Hang out the bunting: Michaela's home

Care worker Michaela James, aged 24, has gained her independence after moving into her stylish new Hemel Hempstead flat '“ which is Hightown Housing Association's 5,000th property.
From left: Hightown chief executive David Bogle, deputy leader of Dacorum Borough Council Margaret Griffiths,  Michaela, Mike Penning MP and chairman of the Hightown board Tony KeenFrom left: Hightown chief executive David Bogle, deputy leader of Dacorum Borough Council Margaret Griffiths,  Michaela, Mike Penning MP and chairman of the Hightown board Tony Keen
From left: Hightown chief executive David Bogle, deputy leader of Dacorum Borough Council Margaret Griffiths, Michaela, Mike Penning MP and chairman of the Hightown board Tony Keen

Hemel MP Mike Penning cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the Park Lane development. Hightown has built 70 homes for affordable rent and 15 for shared ownership sale on the site of the town’s former Royal Mail sorting office, just behind the Marlowes Shopping Centre.

Michaela, who works at a nursing home in Chalfont St Peter and had been living with her parents, said: “It’s great to have my own place, and it’s a really lovely flat.”

Mike Penning said: “It is great to see such good quality architectural design being used in such a prominent location in the town centre. The mix of affordable rental homes and shared ownership will enable more local families get a foot on the housing ladder.