A HOUSING chief has been in the region to check out a specially designed development catering for people aged over 55 to live independently.

Sir Edward Lister, chairman of the Homes and Communities Agency, visited Coast & Country’s Redcare project, The Dunes.

Coast & Country chief executive Iain Sim invited Sir Edward to inspect the homes which also has on-site care facilities available to all residents.

Sir Edward said: “We have an ageing population and schemes like this are absolutely essential, we need more of them. Every time that we can move an older person into a more appropriate home, we are freeing up potential family homes, which can then be occupied. This kind of scheme is really important.”

The Redcar development also provides residents with a local community on their doorstep, with outlets such as a hairdressing salon and a bistro part of the communal facilities. These are also available to non-residents.

Mr Sim said: “Sir Edward showed himself to be interested and informed and understood the issues that affect our region, both housing and social.”