Last Friday saw the completion of 7 of 17 first time buyer homes at the new development at Archallagan Terrace in Foxdale. This is one of two first time buyer sites nearing completion being developed in partnership between the Department of Social Care and Parkinson Ltd., the other being at Cronk Grianagh in Braddan where 16 homes are being built. Both sites at Cronk Grianagh and Archallagan have been developed as part of Government’s strategy to assist first time buyers to purchase their first home. Both sites include houses with two and three bedrooms. In addition, at Archallagan there are two bungalows specifically designed for use by first time buyers with disabilities. The Minister for Social Care Hon Martyn Quayle MHK said: “I am pleased to see the completion of these first time buyer homes as part of my Department’s programme to provide more affordable housing across the Island. I recently visited the site at Cronk Grianagh and I was impressed by the size and standard of the homes being developed. 42 new first time buyer homes have already been completed at the Steadings, Douglas and at Ballacottier in Braddan so far this year. My Department hopes to complete more such houses this year than ever before, showing Government is playing its role in helping people secure a suitable home as well as provide valuable work for the local construction sector.” Malcolm Blackburn of Parkinson Ltd. stated: “The Isle of Man Government and local banks should be congratulated for maintaining confidence in the Manx construction industry and enabling these projects to proceed to completion at a time when such investment is not happening elsewhere in the British Isles and Europe.” Ends