THE Bishop of Carlisle has officially opened ten affordable new homes for local families in Coniston.

The Rt Rev James Newcome unveiled a plaque to mark the completion of St Andrews Close, a £1.7 million project by Mitre Housing Association, of which he is president.

The site of the Diocese of Carlisle’s former outdoor activity centre has been transformed into a three-bedroom family home, six two-bedroom houses, and a trio of one-bedroom dwellings. Weekly rents are between £97.25 and £138.46.

Delighted new residents include parents with babies and school-age children, and people who have moved to Coniston to work.

Coniston Parish Council vice-chairman Jeff Carroll’s daughter is among the new neighbours. Cllr Carroll said: “Certainly it’s a welcome development. It’s going to keep young people and families here, which is something we are trying to maintain and grow.

“We are trying to push against the tide of second homes and holiday lets, which seems relentless.”

Describing Coniston as “a graft village, not a craft village”, he said the new affordable homes for locals would help to keep vital services alive, such as schools, shops and the fire station.

Bishop James described St Andrews Close as “a tangible sign of how the church can work together with others in the community to make a real difference”. Steve Huddart, chairman of Mitre, said the housing association was “very grateful to everyone who has played a part in supporting and helping to deliver the scheme”.

The slate-roofed dwellings with solar panels were designed by architects Day Cummins, of Cockermouth. Funders included public body Homes England, Mitre Housing and South Lakeland District Council.

Coniston CE Primary School pupils celebrated the official opening with a song to wish the residents “joy around every corner” and “contentment behind each door”.