SEVEN Council owned properties have been refurbished and made available to rent again after years of disuse.

The buildings, which are on St Andrew Street and Ham Place in Tiverton, have been improved as part of a government funded scheme to bring derelict buildings back into use.

A spokesperson for the Mid Devon District Council said: “As far as possible, the original facades of the buildings have been maintained so as not to detract from the overall appearance of the street.

“Being in a conservation area, we had to work closely with the conservation officer to make sure that all renovations were sympathetic to what is required, particularly as some of the buildings are Grade II listed.

“Some of the units are unique with many features not usually found in social housing.”

The social housing units are due to be offered to those people on the Mid Devon District Council waiting list who meet the criteria decided by Devon Home Choice.

An additional seven properties are set to be made available at the end of September.

An official opening of the first phase took place on Friday, August 28, when keys were handed over to new tenants by Councillor Ray Stanley, Cabinet Member for Housing.

The spokesperson later added: “Very sadly, however, the opening did not include Richard Life from Enelco, the developers, as he recently passed away. Richard was instrumental in leading this project since it started in May last year and it is a fitting tribute to his hard work.”