An empty community centre has been transformed into a specially adapted home for an elderly disabled couple with the help of Arnold and Beryl Barratt in their new homefunding available to bring empty properties in Daventry district back into use.

Arnold and Beryl Barratt recently moved into their new home after housing provider Daventry & District Housing (DDH) completed work to transform the property.

The £65,000 makeover has seen the former community centre, in Starvold Close, Spratton, which had been empty since 2007, completely redesigned to create a wheelchair friendly home for the couple. It was designed based on their specific needs and features an open plan layout with wide doorways, a wet room and access ramp.

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The project received a £10,000 grant from the Homes & Communities Agency's Empty Homes Fund, a Government scheme to bring empty properties back into use for affordable housing.

Arnold, 78, who suffered a stroke two years ago, said: "We are absolutely delighted with our new home. Our previous home was a 1960s bungalow with narrow doorways and Beryl uses a wheelchair so getting around had become really difficult for us.

"When we heard Daventry & District Housing wanted to offer us this new property we were so pleased. We've settled in really well and it is like heaven to us, we can't quite believe it.

"I think the Empty Homes scheme is a fantastic idea. With the help of the scheme, my wife and I have been able to get this wonderful new home which has transformed our lives."

Daventry & District Housing has been awarded a £60,000 pot from the Empty Homes Fund and is keen to work with anyone who owns an empty property in the district to bring it back into use for affordable housing.

Owners of properties which have been vacant for at least six months qualify to receive grants of up to £10,000 to improve their property, which will then be managed by DDH for five years. The property owner then receives guaranteed rental income over that period.

More than 100 properties in Daventry district have been empty for more than six months and DDH has been working with Daventry District Council to identify potential property owners who may qualify.

(CD/JP)