FOUR of the first homes built in decades by Dudley Council have been sold.

The houses, on Wrens Nest Road in Dudley, are part of the council's investment in 79 homes to be built on four developments across the borough, with 59 being for sale and the remaining 20 available for people on the council’s waiting list.

The development on Wren's Nest Road is now complete, with four of the development's eight two bedroom homes being sold via the Dudley branch of Billingham & Co, while the other four have been let to people on the council’s housing waiting list.

Councillor Keiran Casey, cabinet member for housing and residents welfare, said: "We are committed to building more council homes locally and ensuring that Dudley is a leader in good quality public and private sector housing, working with everyone as we create the Dudley of tomorrow.

"These new houses are a great example of what we are doing and this is the first time that we’ve been able to venture into building homes for sale on the open market, so we are very pleased that these fantastic new houses are now complete.

We’ve got the experience and know-how to compete with developers and provide affordable, top quality homes for people just starting out on the property ladder or people looking to move on.

"All of the homes are expected to be completed this year so it’s really exciting and encouraging that the first four have sold so quickly.”

The second development of the project will be based on the site of the former Amblecote House on Brettell Lane.

Properties are currently being marketed on Red House Mews, which will be comprised of 20 new homes, 16 for sale and four for rent.

Works has also started on a further 51 homes on the sites of the former Mere Centre in Stourbridge and St Thomas’ Network in Dudley.

Jamie Evans, assistant branch manager at Billingham & Co, said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with Dudley Council on a number of developments, which offer a variety of homes across the borough.

"The properties on Wenlock Gate generated lots of interest and sold quickly and we have had a lot of positive feedback on the quality of the build.”

All money raised from the sale of the homes will be reinvested in council services.