ELDERLY people in Cricklade are celebrating following a decision by the council to build sheltered housing.

Proposals by Westlea Housing Association for six one-bedroom homes and two homes with two bedrooms each, to be built on the open space in Bath Road, Cricklade, were backed by the Cricklade Town Council.

Described as lifetime homes, they will be dual registered care homes meaning general care will be provided with nursing provision for those needing medical care.

People can move into them when aged 60 and the homes can be adapted to contain lifts.

A 484-strong petition was gathered in favour of the scheme.

Chairman of Cricklade and District Age Concern Josephine Dickson: "I'm just thrilled. I'm delighted. We have worked so hard for so long.

"In every way it is suitable, it's cost effective, because so many facilities are already there and it will be simply using them more fully.

"The site offers a unique, probably unrepeatable opportunity and it's so close to the town centre as well."

Council chairman Clive Wilce said: "For over 15 years the elderly people of Cricklade have been requesting that care be provided in the town. They have been faced with the dilemma of moving away from their chosen place to live and are forced to cut themselves off from their relatives and friends."