IN 2003, mental hospital Fairmile in Cholsey closed for the last time.

The building was left to deteriorate until 2010 when Linden Homes and Thomas Homes agreed to restore the Victorian structure and build housing in the grounds.

Ten years on, some residents are now living at the 350-home Cholsey Meadows development off Reading Road, and last week Wantage MP Ed Vaizey, left, was joined by council leaders at the launch of affordable homes provided by Soha Housing.

Mr Vaizey, who planted a tree at the site, said: “I was delighted to be invited to visit Fairmile to see the new affordable homes for myself.

“It is very encouraging to see that some of the many people in need of affordable housing will have such a great place to live.”

Cholsey parish council chairman Mark Gray added: “This is a significant development for the village of Cholsey and people living on the hospital site use facilities in the village including our new pavilion.”

South Oxfordshire District Council leader Ann Ducker said: “There will be about 350 homes and some have now been completed.

“Ten years after the hospital closed it is being put to good use and there are some fantastic flats.”

Fair Mile Hospital was opened as the county lunatic asylum for Berkshire in 1870.