AN APARTMENT complex offering people over 55 the chance to live independently has started welcoming residents at Brewery Square in Dorchester.

Signature House has 42 one to three bedrooms flats in the heart of the county town, with facilities including a cafe and communal lounge, roof terrace and library.

The Somerset Redstone Trust has overseen the development of the apartments, which shares a building with a nursing home.

Sales manager John Clarke says the apartments are situated to allow people to live an independent lifestyle.

Marketing officer Laura Marshall said the scheme’s set up with the adjoining nursing home and its unique location were the key features of Signature House.

Residents can also order meals from the care home to be brought through to the cafe and there is also a laundry service on site.

All apartments are fitted with an emergency pull cord system that alerts on-site staff during the day and Magna Careline at nights and weekends.

There are also video entry systems and secure underground parking.

Andrew Wadsworth, director of Waterhouse which is developing Brewery Square in partnership with Resolution Property, said Signature House was a welcome addition to the site.

He said: “We are delighted with progress at Signature House and it’s such a great idea to combine a nursing home with close care apartments, it will be the model for the future of these sorts of facilities.”

Signature House is holding an open day over the weekend of Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20.

For more information call 01305 257248, email bev.davies@somersetredstonetrust.co.uk or visit www.visitsrtrust.co.uk.