TENANTS have moved into the first new council homes in Castle Point for more than a quarter of a century.

Castle Point Council struck a deal to buy the block of 25 flats at Drapers Court, Long Road, Canvey, for £2.3million.

Many families chose to move from larger properties with empty bedrooms in a bid to avoid their housing benefit being cut under the so-called “bedroom tax’’.

Kim Nicholls moved from a threebedroom property in Mornington Road, Canvey, to a one-bedroom flat in Drapers Court.

She said: “It was crippling me, I couldn’t afford it. Sometimes I wasn’t even eating. I was just paying the bills.”

Beverley Egan, Castle Point councillor responsible for homes and community engagement, said the knockon effect of the new homes meant sought-after larger properties would be freed up.

It is hoped this will relieve the burden on the growing housing waiting list, which has 1,500 names.

Mrs Egan said: “I’m delighted we have been able to acquire such a fantastic opportunity for our residents.

“When you appreciate that some people wanted to downsize, it has freed up family homes elsewhere.

“The housing team has worked very hard to get a good mix of opportunities for people. That has freed up other properties.

“It’s not just 25 families or individuals who have benefited, it has had a knock-on effect.”

Jackie Govier, mayor of Castle Point, said: “I’m delighted. It’s going to help with our housing list.

“It’s great for Castle Point. They are nice modern places for our residents.”

Drapers Court is made up of 14 onebedroom and 11 two-bedroom flats. The council had been in talks to secure the block since April.

It was able to strike a deal after a change in the law allowed it to use money from the sale of council houses, under the right to buy scheme, to replace them with new ones.

It completed the purchase earlier this month.

The last time the council was able to add to its housing stock in the borough was the 1988 development of Benfleet’s Abbotswood Estate.