A SUPPORTED housing unit in a former police station is set to open its doors next month.

Nine supported living units have been created at the former Prudhoe Police Station on Front Street and the building next door.

The former police station was put on the market in 2018 by Northumbria Police after officers moved to the town’s Spetchells Centre.

There were several plans mooted for the site. Initially, Prudhoe Community Partnership planned to knock down the station and build eight social housing plans in its place.

Later, planning permission was granted for a veterinary surgery and four supported living units.

However, just weeks after permission was granted, the applicant changed the design and permission was granted for the nine units, in September 2018.

Now, work on the buildings has been completed, and the first residents are set to move into their new homes in March.

County councillor Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, said he was pleased that the prominent buildings in the town would finally be put to good use.

“It’s great that a building that hasn’t been used for many years, and the police station, have been used for a huge benefit for the whole community,” he said.

He continued: “This is a great new facility on Front Street, providing nine flats for people who may need a little bit of extra help.

“Most of the new residents will be from Prudhoe, and all the employees working there will also be from the town.

“The first new resident will move in from early March.

“This is more great news for Prudhoe.”

The units will be operated by North-East based care operator Flexible Support Options (FSO).

A spokesman for the company said: “This new bespoke development will offer nine single tenancy apartments. The home will be run by an experienced manager Alison Scott.

“FSO as a care provider has excellent CQC record of delivery the very best of care and this is the latest provision.

“We work very closely with the commissioners and the local authority and are delighted that we will see this newest development opening in March.”