RESIDENTS are settling in to a new £8m extra care housing scheme in the Yorkshire Dales.

Twenty-six people have now made the move into the Kirkwood Hall scheme in Harmby Road, Leyburn.

Among the new residents is 90-year-old Brenda Whitling, who moved from the Brentwood Lodge Elderly Person’s Home, which Kirkwood Hall has replaced.

Brenda, who is living in a one-bedroom flat, said: “I love living here. I only had a bedroom at Brentwood but now I have a flat with a living room and kitchen where I can make my own food; it’s just like having my own home again.

“The flat has been adapted to accommodate my wheelchair and I couldn’t be happier.”

Broadacres, in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council, Richmondshire District Council, and the Homes and Communities Agency, has provided 53 homes, including seven two-bedroom bungalows, 26 two-bedroom apartments and 20 one-bedroom specialist apartments for people with complex needs

The scheme was given the name Kirkwood Hall to reflect the historic significance of the site.

During construction the ruins of an Anglo-Saxon chapel were unearthed, along with the remains of three people who had been buried there. The remains have since been reburied on the site following a special ceremony conducted by the local vicar.

Manager Michelle Mottershead said: “Everyone is settling in nicely and it’s a very exciting time for everyone, including staff, as they get used to their new surroundings.

“We have lots of interest in the homes, and from the wider community in Leyburn, and we are very keen to establish links with local people and groups.”

She added: “We are looking to set up a Friends of Kirkwood Hall group and would love to hear from people willing to get involved.”

The county’s executive member for social care, Clare Wood, said: “Extra care is a flagship programme for the county council and we plan a scheme in every major town in North Yorkshire.”

She added: “Extra care developments such as Kirkwood Hall give people exactly what they tell us they want – to live independently in their own home and to be part of their local communities for longer.”