A NEW care facility offering ‘essential services to the community’ has opened its doors in Dorchester.

The refurbished Digby Court facility will offer extra care supported living for 10 adults with learning disabilities.

East Boro Housing Trust will operate the service, which offers accommodation in three three-bedroom and a one-bedroom flat, along with kitchens, specialist bathrooms, communal rooms and gardens.

Digby Court was previously an NHS-run centre providing services for children and East Boro has carried out a substantial interior and exterior refurbishment of the property to convert it for its new use.

It will be staffed by more than 45 specialist care and support workers, many of whom have transferred to the Wimborne-based organisation from the recently-decommissioned Douglas Jackman House, which was run by Dorset County Council.

East Boro chief executive, Kevin Hodder, said: “East Boro is delighted to have been awarded the care and support contract at Digby Court.

“This is an outstanding facility which will provide essential services to the community.

“We have invested substantially in this project in order to provide our new tenants with their new homes and we are delighted with the finished product.”

He added: “Aside from the excellent facilities, we can also boast an outstanding team of experienced and highly qualified staff members. Many have worked with the residents before at Douglas Jackman House and this familiarity and continuity is a huge asset.”

Digby Court is one of two new supported living schemes being opened by East Boro in the county town.

East Boro is also due to complete a scheme at Cambridge Court in Poundbury before the end of the year.

Mr Hodder said: “The Poundbury development will provide accommodation and services to a further five adults with learning disabilities.

“Opening these two new schemes is great news for East Boro and great news for Dorchester and its community.

“East Boro prides itself on providing quality, person-centred support and care as well as safe and secure homes for vulnerable adults to live in the community and we are pleased to be bringing our services the county town.”