WORK has started on four housing developments as part of an £18m overhaul of older people's accommodation.

Contracts have been signed by the Hanover Housing Association and Durham County Council for the provision and management of four Extra Care schemes.

They will result in 207 flats being built at Gloucester Road, in Consett; on the site of the former Sunningdale House residential home, in Ouston; off Sawmills Lane, in Brandon; and on the site of the former Moor Grange residential home, in Spennymoor.

An agreement for a fifth Extra Care scheme, on Seaham's Vane Tempest site, is expected to be signed within the month.

The programme forms part of an overhaul of elderly people's accommodation by Durham County Council, including plans to close 17 out of its 25 residential homes.

Bernard Worley, whose 89-year-old mother, Lavinia, lives at the Stoneleigh care home, in Barnard Castle, has lodged a High Court appeal to save it.

He says the council has breached Mrs Worley's human rights, and he is supported by Unison and the Residents' Action Group for the Elderly.

A judicial review on the matter, which could spark a national rethink on care for the elderly, will be heard next Thursday.

If it finds in the council's favour, a sixth Extra Care scheme will be established on the home's site.

The aim of Extra Care, as developed by Hanover Housing, is to provide flats where older and disabled people can live independently.

The county council will provide 24-hour care and support, while the housing association will oversee services such as cleaning, laundry and catering.