RESIDENTS are being given the chance to name a new street in Braintree.

Colne Housing are building 21 affordable homes on the former Crossman House site off of Station Approach.

As part of the development a new road is being constructed to access the two apartment blocks, which will be open by winter 2017.

Residents of Braintree now have the opportunity to create a slice of history and come up with the name for this new road.

Ideas suggested by the housing developer include using field names, geographical names, historical names or anything to do with Braintree that has not already been used.

Sara Thakkar, Colne Housing's chief executive, said: “This is a great opportunity for local people to come up with a brand new street name which will, quite literally, put this development on the map.

“Colne is committed to enabling people in Braintree and the surrounding areas to live independently by providing new homes to meet their needs.”

Lady Patricia Newton, the Braintree Councillor responsible for housing and planning, said: “We want to improve the availability of affordable homes so when the opportunity came up to acquire this brownfield site in such an excellent location, close to the town centre and the station, we were keen to invest.

“These new homes will be let to local people through our housing register and I am delighted that all the ground floor flats will have level access showers which will be perfect for people with reduced mobility.”

Ideas for the new street name should be submitted to press@colnehousing.co.uk by December 16 along with a name, address, phone number and the reasons behind your choice.

The names will be presented to the council who will have the final decision.