TWO of the oldest council houses in the country have been sold.

TWO of the oldest council houses in the country have been sold.

The cottages in Tattingstone were sold at an auction today for £169,000 each.

They had been owned by Babergh District Council and were thought to have been built during the reign of King Henry VIII.

Babergh District Councillors gave the go ahead to sell the thatched homes at the end of last year after it was revealed renovation work could cost around £40,000.

The council has now said the money raised will be reinvested in affordable housing projects.

Chris Foti, Babergh's head of community development, said: “We are delighted with the result.

“The sales mean not only do those purchasing the properties gain a new home but that Babergh will be able to provide more affordable homes for more people.”