A CONSERVATIVE big beast has been in Dudley for a look at a housing scheme partly paid for by government cash.

Eric Pickles, secretary of state for communities and local government, paid a visit to Friars Gate to see a development by Keepmoat Homes which is partly funded by the Get Britain Building scheme which is providing £500m nationally to kick-start stalled building projects.

During his visit Mr Pickles also paid tribute to the Help To Buy scheme which he says has been used by 91 home buyers in Dudley.

Eric Pickles said: “I was delighted to visit Dudley and see first-hand how the government’s Help to Buy scheme is helping hardworking people in the Black Country move on and up the housing ladder.”

Dudley North’s Conservative parliamentary candidate, Afzal Amin, added: “As someone who grew up in a council house, I know exactly how it feels to then buy that house, and it was great for the Secretary of State to see, first hand, this policy in practice.”