Shadow Housing Minister, Grant Shapps heaped praise upon Trent & Dove Housing on a visit to their new affordable housing development, Charrington House in Burton upon Trent, the former Trading Standards Building which is currently being redeveloped by Loughborough-based William Davis Ltd.

The £4 million development, which is part funded by the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA), is due for completion in September 2010.

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During his visit, Shapps, accompanied by Andrew Griffiths, local Conservative parliamentary candidate, met tenants taking advantage of Trent & Dove's 'back to work' programme which is designed to provide them with training that helps them enter the job market. He was also given an on-site demonstration of skills by William Davis’ apprentice plumber, Luke Danvers.

The site is one of many at which William Davis operates its apprenticeship scheme. He also met representatives from the local YMCA and the Burton Addiction Centre to learn how they work with Trent & Dove to help service users.

Mr Shapps said: "I think that it is important that people who look after housing, particularly affordable housing, don't just build the house and walk away but understand how to improve the lives and aspirations of the people that use the houses."

(CD/GK)