EFFORTS to boost the borough's affordable housing stock remain on track despite the pressures of building during a pandemic, council chiefs have said.

Dudley Council's mission to build hundreds of new council homes as part of its new build council homes project continues at pace - with more than 40 homes completed in the last 12 months under Covid secure guidelines.

Over the last year - six homes have been built on land on Redfly Lane in Pensnett, eight in Portway Close in Kingswinford, three on Kinfare Rise in Upper Gornal, 10 on Worcester Road in Netherton and 14 on Stewarts Road in Halesowen.

Another 30 homes are also being built including 10 on the Broadway in Norton, Stourbridge, and 12 on Hinbrook Road in Dudley.

The council has also submitted planning applications for a further five developments and has a number of projects in the pipeline.

Councillor Laura Taylor, Dudley Council's cabinet member for housing and community services, said: "The last 12 months have certainly thrown up a few challenges for our housing developments, but I’m delighted we’ve been able to follow Covid safe practices and remain on track to fulfil our commitment to providing more affordable housing across the borough.

"High demand for our affordable housing remains and it is therefore essential we explore every opportunity to grow our housing stock and meet the needs of our residents.

"As well as building new homes, we’re also investing in raising the standards of our existing homes and looking at opportunities to make them more energy efficient as well as progressing plans to demolish and redevelop the sites of former high-rise blocks in Netherton.

"I’m really pleased that we can continue our work within housing and I would like to thank all those involved for their continued hard work."

The homes have been built on pockets of council land such as disused garage sites that were identified as ripe for development.