RESIDENTS have finally moved into four apartments in Gloucester that have been empty for years following flood damage.

Four ground floor flats at Roman Quay House, which is managed by Jephson Homes Housing Association, were extensively damaged in 2006, when following torrential rain the sewers burst and flooded the area up to a metre high. The ground floor flats have been vacant ever since.

Now, following a major improvement scheme to the drains in Gloucester by Severn Trent, the area has been improved and these properties have been brought back into use.

The two one-bedroom flats and two studio flats have been completely refurbished, with new windows, kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems, as well as extra insulation and an improved foyer and door entry system.

The first residents to move in included James Williams and his partner Sara Mann. The couple, who are both aged 22, have set up their first home together in one of the remodelled one-bedroom flats.

James said: “The flat is better than I had hoped it would be. It’s bigger than I thought it was going to be and I’m really pleased with it. Jephson have been great and I hope we’ll be very happy living here.”