CASTLE Point Council has exchanged contracts for its first council homes in 25 years.

The council exchanged contracts to buy Draper Court 35 Long Road on Canvey Island today. If all goes ahead then Draper Court will provide 14 one bedroom flats and 11 two bedroom flats for council housing.

Completion of the purchase will take place on or before Sunday November 30.

Beverley Egan, cabinet member for homes and community engagement said: “This is fantastic news, my thanks to all involved.

“I am delighted we are able to purchase Draper Court for council housing, the first in 30 years.”