One of the Midlands’ leading house-builders has announced it will be launching four new sites in Worcestershire in the next 12 months, underpinning hundreds of new jobs for local people.

David Wilson Homes Mercia plans to launch four new sites this year across the county - Abacot Fields in Honeybourne, Broadheath Meadows in Ronkswood, Enfield Gardens in Redditch and Whychbury in Hagley. These developments will provide a total of 147 new homes with the prospect of over 290 jobs for local people in the building and selling of them.

The housebuilder predominently employs local sub-contractors and tradesmen – so local businesses and people will benefit directly from the jobs.

"The Prime Minister has said again and again that one of the best ways to boost economic growth and get people working is through building more homes," said John Fitzgerald, managing director at David Wilson Homes Mercia.

"The plans we have announced show exactly how that theory works in practice. We expect to launch the sites in Honeybourne, Ronkswood, Redditch and Hagley in 2014. In total this will provide 147 desperately needed new homes for local people at a time when there is a chronic shortage of housing.

"In addition to the local construction jobs underpinned in building the new homes, the local people who move into the new housing will also spend their wages locally. This translates into a significant boost for local retailers at a time when concerns remain about the national financial picture. It's exactly what this area needs."

Mr Fitzgerald said the new jobs weren't the only piece of good news for people in Worcestershire in 2014. He said: "The really great news this year is the continuation of Help to Buy Equity mortgages, which means homemovers can get on the ladder with just a five per cent deposit, a 20 per cent equity loan, and a 75 per cent mortgage.”

For more information on David Wilson Homes developments call 08448113322 or visit www.dwh.co.uk