Work has started on building new affordable homes in Salford.

ForHousing – a company which owns and manages thousands of homes around the North West – is building a mix of properties which are due to be finished next year.

This will see more than 50 homes built for a total cost of around £10 million.

Spades are in the ground for a new 18-home development at Mayfield Avenue in Walkden, which are all set to be designated for affordable rent.

This is alongside the White Lion scheme in Swinton, which will provide 18 affordable homes, as well as 20 new apartments in the Allotment Road scheme in Irlam.

Nigel Sedman, executive director of homes at ForHousing, said it was “fantastic” to begin work at the Mayfield Avenue development.

He added: “This latest new-build scheme is a testament to our pledge to help meet the pressing need for truly affordable, quality, well-maintained homes where tenants feel safe and secure.

“Over the past ten years, ForHousing has delivered more than 1,000 homes in Salford, and we are continuing to work closely with Salford City Council to identify and address the need for more social homes for rent in the area.”

Cllr Tracy Kelly, lead member for housing, property and regeneration at the town hall, said: “We’re all acutely aware of the urgent need for increased social housing in Salford and so this new development is a welcome addition.

“There’s always more to be done, but it’s really positive to see a shared commitment across the city to increase the level of social housing stock that is available to Salford residents.

“Together we must work to get to a position where we can ensure that every

individual and families have access to good quality social housing that meets their needs.”

Salford is facing a housing shortage, with thousands of people on the register for a new home.

It is also dealing with rising numbers of people experiencing homelessness, with the city Mayor Paul Dennett declaring the issue a “crisis” earlier this year.

There are a number of plans to boost the number of homes in the city, including the recent decision by the council to adopt Places for Everyone – a Greater Manchester scheme for building homes and creating jobs.

It could provide an extra 28,000 homes in Salford, some of which will be built on greenbelt land.