Ritzy Rustington flats put on the style with extra care

The £11m Abbotswood scheme, in Station Road, was hailed at its launch this week by one of the first couples to step through the door.

Eileen Tyler and her husband Eric moved into the development, after leaving their home in Bognor.

Eileen said: “We are delighted and so impressed.

“When we walked into Abbotswood we thought it looked like the Ritz. The facilities are wonderful.”

Abbotswood, which is claimed to be the first extra-care housing scheme of its kind in the district, features a total of 62 flats for the over-60s – which includes six one-bedroom flats for people with learning difficulties.

The development is the result of a partnership between West Sussex County Council, Arun District Council and Sussex-based housing association Saxon Weald.

Facilities include a dining room and café for use by residents and other villagers, spacious residents’ lounge, pamper suite, games room, inner courtyard garden and assisted bathing facilities, again for both residents and the wider community.

Arun has the second highest percentage of retired people in the south east’s 67 local authorities.

Abbotswood is named after the care home which previously occupied the site.