Progress Made On Swindon £6m Care Facility

ARTIST impressions of a new extra care development in Swindon went on show for the first time at a public event at Moredon Community Centre.

The exhibition updated people on the progress of the £6.7m facility at Leasehill, in Moredon, and introduced them to the extra care project and the facilities available.

Working in partnership with Housing 21, a national provider of housing, care and support services for older people, Swindon Borough Council is providing 49 extra care flats.

David Renard, cabinet member for health, housing and adult social care at Swindon council, said: “This is an exciting high quality scheme which really sets the standard for future extra care services.

“I was very happy with the amount of people who went along to the event, which was in excess of 100.

“We had many sensible questions and the overall reception the plans got was very positive.”

Extra care housing provides people with their own home in a communal scheme, where 24-hour access to care is available for residents.

It means older people can live independently, while also having access to the support they need.

Building work started in May this year and the project is on schedule for completion in July 2009 with the first residents hoping to move in from September.

Three Extra Care resource centres are already up and running at The Ridings in Rodbourne, Newburgh House in Highworth, and Harry Garrett Court, Wroughton.

The communal services will include an on-site restaurant, which will also be open to other elderly local residents, hairdressers and day activities such as bingo, quizzes and trips out.

Planning permission for the scheme was granted in January and funding from the Government’s Housing Corporation was confirmed in August.