SIX houses built by Swindon Borough Council to bring in some cash have been snapped up almost immediately.

The new-builds were completed in Sparcells Drive – a year after work started – in March. And despite the coronavirus lockdown, all of them have been sold.

They were built and marketed by the Swindon Housing Company – a company set up and wholly owned by the council to deliver small developments of private housing to sell on the open market.

Cabinet member for strategic planning Gary Sumner said: “I am delighted with the success of this fantastic development by Swindon Housing Company of six detached, four-bedroom family homes which have been completed to a very high standard.

“They have proven to be very popular, all being sold soon after they were completed. This thoughtful re-use of a piece of council land has brought much needed new homes, as well as benefits to the local area both directly and indirectly through community infrastructure contributions.

“Swindon Housing Company is generating much needed commercial income for the council and is currently planning to develop a range of sites across Swindon.”

Four of the houses were on the market at £320,000 and two at £325,000, and all were offered with the government’s Help to Buy scheme.

The profits will go back to the council to help support services.