NEW roads and houses are rapidly transforming the area of East Anton where there will eventually be a community of 2,500 homes.

To help build a sense of belonging and neighbourhood spirit Test Valley Borough Council has announced that a community worker will be based in the area.

“Their role will be to welcome residents, develop community groups and build community spirit within the new neighbourhood and help link new residents with the rest of Andover,” said a council spokeswoman.

“The community worker will also be responsible for the community travel plan, which will seek to promote and increase walking, cycling and use of public transport.”

The massive development will include a mix and range of one to five bedroom homes, of which at least 1,000 will be ‘affordable’ homes available to rent or as shared ownership.

The first homes occupied at Augusta Park will be the first of the affordable homes while residents in the private sector houses are expected to start moving in within the month and 52 of these houses will be occupied by MoD personnel. These were handed over from the developers on August 19.

It is possible that by the end of October, around 100 houses will be occupied.

Nearly 60 per cent of homes sold so far are to people already living in Andover.

Two primary schools will be provided within the new neighbourhood, with one to the north opened in temporary accommodation at Easter 2010 with permanent buildings completed by September 2011.