The Department of Social Care celebrated the completion of 24 first time buyer homes at the new development at Ridgeway Road in Onchan on 1st April 2011. Members of the House of Keys for Onchan, the Chairman of Onchan Commissioners, the project team including Builders Dandara Contracting Ltd, Architects Savage Chadwick, Quantity Cameron Hall and other partners attended the presentation of a bouquet of flowers by Minster for Social Care, Hon Martyn Quayle, MHK, to Miss Manning, one of the first time buyers. The site has been developed in line with the Government’s strategy to assist first time buyers to purchase their first home. The Minister for Social Care Hon Martyn Quayle MHK said: “The 24 first time buyers homes at Ridgeway Road, Onchan is another impressive and attractive mews development that is both close to the local amenities and is up to a very good standard. The completion of this development has contributed to a record year up to 31st March 2011 in the delivery of homes for first time buyers, and I feel sure that everyone involved in the project can feel justifiably proud of what has been achieved. The scheme demonstrates Government’s ongoing commitment to provide good quality affordable housing for our community.” Miss Manning, is one of the first people to move into her property on Ridgeway Road and she is very satisfied with her new home and said: “I am so happy to have just bought my first home with the help of the Scheme, both the Government and Heritage Homes have been very helpful at every step along the way. My house is lovely, in a brilliant location, close to both family and work, and my little boy is so happy with our new home, right next to Onchan Park. I am pleased to finally be on the property ladder, as without the help from the Department, I would not have been able to afford to buy a property on the Open Market” The Department’s Member for Housing Mr Bill Henderson MHK commented: “The improvement and growth of both the Local Authorities’ and the Department’s housing stock is one of Government’s key strategic aims. I believe the facts set out in this news release demonstrate that Government’s investment over the last decade and planned over at least the next five years shows we are committed to fulfilling this aim. I have had the opportunity to see the high standard of properties we are delivering and the positive difference this housing is making to the lives of many in our community. May I take this opportunity to thank the Department’s housing staff, the Local Housing Authorities and our partners in the construction sector who continue to work hard to make these developments possible?” - End -