ELDERLY people living in a sheltered housing complex near Droitwich Spa could benefit from a £1m refurbishment project.

Spa Housing Association has ambitious plans for The Poplars, in Worcester Road, Wychbold.

It wants to completely remodel the building -- slashing the number of bedsits from 23 to 18 in a bid to meet the needs of OAPs and disabled tenants.

The association's care and supported manager, Annie Dickson, said: "It's a project aimed at modernising and improving the facilities throughout the scheme."

Fifteen elderly people currently live at The Poplars but no-one will move off the complex while work takes places.

Tenants have been involved in discussions with the design team and have chosen the colours schemes for their bathrooms and kitchens.

A larger office for wardens will be created, along with a laundry room and area to store and recharge electric buggies.

Wychavon District Council and Spa Housing have stumped up cash for the development.

Annie added: "It's a scheme which is well-valued in Wychbold and this investment shows the commitment of the association to improving its stock for elderly tenants."

Wychavon Tenants' Association chairman and Droitwich Spa town councillor John Cook (Lab, Droit.West), who had been concerned about security problems at the complex, supports the plans.

He told the Advertiser: "The housing association promised to revamp the property and take tenants concerns and ideas on board -- I'm glad they have kept that promise.

"It's good news for the tenants and I hope work can be carried out sooner rather than later."

Blueprints will be considered by Wychavon District Council shortly.