The cost of the Brandon Gardens project was partly funded by Social Housing Grant from the Housing Corporation. Its Field Director for the North, John Carleton, said: "Brandon Gardens is a quality development by DAMHA which will give the occupants the benefits of high levels of energy efficiency and security. I hope the people who live here will be very comfortable and happy in their new homes."