Removal vans are keeping busy in the Wirral Housing Market Renewal area as the first families to move into the new Sevenoaks development.

Many residents moved temporarily while the work was under way and watched the old Fiveways estate come down and Sevenoaks take its place.

Historically, Fiveways was built to serve the housing needs of Wirral's growing workforce towards the end of the 19th century but was showing signs of housing market failure.

Now after a patient wait, residents are moving into the new properties, built by Birkenhead-based housing regeneration specialist Lovell, which consist of 283 two, three and four bedroom homes. They are available for outright sale, shared ownership and rent through social landlord Riverside. Sevenoaks is the flagship Housing Market Renewal new build development for Wirral.

The development has a number of innovative environmentally-friendly features such as solar panels, high-level insulation and compost bins. The contemporary design was developed in consultation with the residents.

Chris Bowen, Housing Market Renewal Manager for Wirral Council, said:

"These residents have supported the programme from the beginning and have managed to keep a community alive during the changes taking place. We are delighted to see them moving into the new properties and we hope that we will continue to see a bustling community in Rock Ferry and that they will be very happy there."

Kate Sharkey, who has lived in Fiveways for nearly nine years, said:

"I can't believe the day has finally come. We have witnessed the old houses come down and the new houses go up. The community has been kept together - I'm living next door to my current neighbour - so what was promised to us has been delivered. I can't wait to settle in and make plans for my new home in the area which we all know and love."

Barbara Keenan has just moved into her new home. She said:

"It's so warm compared to the old house, I haven't had the heating on at all yet because it's all being generated by the solar panels. I'm so glad to be finally here and I already feel like I've lived here for years!"

Nigel Yates, Regional Director for Birkenhead-based Lovell, said:

"As a local company, we're very proud to be playing a part in this vital regeneration scheme. It's great to see that the first residents are now moving in at Sevenoaks."

Neil Townsend, Divisional Director for Riverside, the lead housing association for the area, said:

"We have been working in partnership in Rock Ferry to reach this day and many people have worked tirelessly to make this happen. The area has undergone a transformation and the properties are of a very high standard. We're looking forward to helping people settle in and shaping a vibrant community."