Housing

Pupils from Rift House Primary School in Hartlepool were invited on a tour to view the progress of 15 bungalows being built at nearby Fernville Close, Hartlepool, and have made a video documentary of how the area has been transformed from an empty site to a community of properties.

Housing Hartlepool invited a group of Rift House pupils to take a closer look at the bungalows, which are highly energy-efficient and feature solar panels.

The pupils, who filmed their visit, were given a tour of some properties that are yet to be occupied and met Madeline and Billy Peek, who have recently moved into their new home. They also planted some lavender in the bungalow gardens.

Cath Purdy, chief executive of Housing Hartlepool, said: “Housing Hartlepool is committed to developing close-knit communities and it is great to see a relationship being developed between the older and younger generations through this housing development.”

Jane Laycock, headteacher of Rift House Primary School, said: “We encourage our children to take an interest in the wider community and the building of the bungalows has really captured their attention.

“They thoroughly enjoyed their tour of the properties and meeting some of the residents. We hope this is the start of a rewarding relationship where our pupils and the residents can swap experiences and knowledge. To further cement the contacts we have made today we intend to invite those living at Fernville Close to visit the school.”

Fernville Close comprises 13 two-bedroom bungalows and two three-bedroom bungalows, which have been built to wheelchair standard.

www.housinghartlepool.org.uk