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Sovereign bolsters the frontline
 Newbury's biggest landlord has helped stem the recruitment crisis in West Berkshire's frontline public services by helping dozens of key workers get on the property ladder. And more will be queuing up at an open day this Thursday.
Latest figures from Sovereign Housing Group show that 14 teachers, 27 healthcare workers and 46 police have been able to buy their own home with assistance from the Homebuy key worker package. The scheme offers an interest-free loan to top up whatever the key worker can raise through a mortgage. If the employee leaves the profession, the loan has to be paid back in two years. Sovereign Marketing Coordinator Clare Bint said: "Homebuy has proved very popular with all age groups of key workers, looking to get a bigger place and to be able to choose where to live. It's also a great way for headteachers, hospital managers and police inspectors to keep hold of staff in property hotspots like here." Karina Brookes and her partner Dave Pearson were struggling in a cramped flat in Reading when they heard about the Homebuy scheme. The 24-year-old Westwood Farm Primary school teacher came to see Sovereign and learnt that they could take an interest-free top-up to their mortgage and then head off to choose their own home anywhere in the local area. Gas pipeline technician Dave, who works at Bucklebury, said: "We were in limbo. Neither of us is badly paid, but we were way short of a two bedroom property." Karina added: "We've been together for seven years, and had some savings, but I desperately needed the extra space for marking and planning my lessons, as well as to relax." They borrowed an additional £37,000 on top of their joint mortgage with a commercial lender, and moved to a new home in Didcot with a garage and a garden. On Thursday, more key workers - from speech therapists and social workers to nurses and CID - are invited to attend an open day at Newbury Town Hall to find out what help is available to them. An independent financial adviser is on hand, along with Sovereign's experienced home ownership staff. The event runs from 2-7pm, but those who want more information on affordable housing can call 0845 602 1618.Published 20 July 2005 |
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 ©2008 Sovereign Housing Association Limited (charitable). All rights reserved. |
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