A derelict site will start to transform as work to begin new affordable homes gets underway.

Housing association Catalyst has announced its scheme in Harpenden is moving ahead - with the project delivering 24 homes for affordable rent and shared ownership.

The development will be a mix of one-bedroom apartments and two and three-bedroom houses on a site next to Westfield Recreation Ground, off Westfield Road.

The apartments and two-beds will be available for shared ownership, while the two and three-beds will be for local families currently on the housing register.

Building is scheduled to begin the in the next weeks with a completion date of next summer.

At the groundbreaking ceremony earlier this month, Joe Marshall, Catalyst’s land and partnerships director, said: "We’re delighted to be here with Harpenden Town Council and (contractor) Taylor French Developments to mark the start of these 24 new homes.

"It’s a particularly significant development for us at Catalyst, as Aldwyck Housing Group, who Catalyst merged with last year, were founded in the town in the 1960s. We’re committed to providing more quality affordable homes for local people with local partners."

The town mayor of Harpenden, Councillor Brian Ellis, told us: "This is the beginning of an exciting new phase for Harpenden Town Council and its partners. Affordable housing for our local community, in an area that’s very expensive, is essential to ensure Harpenden remains a vibrant town and attractive place to live and work.

"The development at Westfield plays a key part in this."

Catalyst bought the site from the town council in 2018.