Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois joined Sanctuary staff to mark the start of construction on its new 122 home development in Wickford, Essex.

Social housing and care provider Sanctuary welcomed the MP for a ground-breaking ceremony at its Gateway House site on Runwell Road in the town.

Mr Francois was given a tour of the site and viewed plans for the new development which will provide a mix of one and two-bedroom affordable rent and shared ownership flats, with sustainability features including air source heat pumps.

The development has received grant funding from Homes England and is being built by Sanctuary’s appointed contractor Horizon Construction.

Mark Francois said: “This semi-abandoned site on the entrance to Wickford, has been an eye-sore for years; so, I welcome this exciting new development by Sanctuary to provide over 100 sustainable new homes, both for rent and sale in my constituency."

Sanctuary Group Chief Executive Craig Moule added: “We were delighted to welcome Mr Francois to our Gateway House site and see the exciting project we will be delivering. The development will deliver a mix of high-quality, affordable, energy-efficient homes for local people.”