THE doors have opened on a new housing service in Okehampton with town mayor Christine Marsh cutting the ribbon on West Devon Homes' new offices in East Street.
Some two years after West Devon Homes began trading high street offices are now being established firstly in Okehampton — and in two months' time in Tavistock.
Derrick Pinckard, chairman of West Devon Homes said: 'We did not rush out and immediately open new premises. Our strategy has been to concentrate firstly on getting our improvement and maintenance programmes up and running and then to establish our services on the High Street.'
Chief executive Stuart Davies said: 'We believe having offices on the High Street will be much more accessible for tenants and local people who need help in resolving their housing problems.'
He went on to thank the borough council for their support in helping to fund the company's current programme of new housing development.
He said in the next six months new rented housing developments for local people will be opened in Yelverton and Tavistock.
In addition funding is in place to purchase or build another 55 desperately needed affordable homes in the towns and villages across West Devon.
The staff based at the Okehampton office were delighted with the new accommodation.
Anne Leaman, housing assistant, said: 'It's not just a case of a change of location. There's been investment in equipment and systems. We're pleased as punch at the look and layout of the office.
'It can't help but improve the service we're able to give tenants,' she said.
In the last two years West Devon Homes has spent close to £4 million on maintenance and improvements such as new central heating and double glazing.
Another £5 million is due to be spent in the coming three years.
Opening hours for the new office will be 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Anyone wishing to contact the company by telephone should continue to use the same number (01822) 813770.