FIFTY-four new apartments for retired people have been given the go-ahead in Penrith.

The privately owned flats are to be built by Churchill Retirement Living close to the town centre, on a site at Roper Street.

The developer says the new homes will offer "attractive, high-quality, secure, self-contained accommodation in landscaped grounds". Features will include a shared lounge where regular social events will take place, a comfortable guest suite, a lodge manager and 24-hour emergency alarm.

"This is very positive news for Penrith," said Andrew Burgess, group land and planning director of Churchill Retirement Living, "and I would like to thank everyone who has helped towards achieving this result.

"We believe there is a compelling overall housing need in the local area, and helping older people to downsize will free up more family housing for younger people in and around the town."

The company says the flats' older residents will benefit from safety, security and companionship; and the new development will also help the "basket shopping economy" as its central location will encourage people to shop locally.

For more, call 0800-4581856 or visit www.churchillretirement.co.uk