A FAMILY that relocated 150 miles to set up a new life in Warrington have described moving into their dream home as ‘bittersweet’ after an unexpected personal loss.

Vicki Batterbury and her husband Jason reserved their new home at Rivers Edge and were thrilled when Vicki’s mum decided to reserve a plot on the same development to remain close to the family.

More than 500 homes will be built by developer Countryside on the former Spectra Packaging site next to Centre Park and along the River Mersey.

Sadly, while Vicki, Jason and their children Amber and Jacob, aged 16 and 11 respectively, were preparing to make the move from their hometown of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, Vicki’s mum tragically passed away.

Vicki explained: “It is so bittersweet moving here without my mum as we were all so excited about our future together, but I know she would be thrilled that we have finally moved into our dream home.”

“Living here has completely changed our lives, and we truly could not be happier with our decision to move.

“Moving here has allowed us to show our children that our lives could change for the better and provide them with more options for their future.

“We are surrounded by great schools and there will be plenty of opportunities for the children nearby once they start to look for jobs.”

Vicki and Jason Batterbury outside their new Rivers Edge home

Vicki and Jason Batterbury outside their new Rivers Edge home

Countryside says homeowners on the estate can benefit from up to 55 per cent cheaper energy bills with a new build property, and will use 20 per cent less water than the UK average.

Jason commented: “Since moving, we have managed to save on our water rates and energy consumption.

“The house is noticeably warmer than our previous new build home, which is a bonus.

“The community around us at the development is brilliant too – it feels like everyone genuinely cares and wants to help each other out.

“We have already hosted a couple of get-togethers for our neighbours, and we are hoping to continue this into the summer.”

Gemma Hardy, managing director for Vistry in Cheshire, which owns Countryside, added: “It is brilliant to hear how pleased Vicki, Jason and their family are with their new home after making such a life-changing move and in difficult circumstances.

“We are thrilled they have found their forever home at Rivers Edge and the impact they have had on building the community at the development.

“Creating homes where people can truly thrive in their new surroundings, and feel proud to live in a Countryside home, is incredibly important to us.”