MORE key workers in the town are able to open their own front door thanks to Swindon Council's affordable housing plan.

The council says it is on target to deliver its 42nd pledge, which promises to deliver affordable homes for local residents and key workers.

So far this year 192 affordable homes have been built in the borough, and that is set to rise to 324 by the end of 2007.

Last year 266 affordable homes were built, meaning 295 will have been built on average each year.

That figure actually falls below the council's aim of creating 300 homes a year, but another 1,049 are on the drawing board for the next two years.

The upward trend has come about because of the council's Housing Enabling Team that has co-operated with housing associations and developers to provide low cost home ownership.

Last year Swindon was successful in securing £17.5m for additional affordable housing from the Housing Corporation - a Government agency that assists the funding of affordable homes.

It was more than triple the amount obtained in previous years, and enabled people like administrator Maria Bathe to finally get on the housing ladder with Sovereign Housing Association.

Maria, 39, lives with her taxi driver husband, Brian, and son Marty, 18, in a two-bedroom house in Whitney Street, near the town centre. It is part of a brownfield development of 16 shared ownership homes.

She said: "This is my first home.

"Previously I was renting a one bedroom flat. I've been looking to buy for a long time but prices kept shooting up, making it impossible.

"Shared ownership was the perfect solution - I own 30 per cent.

"It's a lovely place with a garden, where I'm even growing my own tomatoes."

Between April 2004 and March 2007, 32 per cent of the affordable homes created were rented and 68 per cent were for low cost home ownership.

The proportion of rented accommodation is set to rise, accounting for almost half of the affordable homes to be built by 2010.

Many of these homes will be built on the Wichelstowe expansion area, where 1,300 affordable homes are planned.

The first phase of development, in East Wichel, will create 243 homes, all of which will be affordable and complete by the end of 2009.

This is in line with the council seeking 30 per cent affordable housing on planning applications for qualifying development sites.

Coun David Renard, cabinet member for housing and adult social care, said: "Promise 42 sets out an exciting and deliverable affordable housing plan that the people of Swindon need.

"The impressive performance to date is an excellent example of how the council can make a real difference to people's lives."

But the town's Labour group has criticised the council for failing to meet the basic needs of residents.

Coun Steve Allsopp (Lab, Parks) said: "The borough has an urgent need for 800 affordable units to be built a year.

"But is struggling to meet its own very modest target of 300 which is set forth in the council's 50 promises.

"The Labour Government has given a clear indication of its commitment to social housing in a recent green paper and it is down to each authority to take the lead on one of the most pressing national issues.

"The figures hide the real human misery of this tragic situation.

"Without doing more many of the town's most vulnerable families will have their lives blighted for another generation."