A homeless family has been housed in a previously derelict property in Tolworth, after Kingston Council worked with a developer to bring it up to scratch.

The house, in Fullers Avenue, has been transformed into the disability-friendly home the family needed, after being unoccupied for 14 years.

Alda Maria said on moving into her new home with her family: “We are so happy here. Having all of the main living space, as well as a bedroom and a bathroom on the ground floor makes our family life a lot easier. It’s been truly life-changing.”

The council worked with the landowner and social housing developer Cromwood Housing, who bought the house and funded the building work, and is now leasing it to the council.

As part of the work, the two-bedroom house was extended to four bedrooms, including a ground floor bedroom with en-suite bathroom, with the whole ground floor fully accessible by wheelchair.

Surrey Comet:

The house in Fullers Avenue before the work

Councillor Cathy Roberts, cabinet member with responsibility for Housing, said: “Through collaborative working and innovative thinking, we’ve turned a privately owned derelict house into a home for a family with special needs.

“We are committed to continuing to bring empty homes in the borough back into use for local people and will be looking for further opportunities to work collaboratively to make a difference.

“The result is fantastic, and I hope that the family are very happy in their new home.”