Work on a major housing development in Ledbury has restarted - six weeks after the company building the homes went into administration.

The construction of 93 affordable homes behind the Full Pitcher pub in New Street started early this year.

But work ground to a halt in October after Jehu Group, the main contractor for the development, ceased trading.

More than 100 employees were made redundant and work stopped on 17 construction and development projects on what Jehu Group’s directors described as “a truly devastating day for the business”.

READ MORE: Full Pitcher pub open as usual despite five-way roadworks on roundabout

Housing association Connexus, which is behind the Full Pitcher development, vowed to complete the work, saying it was “committed to developing new affordable homes for local people”.

Work is now underway once more, with workers seen on site for the first time in weeks.

Amanda Knowles, head of development at Connexus, said: “Getting the 93 affordable homes built for the people of Ledbury is a priority for Connexus and we are delighted to say the site is now back up and running with the first trades starting this week.

First phase of Full Pitcher development to be completed in summer 2023

“We are appointing as many of the original sub-contractors as possible and have also directly re-employed two former employees of the Jehu Group, which fell into administration in October. 

“Homes on the site will be completed in phases from autumn 2023 through to March 2024.”

The Full Pitcher development was made possible after more than £3 million in grant funding was awarded to Connexus by Homes England.

Working with Herefordshire Council to meet specific demand in the area, Connexus said the homes would mainly be a mix of two and three-bedroom houses for families.

There will also be one-bedroom homes and bungalows on site, including at least two that will house residents on the council’s Accessible Homes Register.

Properties for affordable rent will be let in the first instance to those with a local connection to Ledbury.

Rent to buy homes are made available to rent at a reduced rate, allowing residents to build up a deposit to buy a share of the property later.