HARPENDEN Mayor Cllr Rosemary Farmer has laid down the first brick at a special ceremony to mark the beginning of a new affordable housing scheme for older people.

The Lea Springs project will affordable accommodation and care for older people while allowing them to maintain a sense of independent living. The Housing 21 scheme is due for completion in July 2014 and will include 38 one and two bedroom apartments available to rent or buy on a shared basis.

In addition to the fully fitted kitchens and level access showers, there will also be a communal dining area, activity room and a hairdressing salon on the site. The scheme is being developed in a partnership between Housing 21 and St Albans district council.

Siobhan Moore from Housing 21 said: “We are delighted to see the continuing progress at Lea Springs, and look forward to completion of the scheme which will provide excellent flexi-care accommodation for the Harpenden area. Providing flexi-care means that residents can continue to enjoy independent living with tailored care and support services.”

Debbie Waldron, national care for sector manager for Willmott Dixon, who are building the scheme, added: “We are very excited about this new project with Housing 21, which will add to our already extensive care portfolio. The flexi-care solution has come about to meet the needs of people aged 55-plus who may require personal care or just preparing for the future.”

The district council will be able to nominate people from their housing register to live in the rented accommodation. For further information, contact Housing Options on 01727 819277.