New refurbished flats have opened to house homeless people.

Seven newly refurbished one- and two-bedroom flats have opened on Marlborough Road, St Albans, thanks to the Hightown Housing Association.

St Albans City and District Council will be referring homeless people and families to the housing association to live at the new accommodation.

Each flat features its own living room, kitchen, one or two bedrooms and a bathroom for the referred homeless people to make use of.

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

The living room at the new flats. (Photo: Emma Fletcher Photography)

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

The new kitchens at the flats. (Photo: Emma Fletcher Photography)

Anyone lucky to be housed at the flats will also be issued a support worker to receive any financial, occupational or health support which they may require.

David Bogle, the Chief Executive for Hightown Housing Association, said: “I’m delighted that with the support from St Albans City and District Council, we have been able to open a new scheme for homeless people.

“We are extremely proud of all our homeless services in St Albans District and we’re committed to playing our part in reducing homelessness by building new affordable homes and providing housing with support.”

At the opening, Cllr Janet Smith, the Mayor the City and District of St Albans, officially opened the new homes.

Cllr Smith said: “Reducing rough sleeping in our city is really important, especially during these cold winter months. This new service and the help available from a Support Worker will be vital for people to begin rebuilding their lives.

“I’m really pleased that they will be able to spend Christmas in a home of their own.”

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

Before the refurbishment, the flats were used as ten bedsits for social housing residents.

Hightown runs many other temporary housing services in St Albans, including the Open Door night shelter which Cllr Smith will be attending Open Door’s annual ‘St Albans Sleepout’.