RESIDENTS have been welcomed into their new £3.06 million sheltered housing scheme near Darlington.

Dinsdale Court, at Middleton St George, has opened its doors for the first time.

The Darlington Borough Council owned facility was completely rebuilt following the demolition of the former building earlier this year.

Local residents had voiced concerns over the suitability of the new building, but after plans were amended they supported the project.

The former building was demolished after being deemed outdated and no longer fit for use.

Residents were consulted on the design of the building, and were then moved into temporary accommodation around Darlington as building work got underway.

All of the residents who are returning to the new building have been involved in its design. It includes:

*22 purpose built flats

*Wheelchair access

*Level access bathing facilities

*Wheelchair charging room

*A games room, a double guest room with en-suite bathroom

*Communal facilities including a function room, coffee bar and quiet areas for smaller meetings, which are available for the local community to use.

Some of the original residents have now moved back into their new flats. The remaining accommodation, which includes five ground floor and eight first floor flats, will be ready for allocation in the next few weeks.

Councillor Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for neighbourhood services and community safety, said: "The new Dinsdale Court is absolutely fantastic. It's been very well thought out and I am sure the residents will be very happy living there."

Anyone interested in bidding for one of the flats should contact the councils housing team on 01325-388542, visit customer services at Town Hall, or click on to darlington.gov.uk/housing.