The first flexicare scheme has opened in St Albans with 38 one and two-bedroom apartments for people over 55 years old.

The Mayors of St Albans and Harpenden welcomed the first resident moving into Lea Springs on Monday, December 1.

Mrs Edna Entwistle was paid a visit by Councillor Geoff Harrison, the Mayor of St Albans and Councillor Mary Maynard, the Mayor of Harpenden.

Lea Springs is the first affordable flexicare scheme to be built in the district, providing 24 hour care for residents. People living in a flexicare scheme have access to a flexible level of care from the onsite team to meet their needs as they change.

Twenty-two of the apartments are being rented to people on the council’s housing register for affordable rents. The remaining 16 are being sold by Housing and Care 21 through a shared ownership scheme.

Housing and Care 21 has developed Lea Springs in partnership with St Albans District Council and Hertfordshire County Council, with funding from the Homes and Communities Agency. The flexicare scheme was built on the site of the former Leacroft sheltered housing scheme, previously owned by the district council.

Councillor Geoff Harrison said: "It was an honour to welcome Mrs Entwistle to this wonderful new development that provides 24 hour care tailored to people’s needs. I hope Edna, a former resident of Leacroft, enjoys living here for years to come."

The rest of the residents will move into Lea Springs during December and January. 

Councillor Mary Maynard said: "I was so pleased to welcome Edna back to her home in Batford. She has chosen a flat in exactly the same position as her original one and is thrilled with her new, modern home.  She is looking forward to using the beautiful communal lounge and dining room and has already reserved her place on the sofa to watch ‘Coronation Street’ on the widescreen TV with her friends, new and old."

Lea Springs also includes a residents’ lounge, activities room, restaurant, hairdressing salon, guest suite and landscaped gardens. There is a non-resident scheme manager and access to care and support services

Completed redevelopments include Rosewood Court in Bricket Wood to provide 34 sheltered flats for older people. Fielding Place in St Albans has also been redeveloped as 18 flats for affordable rent.