A Semington couple who left the village soon after marrying there almost 40 years ago have just moved back – into a brand new Jephson Homes Housing Association development.

Linda and Tony Grant joined celebrations marking the completion of Turnpike Close homes on Monday (May 16th), when Councillor Jonathan Seed, Member for Summerham and Seend officially opened the development by cutting a ribbon to the street name sign, watched by Jephson representatives and partners.

Linda and Tony married in the village’s St George’s Church on June 5th, 1971. Soon after they got hitched they left the village because of Tony’s army career and since then they have lived at several different places around the country.

In recent years the couple wanted to come back to Semington, but because of soaring house prices in the village they were unable to return until this April, when they moved into Turnpike Close.

Linda (59), who was born in the village, said: “It feels strange to be back here after so many years and to see people who have grown much older. I can’t remember what some of them look like, but I have already met some familiar faces and been able to catch up with some old friends. It feels really nice to be back in Semington again.”

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Tony is now a care worker and the couple plan to renew their wedding vows in St George’s Church on June 4th – the day before their 40th wedding anniversary.

The new homes in Turnpike Close all have double bedrooms and are designed to Lifetime Homes standards. This ensures they can be more easily adapted to meet a family's changing needs. For example, the downstairs WC is large enough to be adapted to a shower room and the doorways are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair user.

The project achieved Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and all homes are fitted with renewable technologies, such as the solar panels, high levels of insulation, grey-rainwater recycling units and energy-efficient lightbulbs. As well as helping the environment, the homes should help residents achieve lower running costs.

Surrounding two sides of the development is a newly planted hedge, which will provide a natural habitat for wildlife. Central to Turnpike Close is a large "village green" area creating a safe space for children to play.

Jephson Development Officer, Katharine Pugh said: “It has been rewarding seeing the delight of the new residents on their first viewing of their new homes. The contract ran smoothly and all partners worked well together to finish the properties to a high standard.

“We received many enquiries throughout the build stage from local residents anxious to secure a property and all residents have a local connection to the village of Semington. I am delighted that Jephson has been able to deliver this much-needed affordable housing for local people.”

(GK)