TENANTS say they are "blessed" to be living in the first the first council houses to be built in 30 years.

Enfield Council unveiled the 38 new homes on the site of the bulldozed Alma Estate on Thursday February 9.

Dujardin Mews, named after Enfield-born equestrian Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin has town houses, apartments and maisonettes available to council tenants and leaseholders.

New resident Andrew Bailey said: ““The word is blessed. We feel blessed. To be at Alma or around 26/27 years, to move from a small flat, to a maisonette and now into a new house, we feel blessed.

“We couldn’t be in a house like this without the help of the Council. It’s really important people have this type of opportunity and we need to respect it for what it is.

“We are really grateful to Enfield Council.”

Mr Bailey is moving into the property with his partner and their two daughters, aged three and six.

This is the first site to be open as part of the council’s Ponder’s End Scheme to combat the demand for affordable housing in the area.

Cllr Ahmet Oykener, responsible for housing and housing regeneration, said: “It is a hugely significant moment in the regeneration of Ponders End and sends a clear message that Enfield is building for the future by investing millions of pounds into improving and transforming housing in the borough.

“Developments such as Dujardin Mews and the Alma Estate will increase our stock of social housing, help tackle the housing crisis locally and provide good quality housing for residents.

“These regeneration schemes also bring jobs to the area, help rejuvenate some of the poorest parts of the borough and provide benefits that run far beyond simply providing new homes.

“We are proud of these Enfield schemes and we are committed to improving the quality of life for all of our residents now and in the future.”