PLANS for more than 20 new apartments in Bishopton for veterans have moved a step closer thanks to a £25,000 grant.

The Independent Living Project, run by veterans’ charity Erskine, will create 24 fully-accessible ‘independent living’ apartments, each with an open plan living design, featuring fitted furniture and including all appliances. 

The apartments will be fully accessible, for veterans who may have mobility challenges, and there will be communal areas for them to enjoy.

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The residents will live as part of the Veteran’s Village which allows them access to a range of services including affordable meals and personal care services like podiatry and hairdressing

The RAF Benevolent Fund brings the grant is the latest round of support from the RAF Benevolent Fund to Erskine, bringing the total amount granted to Erskine for the scheme to more than £1.5 million.

Paul Hughesdon, director of welfare and policy at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “RAF veterans who have served their country and especially those who have become mentally or physically affected by their service deserve to live in accommodation that provides them with the necessary level of support to reduce the effects.

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“The RAF Benevolent Fund works with several organisations like Erskine to ensure these veterans have access to support services tailored to their needs and we are delighted to do so.”

Building work is expected to be complete by May 2019, with the first new veterans taking up residence in the summer of the same year.