CONSTRUCTION work on four bungalows that are designed for elderly people in Jurby started yesterday.

Minister for Social Care Martyn Quayle MHK attended a sod cutting ceremony at the site which is next to the Bretney Estate.

He said: "I am pleased to be celebrating another step in the progression of the Isle of Man Government's programme of affordable housing development which has seen the completion of over 600 new homes during the five years of the current government plan."

Bill Henderson MHK, Political Member for Housing, said: "Our recent investment of housing in Jurby for public sector use has been targeted at two bedroom properties for occupation by smaller households because most of the older stock of properties in Jurby are larger family houses. These four bungalows will be used for allocation to our older tenants.

"We are also currently awaiting the outcome of a planning application for six apartments on plots in the Bretney Estate which hopefully will follow on from the completion of these properties."

The development is being built by Kinrade Brothers and works are due to be completed next spring.