WORK has started on a £770,000 scheme to build homes for people with learning disabilities.

Endeavour Housing Association is demolishing two blocks of flats in Shelley Close, Stanley, and replacing them with ten apartments.

Derwentside District Council, working with the Housing Corporation, selected Endeavour after it invited tenders for the project.

The council, County Durham Care and the housing association carried out an 18-month consultation with potential tenants before finalising the design.

The complex will have support staff available 24 hours a day to help residents.

The first tenants will move in by the end of this year.