THERE were celebrations on Friday when Redditch Co-operative Homes' 150th tenant took the keys to her new house.

The housing organisation was celebrating the opening of its latest venture in Union Street, Smallwood, along with town MP Jacqui Smith, who has supported it from the outset.

The 16 new three and four-bedroom houses have been built by Wimpey as part of a larger private housing development.

To mark the occasion, Ms Smith presented flowers to the Co-operative's 150th tenant, Tina Sciluna.

This is the sixth development by Redditch Co-operative Homes in the town.

The small estates built so far are unique in that tenants play an active part in their development and management, creating a strong sense of community.

The new £1.1million Smallwood development was funded by a £650,000 grant from the Housing Corporation and private funding raised by the Co-operative, which was created five years ago by Redditch Council and the Accord Housing Association.

Jacqui Smith MP, who cut the sod at the first Melen Street development in December 1998, said: "I've followed the progress of Redditch Co-operative Homes closely and have continued to be impressed at the excellent job their residents make in building communities and managing their own homes.

"Redditch has a big housing shortage and there is a great need for this sort of accommodation. I look forward to the next 150 properties."