A HOUSING association has pledged to build almost 50 new homes in Herefordshire and Worcestershire after receiving a £2.5m cash boost.

The substantial Housing Corporation grant will allow Leominster-based Marches Housing to re-home 47 families currently on the waiting list.

"This is good news for people in housing need in the two counties," said Marches managing director David Hinchliffe.

"We are delighted with our funding allocation - it is an endorsement of our success in meeting a diverse range of housing needs throughout this area."

Marches Housing, which already manages around 2,600 rented homes in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire, will also use private finance and its own resources to fund the £3.8m development programme.

It will fund four rented and four shared properties in Leintwardine, 12 flats for the over-50s at Market Street, Ledbury, further schemes in Leominster, Hereford and Weobley, as well as acquiring rented accommodation around Tenbury Wells.

Marches Housing also plans to start work on new affordable homes at the Moravian Church site in South Street, Leominster and the town's Bridge Street.

Lilleshall House in Shrewsbury is also set to be upgraded.