Plush new housing has replaced tower blocks in one part of Sittingbourne.

The land formerly occupied by Cere's Court, three four-storey tower blocks, off Eagle's Close in Murston, has been replaced by a new housing development, Wild Ash Croft. The new housing has been built by Optivo Housing, formerly AmicusHorizon, and the Chartway Group, with the help of £1.35 million in funding from Homes England. The total cost of the scheme was £8 million.

The development of 40 houses was given planning permission in June 2016, with Swale Borough Council's planning committee agreeing that the new housing would be a significant improvement to the character of the local area, compared with the 78 flats that were previously there, and would improve the living conditions of future residents.

The 134 residents of Cere's Court were found suitable alternative accommodation ahead of the demolition, and these residents have chosen to stay in this new housing rather than moving to Wild Ash Croft. The new houses in Murston have been occupied using the local housing register.

The new housing is 75% affordable rented accommodation and 25% shared ownership housing. New residents were welcomed at a special Easter event, which included an Easter Egg Hunt, bouncy castle and face painting to welcome children to this new family development.

Lucy Marshall has moved into Wild Ash Croft with her two sons. She said: "Getting the keys to my new home was amazing, living here has transformed our lives. My boys have a garden to enjoy, and for the first time they can have friends round to play."

A memorial plaque was also unveiled at the event to remember Rachael Lees, who set up a wildlife garden at Cere's Court for the community to enjoy. She sadly died several years ago, but her father, Richard Spooner, was at the event to dedicate the plaque to his daughter, and asked the new residents to look after the area as she would have wanted.

Neil Tickle, director of land and new business at Optivo, said: "Wild Ash Croft is a brilliant example of partnership working to deliver positive outcomes for local people. We're really excited that 40 families now have a new home to call their own."