BUILDING work is well underway at Wealden District Council’s £10 million retirement living scheme Grants Hill Court with local contractors providing the construction skills.

The council has been keen to involve workers wherever possible in the scheme which will see the accommodation on the former Grants Hill House site increase from 42 to 67 affordable homes.

Sussex-based Thakeham Client are employing Uckfield-based GPB Construction to provide the groundwork for the scheme and Eastbourne-based Owen Contractors for the bricklaying and scaffolding.

Wealden chairman Councillor Chris Hardy and Cabinet member for Housing Councillor Graham Wells met up with two of the Owen apprentices, Iain Davidson and Nathan Kitcher who are working on the site.

Councillor Wells said: “It is good to see local firms employing apprentices and to learn first-hand how these schemes are helping provide training and future employment.

“The investment we are putting into social housing will not only provide high quality affordable accommodation, but help improve the economy and the skill levels of local craftsmen for our communities.”