A LAUNCH event for a new phase in the development of the Rayners Lane estate was held last week.

The new flats went on sale last Friday and have solar panels and state-of-the-art heating and ventilation systems.

Around 45 per cent of the block has already been reserved.

Councillor Bob Currie, responsible for housing, said: “This is another important milestone for the community in Rayners Lane and I'm delighted to see so many new, affordable homes on offer, particularly in the current economic climate.”

Homes in the block, known as The Spectrum, are eligible for a Government scheme called HomeBuy Direct, which offers a loan of 30 per cent of the total price to first-time buyers struggling to get the money together.

For people buying through HomeBuy, prices start at £117,425 on top of the value of the loan which has no fees for five years.

Sophia Arain, sales and marketing manager for housing association Home Group, said: “Since we launched The Spectrum, we have been inundated with enquiries from our website and phone calls from the marketing campaign.”