CEREMONIAL sod cutting has marked the start of more affordable homes in Worcester.

Five new houses for rent will soon be built in St Peter's Drive, Worcester.

The £600,000 housing development made progress when the first ground was broken by leader of Worcester City Council Simon Geraghty. Due to be finished in August 2007, the new two-bedroom houses will be let at affordable rents to people nominated from the council's waiting list.

The homes are being financed by Waterloo Housing Association with the support of a £365,000 social housing grant from the government-backed Housing Corporation.

The cost of the development is also being kept affordable thanks to the council providing the land at a discounted rate.

Coun Geraghty said: "This is great for the area and those people who are looking for affordable homes.

"It is just one of many schemes that the council is supporting and it is further evidence of how we can work with partner organisations to help provide more housing options for local families."

Waterloo has also contributed towards the cost of a mini roundabout on the site's new access road.