£1.92m plan to transform 'eyesore'

9:59pm Monday 3rd March 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A DERELICT 'eyesore' is set to transformed into a new £1.92m sheltered housing complex.

Green Vale Homes, in partnership with Rossendale Council and Lancashire County Council, has received funding from the Government for the 36 two-bedroom flats and six one-bedroom flats on the Brookville site in Whitworth.

County councillor Sean Serridge said residents cannot wait to see the old site, which consists of a former care home and boarded-up flats, torn down.

Councillor Serridge, who has campaigned for the scheme since he was elected in 2005, said: "I am absolutely delighted to see the old site ripped down, that should have happened three years ago.

"Last Friday there were travellers on the site and I had loads of complaints from residents.

"With the new site people will be able to have their own independence. It will be like living in a little hotel. There will be shops and a hairdressers on site.

"The plans look excellent and building work should be starting in June or July."

The new scheme is for extra care housing which is especially designed for older people as it provides independent apartments, together with services, within the scheme.

Facilities are to include a restaurant, activity suite, lounge, consulting room, hairdresser, laundry room and guest suite.

Berenice Leyland, chair of the board at Green Vale Homes, said: "I am delighted at the news. This will be the first purpose built extra care facility in Rossendale.

"The new development at Brookville will be a great help to those who need the next step up from sheltered housing but are not yet ready for residential care."

An open day was held in September to raise awareness of Green Vale Homes' proposal and to answer questions and discuss any concerns raised by local residents.

Further public consultation will take place in the near future.