FIRST time buyers are now being given a lift onto the property ladder thanks to a new initiative.

Redditch Council, David Wilson Homes and Evesham and Pershore Housing Association are offering residents the chance to enter a shared ownership scheme.

The scheme means residents only need a 50 per cent mortgage, while the other 50 per cent remains in the ownership of the housing association.

Residents will later be given the chance to buy more shares until they eventually own the property outright.

The houses available are in the Archer's Croft development in Arrowdale Road, Lakeside.

They include one and two-bedroom flats, and two-bedroom houses.

For more details, call the council's housing department on 64252.