PROSPECTIVE home buyers on a new development are being offered a unique “try before you buy” scheme in a bid to encourage sales.

Bosses at the Lock 54 project in the Infirmary area of Blackburn at the former hospital site have launched their sales office at the location.

The first new residents are set to move into their homes in mid-February.

Places for People, one of the UK’s largest housing and regeneration groups, are offering 131 new properties on the site, which are made up of one to four bedroom houses and two bedroom bungalows, some of which are adapted for people with disabilities.

A spokesman said: “There are several different ways to buy or rent a home at Lock 54.

"Places for People representatives and a mortgage advisor will be on hand at the show home opening to discuss the options open to would-be homeowners, which include ‘try before you buy’.

“This scheme gives people the chance to rent a home from Places for People, following which they can decide to buy the property - and use the rent they’ve already paid (up to a maximum of 12 months) to go towards their deposit.”