The first homes on the largest new council development in the country have been handed over – just in time for Christmas.

Renata and Greg Szczuka, along with their four-year-old daughter Sophie, are the proud occupiers of one of the first new homes to be completed in Bader Close on Priory Heath.

The first five homes were handed over to their tenants by Ipswich Council after they were completed by builders Keepmoat.

Two two-bedoomed semi-detached homes, two two-bedroomed terraced homes and a four-bedroomed end of terrace home have so far been completed.

Unlike “standard” council housing designs of the 1930s to 1960s all have their own individual character – and most have substantial gardens.

Ipswich mayor Bill Quinton and council leader David Ellesmere were on hand to give the first key to Mrs Szczuka who was keen to show off their new home to Sophie.

She said: “We have been waiting for this for four years. We have been living in a one-bedroomed flat but that was very difficult. It is wonderful that Sophie will now be able to have her own room.

“It is the best Christmas present we have ever had – and it is such a nice house!”

Mr Ellesmere was also enthusiastic: “This is what I came into politics for! There is nothing more important than giving people decent homes to live in.

“It’s a case of five down, 103 to go. The next homes should be finished and handed over during the next few months.

“This development is the largest council housing programme we have seen in Ipswich for 50 years – and when (shadow housing minister) Emma Reynolds visited she said she thought it was the largest in the country at the moment. I am very proud of that.”