Keynsham old folk's centre opens

A new, 21st-century standard centre for elderly people has been officially opened in Keynsham.

The complex in Hawthorns Lane is the last of three such centres to be built by Bath and North East Somerset Council as part of a £28.8 million redevelopment of care facilities across the district.

The Hawthorns, run by Somer Community Housing Trust, has a 30-bed residential care home, 30 'extra care' flats and a day centre.

Councillor Vic Pritchard (Con, Chew Valley South), cabinet member for adult social services and housing, said: "There is an air of excitement around Keynsham and the community resource centre that Bath and North East Somerset Council has completed this project and now it is open for business.

"The facility represents the essence of what the council aspires to provide local communities – a 21st century standard building, with high quality members of staff working alongside our partner Somer Community Housing Trust."

Similar centres have been built in Bath and Midsomer Norton.

Managing director of Somer Community Housing Trust, Angela Gascoigne, said: "We are delighted to have delivered these first-class facilities in partnership with the council.

The Keynsham Community Resource Centre will offer local people a real choice about the level of care and support they want, as their needs change. We are sure the community will make the most of the new facilities and take advantage of the benefits the centre offers."