A refurbished development of six apartments for people with learning disabilities was officially opened by the Mayor of Dacorum on December 5, 2007.

 

The homes are located in Herbert Street, Hemel Hempstead and are part of a three-storey development. The building at 51 – 53 Herbert Street was built by Hightown Housing Association in 1989 as a Care Home for people with learning disabilities and was managed by Mencap.

 

In 2006 work started to convert the building into 6 self-contained apartments consisting of 2 x 1 bed units and 4 x 2 bed units. Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association now manages the building.

 

Director of Care, Andrew Duckworth, from Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association, said: “This recently refurbished scheme in Herbert Street provides supported housing for people with learning disabilities. The new homes provide a perfect environment for people with learning disabilities to live independently.

 

“All the residents also have a support package and are allocated a key worker. The apartments are also fitted with an emergency alarm system allowing residents to contact staff at Hightown or a 24 hour call centre.”

 

At present five of the apartments are occupied. One of the ground floor apartments is being used by staff working at the development and will be occupied in the New Year.

 

Mayor of Dacorum, Councillor Brian Ayling, added: “It gave me great pleasure to open these new homes in Herbert Street. From speaking to some of the new residents I can see that these homes have really changed peoples lives allowing them independence with the reassurance that support is on hand.

“I would like to congratulate Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association for this project. The building has been refurbished to the highest quality and will provide a home to these residents for many years.

"During my term as Mayor I have focused on the community and this is a great example of working in partnership to create an inclusive community. I wish all the residents happiness in their new homes."