A TREE with a suitably military heritage has been planted in the grounds of Worcester's former Norton Barracks to mark the start of work on ten affordable housing units for returning service personnel and those who have retired from the armed forces. Called "the Napoleon tree", the weeping willow has been grown from a sapling taken from the original that stood in the grounds of Longwood Manor, St. Helena, where Napoleon Bonaparte was imprisoned following his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.

When construction of the new homes got underway for Evesham-based Rooftop Housing Group it was decided to ensure the site’s link to one of the most significant events in British military history was not forgotten. At a special ceremony a plaque was unveiled by Brigadier Gerhard Wheeler, commander 143 (West Midlands) Brigade, as the housing scheme forms part of Rooftop’s commitment to the Worcestershire Armed Forces Community Covenant.

Brig. Wheeler said: “I am very honoured to commemorate the building of these new properties and am delighted that the works include the recognition of the Napoleon Tree on this site, which was for so many years, dating back to the 19th Century, the home of the Worcestershire Regiment. With this year being the centenary of the beginning of World War One, it is a further reminder of the sacrifices that our Armed Forces have made, and continue to make across the globe and I know that these properties will be greatly appreciated by those who make them their home.”

Rachel Lathan, chair of Evesham and Pershore Housing Association, which is part of Rooftop, added: “Projects like this are a great example of what can be achieved when people work together. I feel really proud of what is happening here through the efforts of Rooftop, the MoD, Wychavon District Council, Norton Juxta Kempsey Parish Council, contractors Speller Metcalfe and many others. It’s going to be a terrific development.”

When complete, the development will provide ten modern energy-efficient homes comprising four one bed flats and two two bed flats for affordable rent, two three bed houses for affordable rent and two three bed houses for shared ownership. The total cost of the scheme is just under £1.3 million, which includes grant funding of £55,000 from Wychavon District Council and £263,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency. The project is due to be completed in September 2014.

Jack Hegarty, Managing Director at Wychavon District Council added: “We’re always keen to support ex-service men and women. Finding the right housing after leaving the forces can be challenging. We can’t wait to see the finished project and we’re proud to be an active partner.”