The Elected Mayor of Watford took a to tour of a housing development that has received its first batch of occupants.

Peter Taylor visited the Hart Homes development in Tolpits Lane to mark the completion of its first new homes comprising affordable rent properties.

The mayor was joined by ambassadors from Watford Community Housing - who form part of the Hart Homes partnership with Watford Borough Council - and contractor, Jarvis to view the development due for completion next year.

The first homes in Buckskin Court contain 14 new one and two-bedroom affordable rent apartments.

The project also includes a second block of 22 homes for affordable rent, named Pearl Court.

Mr Taylor said: “Building affordable homes for local families was one of my key election promises and so I’m pleased that we’ve started to deliver on this.

“These homes will help those in our town who really need it the most. It will mean that people currently living in temporary accommodation or without a home will have a proper roof over their head.”

Gareth Lewis, group director of partnerships for Watford Community Housing, added: “We are really pleased to have completed these new homes as part of our joint venture.

“Watford Community Housing is committed to finding innovative solutions to deliver desperately needed housing, and we will continue to work closely with Watford Borough Council to provide even more new homes through our Hart Homes partnership.”

Mark Doyle, chief executive officer of Jarvis, added: “Jarvis are delighted to have been part of the team to deliver this phase of another exciting project to provide much-needed high-quality new homes in Watford.

“This development includes many intelligent design features to help create a positive modern day living environment.”