A street that hasn't had a single person live on it in more than 10 years has just welcomed its first residents.

Bright Street in Colne has been devoid of community life since two blocks of empty terraced housing were demolished in 2009, as part of the regeneration scheme for the Churchfields area.

But in the last few years, 10 one-bed bungalows have been built, with the purpose of providing supported living for single people and couples who have assessed care needs, including people with learning disabilities, mental health conditions or physical disabilities, as well as older people.

The street has become the flagship project for adult health and social care charity, Making Space, and one of very few developments in the country that have seen an entire road given over to new build supported housing.

CEO at Making Space, Rachel Peacock, said: “Bright Street is not only a first for our new tenants, it's a first for us too.

"This is the first time we have developed a whole street into a supported housing project.

"Making Space develops quality homes that are designed from the bottom up to meet the needs of the people we support.

“Whether a new build, or a conversion, the starting point is always the same: how we can enable people to live as fully and independently as possible.

“Our first Colne development, Limes Place, was quickly recognised by the social care regulator for its high standards.

"Bright Street will now bring the same quality ethos to a further 10 first class supported living homes.”

Operated in partnership with Calico Housing, the properties have breathed new life into the neighbourhood.

Designed as part of a hub and spoke model, 24-hour support is on hand from the experienced staff at neighbouring Making Space supported housing scheme Limes Place, which launched in December 2018.

Each bungalow in the £1.5m scheme has a fully-fitted kitchen and a modern, accessible wetroom.

The homes feature private gardens and street parking, while a communal car park provides additional spaces for visitors.

In October 2019, Mayor of Pendle, Cllr Ken Hartley, was invited to break the ground at the development site.

Speaking at the time, he said: "If I had a blank sheet of paper and was asked to design my ideal sheltered accommodation, this is what I would come up with".

Several excited tenants collected the keys to their brand new bungalows this week, becoming the first residents of the Colne street in a decade.

Bradley, one of the first new tenants, said: "I wanted to move to Colne and knowing that there would be people around to support me was really important.

"It's exciting to be the first person to move in and I am looking forward to being part of a community with my new neighbours".

Anyone who wishes to find out more or book a socially distanced visit to a Bright Street bungalow or Limes Place apartment should contact Making Space on 01282 509347.