Pictured above: Yvonne Colebourne and Thelma Pritchard

A pioneering Leicester-based sheltered housing scheme has formed its own residents committee.

In these times of government spending cuts and tightening of purse strings, the residents of The Banks in Blackbird Road have decided it is time to take a more proactive role in their care and support.

The residents committee, made up entirely of people living at The Banks, has been boosted by a cheque for £250 from LHA-ASRA group, which runs the sheltered housing scheme.

The Banks, built in the early 80's, comprises 17 one bedroom and five, two bedroom, self-contained apartments. 

Home to 22 residents from a variety of cultural backgrounds, it demonstrates how people from different faiths and cultures can live happily together. 

Yvonne Colebourne, LHA-ASRA business development manager said: "The committee has been formed to represent the views and wishes of residents, allowing them to participate actively in how the scheme is managed."

The money donated was presented by Inti Popat, a supported housing management officer at LHA-ASRA Group.

The cheque was given as a means to help the residents get started and raise the funds for some of the items on their wish list such as day trips, exercise classes and gardening.

The Banks is open to anyone over the age of 55 and in need of sheltered housing.