BROADWAY pensioners moving into part of the Russells development have handpicked furnishings for their housing association flats.

The elderly villagers are currently living at Shear House, Evesham and Pershore Housing Association's sheltered housing scheme in Broadway. The Court, the social housing element of the Russells, offers a combination of 24 one- and two-bedroom flats. The accommodation has been designed specifically for the retired and elderly.

Last Thursday residents were offered the chance to choose the carpets, curtains and other furnishings for their individual flats. Residents welcomed the opportunity to stamp their own style on their new homes, which they hope to move into in June.

Tenant Joy Southall, aged 64, said: "It's so good to be able to chose those little details that makes a place your home. The quality and range is excellent, it all adds to the excitement of moving into our new home. The fact that we haven't got to buy and install curtains and carpets is a bonus too."

Her partner Mick Czajka, aged 82, added: "This development is something everybody dreams about. I have arthritis and can't walk as well as I could but the flats are near Broadway centre so I can get out and about more easily."

The new development also includes a large community room and decking area as well as an on-site supermarket to make shopping more accessible for residents. The flats will also free Shear House to be used as general social housing, providing more accommodation for families and people within the Broadway area.

Association spokeswoman Rebecca Bailey said: "This is an unusual scheme, which brings social housing to an affluent area where traditionally it could not have been considered. It not only offers everything that our residents need in the way of accommodation, but also a lifestyle and community."