A HOUSING scheme which aims to offer pensioners independence for as long as possible has been hailed a huge success after the number of residents almost doubled in just two months.

Burnley's "very sheltered housing" was designed to give older people with higher levels of care requirements to remain independent with the help of intensive support.

And social services chiefs today said the success of the scheme was due to the fact all services were designed around the needs of the individual, with care provided either within a designated sheltered housing scheme or within a person's own home.

The development, launched in November 2002 for 12 older people, now has 22 people under the scheme.

A partnership between Lancashire Social Services, Four Season's Care Agency, Burnley Council and Burnley and Padiham Community Housing (BPCH), the scheme will fall under the spotlight when Burnley MP Peter Pike visits residents tomorrow.

Cabinet member for social services County Councillor Chris Cheetham explained: "The scheme offers round-the-clock support as a combination of care based on a social services assessment and an alarm service, which means that any person on the scheme can receive assistance within 30 minutes of an alarm being activated.

"An innovative feature of the service is the use of sophisticated alarm and monitoring equipment providing additional reassurance."

"Over 20 care staff provide a dedicated service to the scheme and BPCH also employ a dedicated warden to offer support and act as a first point of contact should assistance be required as a matter of urgency.

"Older people who are at risk of entering residential care and who wish to retain independence and control in their lives are considered for very sheltered housing support.

"They are assessed by a social worker, in some instances in conjunction with other professionals such as a district nurse, in order to receive the appropriate care."