THE first affordable extra care scheme in Westbury, which will contain apartments with 24/7 emergency support and communal facilities, is due to open in the next few months.

The scheme at Bell Orchard, which is being created by Selwood Housing in partnership with Wiltshire Council and supported by Somerset Care, is providing 11 apartments where residents can live safely and independently while remaining part of a community.

Barry Hughes, Selwood Housing Group chief executive, said: “The project is an exciting opportunity to meet the needs of the existing and future older population of Westbury through various models of support.

“The communal lounge will become a community hub, providing opportunities to bring older people together.

“This will help prevent social isolation and enable people to live in their own homes for longer.

“Selwood Housing is committed to helping tenants live independently in their own homes.

“Extra care is a real alternative to residential care. It provides the right living environment and services so tenants can carry on enjoying their independence and living a full life.”

Work began on the apartments, which were previously 22 studio flats in Fairfield Close, in March last year and residents are due to move in by April.

Westbury councillor David Jenkins said: “It looks as if Bell Orchard is nearing completion and I dare say when they’re complete the residents would be looking forward to going in.

"I firmly believe on planning for the future and this is definitely a good thing.”