A DERELICT old bakery in Swanage has been transformed to meet a shortage of temporary homes in the town.

The former site of Herstons Bakers, on the High Street, has been extensively refurbished and reconfigured to offer two new homes, comprising of a self-contained, one-bedroom ground-floor flat and a two-bedroom maisonette, on the first and second floors above.

Raglan Housing is offering the fully-fitted, energy-efficient flats exclusively to local people needing temporary accommodation while they wait for permanent affordable rental homes to become available in the area.

Nicholas Harris, chief executive of Raglan Housing, said: “There is an acute shortage in the area of high quality, short-term housing for vulnerable groups like single parents and families. Because of this, they often have to be put up in bed and breakfasts, which can be unsuitable for children.

“These purpose-built flats will help ease this problem by providing those most in need with a warm, safe and comfortable place to live that’s also close to family and friends while they wait for a permanent home of their own.”

The housing association worked with Purbeck District Council to deliver the scheme, which is located close to the shops, schools, public transport and local services and amenities.

Cllr Mike Lovell, Housing and Development Spokesperson for Purbeck District Council, said: “Meeting the housing needs of local people is one of the key priorities of Purbeck District Council. There is a serious housing need in Purbeck, so I am pleased we were able to work with Raglan to transform a once-derelict building to provide two much-needed temporary homes.”