THE first residents of a new housing association development in Pontypool have moved in.

And the first family to call the new Riverside development home said they were delighted. Philip and Sandra Ewers, who moved from Abergavenny with their son Adam, said: "We looked at the site and just liked it."

The Oakland site has been transformed into a new estate with a walk along the Afon Lwyd to the town centre.

During the official opening, Torfaen mayor Colette Thomas cut a ribbon to open the site to the first residents.

Councillor Margaret Howell, executive member for housing and community services, said: "The old flats at Riverside had definitely outlived their usefulness and were spoiling an otherwise pleasant area.

"Not only has the Riverside Regeneration Scheme met the housing needs of families, people with disabilities and new home buyers, it is making a real contribution to the continued success of a new Pontypool."

Darren Bolton, director of Charter Housing's property services, said: "It is rewarding for us all to see the new housing scheme take shape."

Redevelopment on the site has seen the demolition of 110 maisonettes and the building of 56 new homes, for rent and sale, including two purpose-built bungalows to meet the needs of the disabled.