A HOUSEBUILDER is throwing its weight behind a community on a number of initiatives to benefit a village.

Cheviot Holdings Ltd was granted planning permission for 73 houses on land west of Fulforth Way, in Sacriston, and has since been liaising with county councillor Heather Liddle on a number of landscape enhancement initiatives, which will add to the attractiveness of the village.

Directors of Cheviot presented an initial cheque of £500 to the community at an event in the Fulforth Community Centre. The funding will be used for flower and shrub planting in and around the Acorn Close area of the village.

Handing the cheque to Cllr Liddle, Cheviot director Philip Evans said it was the start of a co-ordinated approach to working with the community in achieving the initiatives they have identified for enhancing the appearance of the village and its surroundings.

Newcastle-based architects Squires Barnett are putting the finishing touches to the two, three and four-bedroom homes.

Cheviot Holdings hope to start building on the site later in the year.