THE Marches Housing Association is launching a development of 14 homes on the former General Hospital site in Hereford today (Thursday).

The launch will coincide with the 10th anniversary of the association's taking over of Leominster District Council's housing stock.

The development - Victoria Bridge - has been built in partnership with Laing Homes and provides a mix of apartments and houses.

The four two-bedroom shared ownership houses have been sold on a shared equity basis. The 10 rented properties - five four-bedroom houses, two three-bedroom apartments, two one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment - have all been allocated to people with local connections with Herefordshire.

Marches managing director, David Hinchliffe, said: "The planning permission set out criteria new residents had to meet.

"We were particularly keen to give priority to key workers: health service employees, policemen, teachers and firemen."

The official opening is by Cessa Moore, chairman of Hereford Hospital NHS Trust.