Two new affordable homes built on a former council garage site in Wheathampstead were unveiled on Wednesday.

The two-bedroom houses in Beech Crescent, which were were built by Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association, were opened by the Mayor of St Albans, Annie Brewster.

They have been built on under-utilised garage sites formally owned by St Albans District Council.

The city’s mayor said: "I would like to congratulate and thank Hightown, the architect, the builders and everyone concerned in delivering these stylish new houses in Beech Crescent. I acknowledge the project has taken considerable time but it was essential they complemented what already exists in the locality and, indeed, they do splendidly. I am delighted to be opening these much-needed new homes in my village."

While Councillor Brian Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Housing at the council, said: "The council is creating new affordable homes by working with partners to develop some of our under-utilised garage-sites as part of our wider strategy to provide more affordable housing in the district. I am very pleased to see this strategy put into effect today, with the completion of these new developments in Wheathampstead."