Vince Cable opened a new block of retirement flats in Twickenham last week, taking the time to meet residents and chat about his life.

Gifford Lodge offers a range of one and two bedroom apartments, designed for people of retirement age who want to live independently with a little extra security.

Churchill Retirement Living built the flats in the beautiful surroundings of Twickenham Mansion’s gardens and also Twickenham Green, providing 29 one and two-bedroom retirement apartments.

Dr Cable said: “House-building ground to a halt in the recent recession, with only a few companies like Churchill Retirement Living continuing to provide new homes.

“It is great that it is creating such quality developments for this specialised and growing part of the market.”

For more information about Gifford Lodge call 020 8894 0219 or visit churchillretirement.co.uk.