Residents on the hillside in Bradford on Avon who took over Conigre Hill car park from the council two years ago have now finalised their takeover of a group of garages.

The Bradford on Avon Hillside Community Interest Company (HiCIC) bought the garages, just above the terraces on Budbury Close, from Selwood Housing who officially handed over the keys last week.

The group had to raise £80,000 in order to purchase the 14 garages, which they used to rent from Selwood. The money was raised through donations and community contributions.

David Maude, chairman of HiCIC said that the garages made a huge difference to people living on the hillside, where parking has been an ongoing problem.

He said: “It will increase the existing level of car parking and storage for as long as anyone needs it. These garages are vital to Hillside life.”

Selwood Housing is in the process of selling off all its garages which contain prefabricated reinforced concrete (PRC) due to high maintenance costs.

Its State funding has also been cut, forcing it to focus on its core business, affordable housing.

Rebecca O’Neil, head of enterprise at Selwood Housing, said that the decision was not taken lightly: “It is a really good opportunity. Bradford on Avon suffers very badly with parking and groups like this show really innovative funding ideas.”

The garages will now be rented out to residents.