Construction has been completed to turn a former sheltered housing block into 28 social homes.

St Albans City and District Council said it will start moving people who are waiting on the housing register into the housing block in Valley Road in the next few weeks.

The block, which was called Linley Court, has been renamed Hawking's House. It will be run by Catalyst housing association.

Council leader Cllr Christ White said: “The creation of more much-needed social housing for the District is one of our major priorities along with tackling climate change, improving community facilities and making the council more business friendly.

“Hawking’s House will provide more social-rent homes of excellent quality to a range of people on our housing register waiting list.

“We are also progressing with a number of other developments in St Albans, London Colney and Harpenden.”

The council said it hopes the new secure bike racks and electric vehicle charging points will encourage residents to choose green transport.

Catalyst’s group development director Philip Jenkins said: “Hawking’s House is an excellent example of a local authority and a housing association working in partnership to deliver sustainable, new-build affordable homes for those that need them most.

“This project is our first development in St Albans since 2013, and we’re especially proud to support the council to provide quality social housing to the City and excited to welcome our new customers into their new homes.”

Work is also underway on the £3.2 million redevelopment of council-owned block Mereden Court in Tavistock Avenue.

It is being refurbished by the council to create 18 new flats for social rent. Work is due to be completed in the summer.

It will also have eco-friendly features including solar panels and equipment to harvest rain water.

Work at the former site of Warner House, Cell Barnes Lanes is due to finish next summer. It will be demolished, rebuilt and renamed Wavell House and will have 24 flats for people over 55.

It will be fitted with a green roof where plants and other vegetation can grow.