THE site of a former children's home in Purton has been transformed into a brand new housing estate.

The old Red Gables' children's home in Restrop Road was closed in 1997, 83 years after it opened.

It was demolished but has now been replaced with 11 modern homes, including flats, bungalows and houses, accommodating 37 people.

Housing association, The Guinness Trust, acquired the site from North Wiltshire District Council and building work in Red Gables Close was completed in December, when the tenants moved in.

But the Trust decided to wait six months before celebrating its completion to iron out any problems.

Judging by the smiles on the residents' faces as they sipped a glass or two of bubbly yesterday, the houses were problem free.

Kathy O'Connor, 55, moved insto a one-bedroom flat to be near her mother who lives in the village.

Miss O'Connor said: "It is very nice. All the people who live here are friendly and we all get on well. I care for my mother full-time so it is ideal to be so close."

Reverend Canon Alastair Stevenson is a trustee of The Guinness Trust and said he is delighted at their partnership with North Wilts District County.

He said: "I watched the development growing last year and we now have a really good result here.

"It is set in a lovely rural landscape. I don't think I have ever seen so many hanging baskets. There could be a garden competition."

Area manager for the Guinness Trust, Chris Haynes, emphasised the need to provide first-rate accommodation for the local people of the village.

He said: "This is specifically dedicated to the people of Purton and we have been concerned with the need for quality rather than quantity."

Many people spoke of the late district councillor Duncan Bamford who died in November 2000, and praised the effort he had made to ensure local people were primarily served by the development.

His replacement, councillor Helen Dixon said: "It is thanks to him that the local people have been catered for."

Newlyweds Ross and Pauline Mills say they were delighted to move in to their house and overjoyed that it has a garden.

Mrs Mills, 38, said: "I have osteo-arthritis and can't move my left knee very well. We have been looking for somewhere suitable and affordable for 19 months before this came up."

The new community also includes young families.

Janet Long, 38, has three children aged 13, ten and six and says it is ideal for her children because of the friendly, peaceful atmosphere.

The original stone, which bears the date 1914 the year the children's home was constructed was rescued prior to demolition work.

John Belt, 75, from the Purton Historical Society stepped in to save the stone.

It will now be re-housed in the housing estate to ensure the legacy of Red Gables will live on.