A site in Nailsworth has been transformed into 11 modern apartments for older people by Stroud District Council.

The council's Housing Committee chair, Chas Townley and vice chair, Jenny Miles cut a ribbon to mark the occasion at a ceremony attended by representatives of the scheme's building contractor and invited guests.

Once housing eight prefabricated bungalows, the now 11-apartment development at Tanners Piece has taken just nine months to complete.

The project, which started in September 2018, is part of Stroud District Council's £8 million investment in modernising and rebuilding its sheltered housing schemes to ensure they meet the needs of an ageing population.

Nationally it is expected that there will be a significant increase in the number of older people over the next 20 years, and Stroud district is likely to be no exception.

The scheme has been designed by Quattro Design Architects to provide high quality independent living in a safe and secure environment.

Features include light, spacious rooms, a secure scooter store and lift to the first floors. Gloucester-based builder, EG Carter & Co Ltd worked closely with local residents during construction to minimise noise and disruption.

Chas Townley, chair of SDC's Housing Committee said: "Tanners Piece is the first purpose-built council housing for older people since the 1980s. It is a well-designed modern scheme providing good quality homes for older people to live independently for longer. I hope that we will be able to build similar schemes in the future."

The first tenants moved in on June 24, and it is expected that all 11 apartments will be occupied by the end of July.

Stroud District Council is the only local authority in Gloucestershire which still owns and manages council houses.