WORK has begun on an extra-care housing development for elderly residents.

The demolition of sheltered accommodation at Sycamore Close, in Bainbridge, Wensleydale, will allow for the construction of 40 self-contained flats and a day-care centre.

The development will include a restaurant, caf, hairdressing salon and shop.

Richmondshire district councillor Yvonne Peacock said: "This is going to be a wonderful, up-to-date scheme for the elderly people.

"Everyone involved in this project has worked so hard to secure the necessary funding.

"Now with part of the building having been knocked down, and the development starting to get under way, we'll see the results of a successful partnership working."

The project has been developed by Richmondshire District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and Housing 21, which will own the building and manage the scheme when complete.

Housing 21's construction project manager Alan White said: "The accommodation will give residents the independence they require and the support they need."

The first phase of the development will be completed by the end of next year.

Residents of the existing flats will move into the new building and the remaining flats will be pulled down and redeveloped by February 2007.