Debbie Abrahams, the MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, has visited a new housing site in Hathershaw as work nears completion. She was shown around the Belgrave and Thatcher Streets development last Friday by staff from First Choice Homes Oldham and builders Arca Construct.

The 19 eco-friendly houses are built on a former garage site and will soon have new tenants. Abrahams went inside some of the properties during the visit.

"I would like to congratulate all involved in this development," she said. "It is so, so impressive and it's going to make so many families happy."

She added: "This is what we need in Oldham. It gives families the opportunity to build their lives. If you don't have a good home, a stable home, then it makes things harder. So well done."

Arca has built 16 three-bedroom homes on Belgrave Road and three two-bedroom homes on neighbouring Thatcher Street. All have solar panels and EV charging points, and each reaches an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) B rating.

The scheme received £1.07m from Homes England and a further £285,000 from the Brownfield Housing Fund grant through the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Construction Manager Jamie Smith thanked the MP for her visit and for her "interest, insight and knowledge of the housing situation here in Oldham". He said it was important that First Choice Homes works closely with elected representatives so it can play its part in building the quality homes the town needs.