WORK has begun on a multi-million pound housing scheme to allow older people to live independently in their homes.

The Easthaven extra care scheme is the first of its kind in Darlington.

Unlike other sheltered housing schemes, it provides 24-hour-care, extra facilities and support for residents.

The scheme, which costs £3.2m, is a partnership between Darlington Borough Council's housing services and social services departments and the Hanover Housing Association.

The housing initiative has been developed to help solve the problem of the growing number of older people in Darlington.

It hopes to ensure that people who need limited help and support in everyday life can continue to live independently in their own homes.

The Easthaven site, in Yarm Road, which will be called Mayflower Court, will have 42 self-contained flats, 40 one-bedroomed flats and two two-bedroomed flats.

All the flats, which will be available for rent, will be suitable for wheelchair users and will have full central heating, a community alarm link and a level entry shower.

All residents, who must be aged 50 or over, will be provided with a mid-day meal.

The complex will include a shop, a laundry room, a health and beauty treatment room, a common room and landscaped gardens.

Specific care packages will be tailored to meet the needs of each resident depending on their health needs.

Paul Baldwin, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for housing, said: "As more and more older people want to live independently it is important that we have the right housing to meet their needs.

"This scheme will do that, residents can live independently secure in the knowledge that the support and care they need is at hand."

Building work on the complex started this week and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.