WORK has started on building apartments for residents living with dementia.

A development at Etherstone Street in Leigh will offer 12 apartments for residents living with dementia and is expected to be completed in April 2020.

A scheme in Bryn, on the former Walkden House site on Priory Road, will also provide 20 apartments for older people and will be complete in July 2020.

The investments are mainly funded through the council’s capital programme with grant funding through Homes England.

It's part of the local authority's approach to create specialised housing for residents to meet their needs.

Cllr Keith Cunliffe, deputy leader of the council, said: “We know having the right home has a direct impact on someone’s health and wellbeing and their quality of life.

"Ultimately having the right home which meets your needs means you can live a longer, happier and healthier life.

“Through The Deal we are committed to building a high standard of accommodation that is well designed, attractive, and affordable for residents.

“We want to keep people independent in their own homes but also connect them into a local community which is why these schemes are brilliant and they can help to tackle social isolation.”

A similar council scheme at Little Lane opened last year, which offers a communal lounge and hosts regular activities for residents.

The homes are being built by Seddon and will be let on affordable rents.

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Regional director at Seddon, Duncan Williams, said: “Our priority is to build the highest quality homes with exceptional facilities, allowing residents to maintain their independence for as long as possible.

“These developments will be assets to the communities of Leigh and Bryn, and most importantly will be affordable to those who need them most. We look forward to handing the projects over in 2020 and seeing the positive impact made on local lives”.

Susan Mackie, Specialist in the Home Ownership and Supply team, at Homes England, said: “We are really pleased to be playing an integral role in funding the building of affordable and bespoke specialist homes.

"This joint venture with the council has enabled us to recognise the ambitions of the council in providing good quality specialist housing, and maximise our joint funding, resources and capabilities in delivering more homes faster.”