TEN new affordable homes in Grange-over-Sands have been greeted by MP Tim Farron.

The properties, at OverSands View on Allithwaite Road, are soon to be occupied.

They were built by Russell Armer Homes for South Lakes Housing, both based in Kendal.

New residents were on hand to show off the new dwellings with Russell Armer managing director Martyn Nicholson and South Lakes Housing chief executive Cath Purdy.

The timber-constructed homes have water-efficient bathrooms, A-rated uPVC double-glazed windows and central heating boilers, and thermostatic radiator valves.

They range in price from £132,000 to £134,000 and are on a development that also offers three- and four-bedroom open-market homes.

The gardens feature so-called hedgehog highways, specially cut holes in fencing that allow the creatures to travel the 10 to 30 hectares needed per night to find enough food.

Mr Nicholson said: "Cath Purdy and I were delighted to show our special guests around the affordable homes at OverSands View, to help dispel the myths about this type of property. Our hope is that the site will highlight what can be achieved by the private sector in the South Lakes as it is a great example of partnership working between ourselves, the local housing association and South Lakeland District Council."

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Mr Farron was shown around with Grange mayor Cllr Peter Endsor, SLDC chairman Cllr Eric Morrell, and Cllr Jonathan Brook, SLDC's portfolio holder for housing and innovation.

Praising the "fantastic" dwellings, Mr Farron said: "Every week I have constituents contact me who either live in cramped or sub-standard housing, or are being forced to move away from the area because of high house prices.

"We must keep working and campaigning to make sure every family has a decent affordable home to live in."