CONSTRUCTION work has started on a new £3million development of bungalows near a former council estate.

The 24 affordable properties with gardens in Florence Avenue, Burnley, are being built by social housing provider Calico Homes.

Borough Council leader Cllr Charlie Briggs welcomed the start of work on the project near the former Stoop Estate and said he was already being contacted by prospective tenants 12 months before the scheduled completion date.

The bungalows are being built with grant support from Homes England.

Lesley Burrows, chair of the Burnley-based Calico Group, was on site for the ground-breaking ceremony and revealed the scheme was particularly close to her heart as she lived on Florence Avenue with her mother, two sisters and brother in a Calico home until she was 21.

She said: “I’ve seen first-hand how much local pride residents have in this area. It’s fantastic The Calico Group are bringing the site back to life again. I think that these high quality homes, boasting beautiful views of Pendle Hill, will provide an aspirational element to the community."

Cllr Briggs said: I am really pleased this development is going ahead. The bungalows are ideal for older local residents who want to stay in the area.

" I am already being contacted by people who want to live in them. They are just in the right place near The Stoops estate."