ELDERLY residents accommodated in two of Craven Housing's sheltered complexes will have better living conditions through a £3 million rejuvenation scheme.

The Skipton-based housing association is planning to upgrade Roughaw Close in Skipton and Laurel Croft in Embsay.

The investment will create 45 fully self contained one bedroom apartments. Currently the accommodation comprises bedsits with shared bathroom facilities.

The project is being delivered by Craven Housing, part of the Yorkshire Housing Group, in conjunction with local architects Bowman Riley.

David Bolton, acting director for Craven Housing, said: "This development will transform the lives of residents by providing high quality self-contained accommodation which will still have the benefits that sheltered housing schemes bring.

"We estimate the work will take two years to complete and during this time residents will be moved into specially prepared temporary accommodation."

Work is due to start in August and it is thought residents will be out of their homes for between 10 months and a year.

They will be dispersed throughout Craven, but high priority will be given to residents' requirement and community needs.

Their existing warden support will continue to be delivered by their own scheme manager.

As part of the scheme at 30-bed Roughaw Close, which adjoins the Leeds-Liverpool canal, a special wildlife study has been commissioned to help protect and enhance the natural habitat.

Mr Bolton said: "The sheltered housing development is close to the canal which is an area of natural beauty and a haven for a variety of birds including swans and ducks. This study will help to ensure that this area continues to flourish."

Craven Housing was formed in March 2003 to take over all the housing stock from Craven District Council through a voluntary stock transfer process.