The second phase of new sheltered accommodation in the west has been opened by Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer.

St Patrick’s Court in Peel follows the new Mylchreest Court as part of a £25m three-phase plan by the western housing authorities.

St Patrick’s Court provides 32 modern flats.

Alan Jones, who is chairman of both Peel Commissioners and the Peel and Western District Housing Committee, said it is ’really good’ to see the western authorities come together and deliver the scheme with ’shared vision and values’.

He added: ’I’m very delighted, it really is a great asset to the west of the island.’

The five housing authorities of Peel, Marown, Michael, Patrick and German have worked with the Department of Infrastructure over the past decade to deliver the project which will now advance to stage three, construction of a 15 apartment extension and conversion of 12 bungalows to provide six mobility standard bungalows.

Glenfaba and Peel MHK Mr Harmer, told the Examiner he was ’delighted to open St Patrick’s Court which will provide sheltered housing to the highest standards’.

He added: ’It was wonderful to see at the opening all those involved in making it happen, in particular the project team, the staff, the committee and their chair Alan Jones and most importantly the new tenants.

’They can be rightly proud of the accommodation built and it was an honour and privilege to open such a wonderful new facility.’

In 2018, Mylchreest Court, named after philanthropist Joseph Mylchreest, opened on Douglas Road, Peel, comprising 40 mostly one bedroom flats.