Work has begun on a £200,000 investment in better access at a Berwickshire retirement housing development.

Bield’s Turnbull Court in Duns is to have four state-of-the-art internal platform lifts installed as part of their ‘Step Free’ project.

The work will be undertaken by Glasgow-based Luddon Construction who will install the platforms over the next six weeks.

Ian Barclay, director at Luddon, said: “Having worked with Bield in the past we’re delighted to be re-establishing this relationship with the work in Duns.

“It is fantastic to be working with such a respected name in housing in helping to provide better access for all their tenants.”

This latest work in Duns seeks to further maximise the freedom of all Bield’s tenants, in line with their ‘Free to Be’ ethos, as they make improvements to provide the highest quality of housing for older people in Scotland.

Head of development Caryn Innes said: “It is great to see work starting on such an exciting addition at Turnbull Court – one that could have a really positive effect for some of our tenants.

“Our Asset Management Strategy is to have a bespoke approach to improve access and demand and ensure that Bield developments across the country remain meet the needs, demand and aspirations of our existing and future customers.

First built in 1975 with 36 retirement flats, Turnbull Court includes communal facilities such as a residents lounge, communal heating system and laundry.