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Built on the site of the former Glebe Road Hostel, there are 39 two-bedroom retirement apartments in Bedlington already occupied. This new scheme represents the second phase of a £7.4m supported housing project, which started with 10 bungalows being built for residents with Learning Disabilities in 2011 following the demolition of Glebe Road Hostel. The final phase will see a further 10 two and three-bedroom bungalows built adjacent to Willow Vale.
Bernicia Board members visited the site to present the residents group with a cheque for £2,000 towards equipment for their hobby room and garden areas. Mr Futers, Chair of the Operations Committee of Bernicia said: "This new building is a testament to the commitment of all Bernicia staff, meeting the ever-changing needs of residents and rising to the challenges we face. We are delighted to be able to provide a first class accommodation for first class people."
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On receiving the cheque, Patrick O'Brien, a tenant of the old Glebe Court site said: "From being an original tenant since 1978, I was wary of the changes and didn't want to move. Even though Bernicia kept us up to date with changes as they were happening, I wasn't convinced they would be for the better. Now that I am here I can say that I am delighted with my new home. The rooms are much bigger and generally a nicer place to live. On behalf of the residents, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make it such a magnificent place to live and we will definitely put the money to good use."
Each two-bedroom apartment has a fully fitted kitchen with integral eye level cooker and ceramic hob, and fridge freezer. In addition, Willow Vale has a communal lounge, kitchen, hairdressers and treatment/hobby room, assisted bathing area, a guest room and communal facilities. Most apartments have a level access shower, while four are fitted with baths at the tenant's request.
(CD/JP)
