PENSIONERS in Cricklade are set to benefit if development plans at the Vale Hotel get the go-ahead.

Proprietor Mark Ingle wants to build four pensioners' units on 400 square metres of land next to the hotel.

He said: "I bought the land about a year ago and we are desperate for pensioner homes in the town.

"When one becomes vacant somebody will have to vote another person.

"I don't want to annoy our neighbours. We've all got to live here and I've held a residents' meeting to discuss the plans."

Mr Ingle also has plans to convert the barn at the back of the hotel into a restaurant seating 80 to 100 people.