EIGHTEEN months ago I saw an article in the Redditch Advertiser about a housing association called Co-operative Homes, which was planning to build some 17 bungalows on a piece of land just a few hundred yards from where we lived.

As my husband's health wasn't good, we decided to inquire about the possibility of acquiring one.

And I can now say with all honesty it was the best decision I ever made.

For 18 months we were involved in not only the planning and designing of these properties but got to meet each and every one of our neighbours from the start.

I'm sure many of us remember the days when our neighbours were our best friends and we could go to anyone on the street in times of need. Then we all helped each other.

Unfortunately, today most of us don't know our neighbour, let alone class them as a friend, even a 'good morning' seems too much trouble.

Well, here is a company that has reinvented the old ways and brought them back into the 21st century.

On Monday we all start moving into our new bungalows that we have all helped to plan and design, even down to the colour of the walls and doors.

My social life has taken on a whole new meaning. No longer do we sit in front of the TV every night. Now we have friends that we can visit, go out for meals, laugh at jokes long forgotten and, most of all, look forward to a brighter future.

And I don't have to go far because all my best friends are my neighbours.

So Co-operative Homes - thank you from each and everyone of us.

Name and address supplied