Neighbours 'can't thank the council enough' after getting the keys to brand new homes.

Families and individuals who have moved into New Green, in Rainham, were officially welcomed to their homes and community on Thursday (June 15).

Havering Council housing lead Cllr Paul McGeary, and Cllr Graham Williamson, lead for development and regeneration, council officers and Wates' representatives attended the "meet and greet session" for new residents, as the final residents are now installed.

People got to meet their new neighbours, housing officer and also find out about local services available to them.

Suzanne, a council tenant, successfully bid for a one-bed property and said her new home is "beautiful".

She added: “I can’t thank the Council enough for the help they have given me.

"New Green is a fantastic place and I really want to make the most out of living here with my new neighbours. I love hearing the kids playing outside and there’s a sense of opportunity to create this new community together.”

Havering Council and its joint venture partner Wates, have built 197 homes, 126 of which are social housing.

The properties range from one, two, and three bedroom, and all the residents that were moved from the original Napier and New Plymouth site were offered the right to return, with 12 residents choosing to do so.

There are 71 available through shared ownership, to help Havering locals onto the property ladder, prioritising Havering teachers, social workers and NHS staff.

Of these, only nine one-bedroom homes now remain.

New Green is the first development to be completed in the 12 estates regeneration programme.

The wider £1.5 billion regeneration project will span the next decade, delivering 3,500 new homes across the borough.

The new retirement village, Park Rise, formerly Serena, Solar and Sunrise Courts in Hornchurch, is expected to be completed in December this year and will provide 175 new properties for the over 55’s, including new council rented homes, shared ownership homes and properties for sale.

Cllr McGeary said: “It has been a real pleasure to be here today with cabinet and council colleagues to mark this milestone moment in the 12 estates programme with our New Green residents.

“I want to warmly welcome them and their new neighbours to New Green. I am really looking forward to watching this community flourish over the coming months, and wish all the residents a happy and healthy future in their new homes.”