THREE sites in the borough have been identified as potential retirement villages for older people.

The sites chosen for further investigation are Shorey Bank at Darwen, Hillcrest Road at Feniscliffe and Campbell Street, Roe Lee.

Council bosses said they had been picked because of their proximity to shopping, public transport and the quality of the surrounding open space.

The sites will be investigated in further detail to see if they are suitable before the council looks for a preferred partner to develop the scheme. Consultation with residents in the areas will also be carried out.

A retirement village or community is a purpose-built environment specially designed to meet the needs of older people, who do not necessarily need care but like security offered by such developments.

They will be able to either rent, purchase or have a shared ownership of a unit within the complex which will also include leisure, education, health, social activities and facilities such as cafes, craft rooms and community centres.

Coun Salim Lorgat, executive member for housing, said: “The development of older peoples housing is a key priority for the borough. The number of older people living in the borough is set to soar in the coming years and there is a lack of suitable accommodation to meet their needs. We must plan now for their future to ensure that those needs are met.”