A £5.8 MILLION affordable housing scheme for older people has been officially opened in Thackley.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Joanne Dodds did the honours at Elm Tree Court, a Housing & Care 21 extra care scheme.

Kris Peach, director of extra care at Housing & Care 21, said: "We're delighted to launch much-needed affordable homes in Thackley.

"Residents have the benefit of having their own home as well as the ability to socialise with others and be part of a community.

"A care team is based on-site 24 hours a day and that gives residents and their families the peace of mind of knowing that support is there should they need it."

The site includes 51 self-contained, one and two-bedroom apartments, with support and care services on site. All of the homes are available for affordable rent.

Bradford Council contributed £1.2m towards the development and the Homes and Communities Agency contributed a further £900,000 towards the scheme.

Councillor Ralph Berry, Bradford Council's executive member for health and social care, said: "I welcome the opening of this high-quality project that will help meet the needs of a key group of people in Bradford and look forward to working with them."