JESSE Norman has welcomed National Star's plans to develop long-term living accommodation in Hereford for young people with disabilities and learning difficulties.

The Hereford and South Herefordshire MP visited 1 Ledbury Road, which National Star purchased from the Wye Valley NHS Trust in February of this year.

Construction work to convert the bungalows into a long-term home for seven young people is now underway at the site, with work due to be completed in October.

National Star, which has been based in Hereford for five years, purchased the site after it became clear it had outgrown its current Harrow Road base, where it currently offers specialist day support to 17 young people.

The complex disability specialists have launched an appeal to raise £2.2 million to fund the purchase and convert the property.

The main building, previously a vicarage and most recently used for children's respite services, will be converted into an education facility offering therapies and personal development programmes.

Work on the main building will take place after the bungalows are completed, and the new education facility at Ledbury Road is due to open in 2020.

“I am delighted that National Star is investing in Hereford and is committed to our young people with disabilities and learning difficulties,” Mr Norman said.

“There is a huge local need for this kind of high-quality care. National Star is committed to providing education, care and support to young people who need that help the most. I look forward to returning to Number 1 when the bungalows are finished and the young people have settled in.”

You can support the Hereford Appeal by visiting the National Star website here, or contact www.nationalstar.org/get-involved/hereford-appeal for more details.