WORK has begun to deliver the long-awaited £19.1 million development of a new housing and health hub at Pauls Moss in Whitchurch.

The development off Dodington is a joint project between Wrekin Housing Group, Shropshire Council, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Commissioning Group and local GPs and is being built by Vistry Partnerships West Midlands.

The Pauls Moss development is expected to feature 71 self-contained extra care departments for the over 55s and a new, modern, two-storey health centre for the wider Whitchurch community.

Wayne Gethings, group chief executive at The Wrekin Housing Group said the work beginning will delight many in the town who have been campaigning for it.

He said: "It’s fantastic news for the town that work has got underway to deliver integrated housing and health services for the community.

"It has been a real collaboration and we couldn’t have achieved it alone.

"We are very grateful for the support of Shropshire Council, NHS England, NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin CCG and Churchmere Medical Group.

"It’s been a long journey to get here but a necessary one, as it ensures the town will have access to much needed specialist accommodation for older people, as well as a first-class new medical centre in a building that will be fit for future generations."

Councillor Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for physical infrastructure added: "This is an excellent example of partners coming together to meet both the health and housing needs of the community.

"When complete, these facilities will help bring the growing community of Whitchurch together and will provide many health, wellbeing and community services under one roof."

The project is expected to be completed by 2024.