CASH MEANS HOMES BOOST; 387 new houses.

Byline: MIKE BLACKBURN

SIX housing projects in Stockton are set to share a pounds 12.7m boost to kickstart the housing market and get the local construction industry back on track.

The money from the Department of Communities and Local Government's Kickstart fund will see the completion of 387 new homes in the borough over this year and next.

In Stockton this will include: * Up to 120 homes at Hardwick by Keepmoat Homes * Up to 50 homes at the Victoria Park site, Stockton by Bellway * Up to 50 homes at the Mandale Phase 2 by Barratt * Up to 50 homes at Hardwick Green by Barratt * Up to 50 homes at North Shore Home Zone Phase 1 by North Shore Development Partnership Ltd * Up to 67 homes at Pottery Wharf, Thornaby by Gladedale Some of the homes will be available to buy though the Government's HomeBuy Scheme which offers potential buyers an equity loan of up to 50% of the purchase price of the property. Buyers may not need to have a deposit and they will own 100% of their home from the outset.

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton Council's Cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: "This funding will kickstart the housing market which will create jobs. It will also help local people get on the on the property ladder."

Dari Taylor, MP for Stockton South, said: "We have a growing list of people waiting to move into the new developments at Mandale and Pottery Wharf. This announcement secures many local jobs in the construction industry and places an increased demand on the white collar goods industry."

Stockton North MP Frank Cook, said: "Quality housing is critical which is why the announcement of funding to help get developments in areas such as Hardwick and North Shore back on track is so important."

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KICKSTART: Stockton is target of cash