A TIME capsule has been buried to herald a new era in supported living in Shipston.

Staff from Heart of England Mencap were joined by schoolchildren and Shipston Mayor Philip Vial last Friday to bury the capsule in the grounds Rosedale, a £1.25million supporting housing scheme for people with learning disabilities.

Items such as books, photos, newspapers and plans for the flats were all buried in the time capsule in a ceremony which coincided with Learning Disability Week.

The scheme, which opened earlier this month in Stratford Road, offers 10 new affordable flats which offer people independent living but with on-site support from Heart of England Mencap.

Helena Wallis, Chief Executive at Heart of England Mencap, said: "There is a move away from residential care homes towards independent living accommodation, in a supported environment, which takes into account the changing needs of the existing and new residents requiring a home and providing the appropriate level of support. Rosedale is a wonderful new facility .

"We are delighted the Shipston community will be joining us to celebrate.”

The new housing is a partnership between Heart of England Mencap, the housing provider Orbit Heart of England, its development arm Orbit Homes and Stratford District Council.

Funding has also come from the Home and Communities Agency.

Helen Petitdemange, Business Development Manager at Orbit Independent Living, added: “The first new customers have moved into ‘Rosedale’ this week and it’s been fantastic to see all the hard work paid off. "