Work has begun on a housing development which is set to honour a local man who devoted his time to fighting for tenants' rights.

Building work is underway at the site at Wood Lane, Cotton End, Bedford, where 18 new affordable homes are to be built by housing association bpha.

When finished, the site will be named after Rod Gascoyne, a former tenant board member at bpha, who died suddenly in 2004 at the age of 63.

Rod had been a bpha tenant for 10 years and was well-known for his work fighting championing tenants' causes.

He first joined his local tenants' association in Bromham, before becoming a bpha tenant board member in 1998.

He also served on the association's regional committees and audit committee and was a member the Bedfordshire Tenant Participation Group, which he chaired for four years.

Even when battling ill-health, he attended board meetings regularly and took an active role in debates.

His fellow tenants described him as a man who "always had time to help".

Once finished, the development at Wood Lane will include two bedroom flats and two, three and four bedroom homes, offered at affordable rents and through shared ownership.

John Cross, chief executive of bpha, said: "We are committed to developing new affordable accommodation, to meet local housing needs in Bedford. These new homes will provide a mix of accommodation for a range of households, including young couples and larger families.

"The rented homes will be made available to those on the housing waiting list, while the shared ownership properties will help those priced out of the property market, to join the ladder.

"I can think of no greater tribute than for the site to be named in honour of a man who was a fantastic ambassador for bpha and devoted his time to fighting for tenants' rights."

Mr Gascoyne's widow Marian, who lives in Bromham, said she was delighted the development would bear Rod's name.

She said: "Rod would have been proud to put his name to this development, which will provide much-needed affordable homes in the area. It is a great tribute to him and means his name will continue to be well-known, even to future generations of tenants."

The site at Wood Lane previously comprised a block of 20 maisonettes, built in the 1970s.

bpha is in discussions with the Post Office about how to best use the name Gascoyne in the new street name.