MALVERN’S MP Harriett Baldwin took charge of a mechanical digger to help get work on a £20 million retirement development officially under way.

The scheme of extra care housing for the elderly, called Clarence Park Village, is being built by Festival Housing on the site of Alexandra Gardens in Malvern Link.

It will consist of 101 “extra care” apartments, plus a wide range of leisure and fitness facilities including a restaurant, bar, and wellness centre. Mrs Baldwin said: “With the population over 85 set to double over the next 20 years, extra care villages will have a crucial role to play in keeping older people out of care homes and hospitals.

“They also allow couples to live together longer when only one partner needs care.

“This is the first extra care village in West Worcestershire and I congratulate everyone who has worked so hard to get the project started.”