DEVELOPERS of a community residential scheme have been working with residents to allay fears.

The renovation of the former Stanfield House care home, in Stanley, had initially raised concerns over who would live there and the intended use

Planning permission to convert the building into flats and a training centre was granted by Durham County Council last month.

The Village project is the concept of Positive Directions NE and is being carried out by Newcastle-based All Saints Construction.

Mandy English-Jones, of Positive Directions NE, said: “This building could easily have been demolished and replaced with houses for sale but we are developing something which will benefit the whole community.”

The disused building will be converted into a ‘community hub’ with 14 new studio and single-bedroomed apartments for rent, office space, meeting rooms and a training centre, as well as a vintage style tea room.

Training provider, First Point Training, will offer a range of courses, including English, maths, employability, health and social care, hospitality and a bespoke ‘Positive 4 People’ course aimed at building confidence and helping the long- term unemployed back into work.

The Village will also offer local people a host of activities, including yoga classes.

Joan Smith, 60, who lives next door to the site, said: “At first we were unsure who the new properties were for and were concerned that they would be given to people not suited to this quiet little corner of Stanley.

“We have also heard about the benefits that it will bring to the community.”