A bpha extra care scheme in Luton was given the Royal treatment today when it was visited by HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.

On Thursday 28th January, the Earl of Wessex officially opened Betty Dodd Court and met the residents. The event was also attended by the Mayor of Luton, Cllr Mohammed Riaz, the Chief Executive of Luton Borough Council, Kevin Crompton, and representatives from bpha and PRP Architects.

The Earl of Wessex was also introduced to the two daughters of Betty Dodd whose mother gave her name to the scheme. He was then treated to a tour of the facility during which he unveiled a commemorative plaque and was invited to sign the Visitors Book.

John Cross, Chief Executive, bpha said: “We are honoured to have welcomed His Royal Highness to Betty Dodd to celebrate its completion.  We are very proud of this new scheme which is the result of much hard work and dedication from us and our partners. We hope that residents will enjoy living at Betty Dodd and that it will do much to help older people in the Luton area enjoy a quality of life while maintaining their independence.”

Cllr Mohammed Riaz added: “Betty Dodd represented the town for a number of years on various health boards and would have been proud to see this splendid new housing provision for local people. I and other colleagues on the council have had amazingly positive feedback from the residents and their families and I wish them every happiness in their new homes.”

Completed in June 2009, Betty Dodd consists of 47 affordable rented flats which are a mixture of one and two bedrooms. It also has a wide range of communal facilities including a shop, activity room, dining room, kitchen, lounge, courtyard garden and even a hair salon.

Another new bpha extra care scheme – Jill Jenkins Court in Luton – will be officially opened on Friday 19th March by Lord McKenzie.