The minister for Housing and Planning visited Speedwell to visit the first phase of a £20 million housing development.

MP John Healey yesterday visited Mallard Close, which has 51 homes and has been funded by a £3,617,000 grant from the Homes and Communities Agency; £558,000 from Bristol City Council and £4,273,732 through Sovereign South and West's private finance and reserves. It is the first phase in a development off Whitehall Road which will have 151 properties including 32 council social rented houses.

Councillor Mark Wright, cabinet member for housing and service improvement, said: "Meeting the demand for housing is one of the most important challenges the city faces and the authority is taking an innovative, multi-pronged approach. I welcome the funding which has been made available to date."