WORK has started on the county’s first self-build project that will see 20 unemployed teenagers construct homes that ten of them will move in to.

Banbury’s MP Tony Baldry used a mechanical digger to make the first cut at a former allotment site in Miller Road, Banbury, to signal the start of the £1.3m scheme.

Ten young people, including two women, have signed up to work on the first stage of the scheme, which will include digging footings and building the maisonette-style one-bed homes.

A joint initiative between Cherwell, Southwark Habitat for Humanity, and Sanctuary Housing, the scheme is designed to tackle the shortage of affordable housing in Ruscote, and encourage young people to get a qualification.

The first ten young people, who are not in education, employment or training, NEETs, have been signed up and are raring to get started.

Among the first group is 18-year-old Joe Woodall, of Bretch Hill, Banbury, who said; “I wasn’t going to college or working when I heard about the Miller Road Project.

“It’s given me something to focus on and is a good opportunity for me to get into the building trade. My aim in life is to be earning a good wage, so I’m hoping to get job in construction after I’ve finished this course.”

Another, Nathan Bowell, 17, said: “I didn’t have much of an idea what I wanted to do in the future, but I really like working with my hands. The Miller Road Project has given me the chance to do this and learn some construction skills.

“I’m hoping the course gives me a better idea of the sort of work I’d like to do — and even help me to get a job.”

Keith Strangwood, district councillor for Banbury’s Ruscote ward, said: “This scheme will give two groups of young people a chance to learn skills which could be of value to them for the rest of their lives.

“This kind of initiative shows that most of today’s young people do recognise the need for hard work if they wish to succeed.”

Students will get on-the-job training via Oxford and Cherwell Valley College and will be expected to be up early to work on site.

Lesley Donoghue, acting college principal, said: “The vocational learning on offer is a huge boost to their future prospects. It provides valuable, real-life experience of the world of work as well as the chance to gain specific skills and qualifications that could lead to a job.”

Harj Lota, managing director of Charter Community Housing, said: “Building homes is about more than just bricks and mortar — it is about creating opportunities for local people and helping them achieve their full potential.”

Mr Baldry said: “I think what’s brilliant about the Miller Road project is the young people will learn construction skills to a high level and they are building houses that will be occupied by some of them.”

The Homes and Community Agency contributed £520,000 to the scheme, Cherwell put in £324,000 and Sancturary Housing £456,000 The entire project is expected to take 14 months to complete.