WORK to build Colchester’s first new council homes for 20 years could be finished by the end of the year.

Colchester Council is building the 34 new homes at former garage sites across the borough.

The five sites are at Monkwick Avenue, Windsor Close and Holborough Close in Colchester and Rosabelle Avenue in Wivenhoe.

They will include gardens and off road parking.

Preference will be given to people with a local connection to Colchester.

Tina Bourne, councillor responsible for housing, said “These are the first homes the Council has built in 20 years.

“We are committed to tackling the housing shortage in Colchester through this and through the support of other developments across the borough. I look forward to seeing how these sites progress”.

Work is expected to be completed on some of the sites by the end of the year.