A HOUSING developer has named two brand new streets in honour of two of the region's former councillors.

Barratt Homes North East agreed to name two streets, which were built as part of its Jubilee Gardens development in Stockton.

Councillor Bob Gibson, who worked for 34 years at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, was honoured with Gibson Street.

Whilst Stephen Smailes, the former leader of the Conservatives in Stockton, and worker for Teesside County Borough Council, was honoured with Smailes Close.

The multi-million pound housing development, which features two, three and four bedroom houses, was first penned in 2017.

Neil Milburn of Barratt Homes North East said: “When we first began working on Jubilee Gardens we knew it was important that we held the values of the community within the development.

"Both councillors have been greatly respected and had such a positive impact on the borough, so we felt that it was only right to mark their legacy here in Stockton with the two new streets.”

Eileen Johnson mayor of Stockton added: “I’m really pleased that Barratt Homes has kindly agreed to the naming of Gibson Road and Smailes Close in recognition of two upstanding men who served their community with passion and dedication."