HOMES in Sedgemoor has landed a £25million Government windfall to improve the district’s worst council homes.

The cash, from the Decent Homes scheme, will be used to make vital repairs to thousands of homes over the next four years, starting in April.

Gary Orr, chief executive of Homes in Sedgemoor, said: “This is a pivotal factor in our future and more importantly the future of our residents across Sedgemoor.”

Mr Orr said the home repairs would also create jobs for local people.

The Mercury has reported how Homes in Sedgemoor was trying to achieve a two-star rating from independent inspectors in order to land up to £40million for repairs.

But last year, the Government scrapped the two-star target and said funding would instead be given out to the local authorities with the biggest backlog of work.

In another boost this week, the Government has given Sedgemoor District Council a further £780,217 this year as a bonus for making 544 new affordable homes available in the district in the year up to October 2010.

The Government has also promised to give Sedgmoor more than £4.5million over the next six years if its next set of homes targets is met.

Sedgemoor District Council leader Duncan McGinty said: “In these times when all you hear about is cuts, it is heartening to hear this excellent news.”