NEW bungalows for elderly people are set to be revealed – and they are the legacy of a wealthy philanthropist.

The Peter Birtwistle Trust, a charity based in Colne, is close to unveiling 12 new bungalows for people aged over 60 near Carry Lane, Colne.

The trust was formed by Peter Birtwistle, a native of Colne who made his fortune as a jeweller in Canada and left his estate of £72,000 in 1955 to the ‘need and deserving poor’ residents of Colne.

Since 1955 the trust has built a portfolio of bungalows and flats worth around £10million and provided hundreds of elderly residents with a home for their later years.

The trust applied for planning permission to build on the field off Carry Lane in early 2014 and started work to construct the 12 bungalows, of which two were designed to have access for wheelchair users, back in late 2016.

The development has been financed by thetrust with a £200,000 mortgage and £100,000 interest free loan.

The works are now close to completion and residents have been invited to attend the celebration event at the site, located in a field off Carry Lane, on March 13.

The ribbon will be cut by one of the trust’s longest residents, Edwina Sargeant, who has lived in a trust properties for more than 25 years and whose husband was a former chair of the trust.

Alan Davies, chairman of the trustees, said: “We are delighted it has come to fruition.

“It has been a full year planning project and there are now 12 elderly families about to move in.”

Cllr Neil Butterworth, who represents the area, said: “It’s a good thing for the area because it’s new houses and they will be for the older generation which is a double bonus.

“All the houses look well maintained, modern and are up to date.”

Cllr Pauline McCormick, who is Pendle’s Older People’s Champion, said: “If you have lost a partner and live by yourself in a big terrace house it can become burden for you.

“A bungalow reduces the financial burden and is more manageable.

“It’s a wonderful idea and I may end up needing one in the future.”