SOCIAL Care Minister Martyn Quayle MHK has congratulated residents who have recently bought first time buyer homes.

He visited both Balley ny Brooie, Archallagan Terrace, Foxdale, and Cronk Grianagh, Braddan.

The first time buyer homes development for the two sites has been a partnership between the Department of Social Care and Parkinson Ltd (part of the Sefton Group).

A total of 33 new properties have been built on the two sites on government owned land.

At Balley ny Brooie there are a total of 17 first time buyer homes comprising six three-bedroom houses, nine two-bedroom houses and two two-bed disabled bungalows.

At Cronk Grianagh, Braddan, there are a total of 16 first time buyer homes comprising 10 three-bedroom houses and six two-bedroom houses.

Mr Quayle said: "In total 75 new first time buyers homes have been completed as part of our housebuilding programme so far this year at Cronk Grianagh and Ballacottier in Braddan, Archallagan, Foxdale and the Steadings, Douglas.

"Each property is built to the latest building standards with high levels of insulation, low energy lighting and thermostatic controls on the energy efficient heating system.

"Each home includes a modern, fitted kitchen with a good range of units.  The standard of the properties developed is excellent. I am proud of my department's achievements in helping many local people buy their first home.

"I remain committed to ensuring government plays a vital role in ensuring there is availability of good, affordable housing for the foreseeable future."

Malcolm Blackburn of Parkinson Ltd said: "Our company is pleased to be involved in providing affordable housing for Island residents as well as providing work for the Island's construction industry.

"We are obviously very proud of the standard of workmanship and are sure that each resident will be satisfied by the quality of their new home."

Photo one: Social Care Minister Martyn Quayle MHK with Cronk Grianagh resident Emma Sansom. Miss Sansom and her partner Peter Faragher moved into their property last month.

Photo two: Ellen Hoskisson-Ennett and John Ennett - who have bought one of the two disability bungalows at Balley ny Brooie - are pictured with Glenfaba MHK David Anderson, who is standing at the back of the photo and Social Care Minister Martyn Quayle MHK, pictured on the right of the picture at the front.