Swift Boxes have been pictured at the new affordable housing development situated at the former site of St Paul's Church in Penarth.

The church has been under development since planning was approved in April of 2018 and will provide affordable housing alongside a community centre.

Breeding numbers of swifts are plummeting.

RSPB state: ''We believe loss of nest sites is at least partly responsible. These migrant birds return from their wintering grounds in Africa to the same spot each year to breed – usually in buildings, in gaps under roof tiles and eaves.

''Due to our tendency to seal up buildings during renovation or knock them down, swifts are returning to discover their nest site has gone or access is blocked.''

The RSPB has an ongoing campaign to protect the species called Swift Action.

This encourages builders, contractors and local authorities to build new bird nests in developments and also for residents to report sightings of nesting and breeding swifts.

With May and June being the best time to spot this activity, the new bird boxes have gone up in the nick of time.

Keeping the façade of the Church, Newydd has employed contractors WK Plasterers Ltd to build a multi-purpose community hall and 14 one and two-bedroom apartments for affordable rent.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council, who are behind the development, are delivering the ambitious £3 million development to provide much needed affordable homes and community space for local people.

A local lettings policy will be in place, prioritising homes to people working and currently living in the area.

The apartments were due to become available to let in Spring 2020. This will likely change with the limitation placed on construction amid coronavirus.

The new building will also offer two multipurpose halls, offices and a new kitchen area to a charity or not for profit business with an interest in providing key activities to local people.