A sheltered accommodation development worth £1.8m has been completed.

Enterprise 5, the housing association behind the scheme in Consett, County Durham, will officially open the development, in Sherburn Park, at the end of next month.

The development, which comprises 35 one and two-bedroom flats, has been under construction for 15 months.

Chief executive Keith Loraine said yesterday: "The local authority had identified Consett as an area which was crying out for good-quality sheltered accommodation.

"In order to respond to demand and provide the level of housing required, a major investment was needed."

The self-contained units have been designed to offer residents a balance between independent living and the use of communal areas.

The flats are equipped with private kitchens, bathrooms and living space, and the development also contains a conservatory and lounge open to residents.

The project, which has been funded by Enterprise 5 and a social housing grant, is attracting potential tenants keen to reserve their properties.

Mr Loraine said: "We work to achieve an extremely high standard, ensuring everything externally and internally is of optimum quality.

"But we hope that what makes our properties stand apart is that we create more than just houses, we help build communities," he said.

He added that Sherburn Park was chosen for the project because of its proximity to local amenities.

Mr Loraine said: "Quite often you will find that sheltered accommodation is located in areas some distance from essential amenities like shops, bus routes and health centres.

"This development is literally a ten-minute walk from the heart of Consett with its leisure facilities, library and shops."

Nora Spark was one of the first people to secure a flat at the development.

She said: "I wanted the independent living I'm used to and to be able to come and go as I please, but with the peace of mind that, if I need extra help, it's available.

"But what I'm looking forward to most is being part of a community."

A number of flats are still available. For further information, telephone 0191-258 4121.