RESIDENTS at a £16.2 million housing scheme for older people in Cradley put on their dancing shoes to celebrate the first birthday of their new homes.

The 120 Extra Care homes at Lime Gardens, built on the former site of Cradley High School in Slade Road, have communal facilities including a shop, restaurant, library and gym that are used by residents and the local community.

The project's first anniversary was marked with a dinner and dance, with the Sincerely Yours band performing songs from the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

Lime Gardens provides a mixture of owned and rented homes for people aged over 55 and it includes a "wellbeing" centre for its residents to promote independent living.

It was built as part of a partnership involving the Midland Heart housing and care provider, Dudley Council, contractor William Davis and the Homes and Communities Agency, in the face of massive opposition from local people.

But site manager Sallyann Tennant said: “Lime Gardens provides safe independent homes for those who want to enjoy an active, healthy retirement.

"We offer our residents access to excellent support and a fantastic range of facilities tailored towards comfort and wellbeing.

"We are really proud of the difference Lime Gardens has made to people’s lives in its first 12 months.”

Resident Ann Johnson, who said she enjoyed the dinner and dance, added: "This place has a great community spirit. It's wonderful - we feel very secure."

And Wendy Wheeler said: “I love living here. It's great. It has everything we could want.”