FAMILIES who have been given the keys to the doors of their new homes in Lydney joined Forest MP Mark Harper to celebrate the official opening of the development.

Two Rivers Housing Association demolished four post-war pre-fabs in Meadow View, Lydney to build 11 state-of-the-art energy efficient modern homes.

There are three three-bedroom houses, three two-bedroom houses, four two-bedroom flats and a three-bedroom bungalow – each with electricity generating solar panels and water-saving rain-harvesting systems.

The £1.2 million project had £55,000 from the Forest of Dean Council and £95,000 from the government's Homes and Communities Agency.

Mr Harper joined resident Emma Williams, Two Rivers chair Dr David Garnett and Forest Council leader Councillor Patrick Molyneux to plant a Shearwater tree.

Ms Williams said: "Lydney is a lovely place to live and I am so pleased we can live locally, in such a quality home, at a price that's affordable,"

Dr Garnett said: "This is a good example of what can be achieved when you work in partnership."

He said the energy efficiency of the homes was 44 per cent more than that required by building regulations.

Mr Harper said: "I am really pleased to have the opportunity to look around these houses which are of really high quality."

Councillor Molyneux said: "These are sustainable homes we can be proud of."

The opening took place as Two Rivers was given a vote of confidence by its tenants.

The not-for-profit organisation scored more than 80 per cent in almost every element of its tenant satisfaction survey.