A £15 million block of flats for the elderly, people suffering from dementia and those with extra care needs is now open.

The Ansell Court building containing 53 apartments is the first of three extra care developments to be built by the council to help residents of the borough live happily and stay independent for longer.

Stag House in Burnt Oak will provide 50 new homes and Cheshir House in Hendon will provide 75 new homes.

Ansell Court is dementia-friendly the walls are colour-coded to help residents find their way around and each front-door has a shelf just outside so residents can put personal items on as mental triggers to help them find their way home.

Councillor Sachin Rajput, Chairman of the Adults and Safeguarding Committee, said: “I’m delighted that we have a development like this in our borough.

“We know that this is the sort of place where people really do want to live.

“It’s great that we can help them retain their independence for as long as possible in a friendly environment where all of their needs are catered for.”