Work has started on one of the cornerstones of the huge Wichelstowe development in the southwest of Swindon.

Part of the expansion programme is the construction of more than 120 homes for the over 60s in a ‘retirement village’ near the centre of the development, in Peglars Way

And Mayor of Swindon Imtiyaz Shaikh was there to mark the turning of the first sod.

Wearing a hard hat and hi-visibility vest, Cllr Shaikh joined staff from McCarthy Stone, the specialist company which will run the retirement village, to mark the beginning of construction.

He said: “There is an urgent need for more specialist retirement homes not just in Wichelstowe but across the region and up and down the country.

"Developers, such as McCarthy Stone, have an important role to play in meeting that burgeoning demand and ensuring people can continue to live independently in later life.

"This is an incredibly exciting time for Wichelstowe and I look forward to watching the development’s progress.

When complete, the development will feature 44 one and two-bedroom apartments, located next to the Wilts and Berks Canal, and near the supermarket, pub restaurants and schools in the centre of the new community.

There is also planning permission for a block of 81 assisted living apartments, 34 one-bed and 47 two-bed flats.