A NEW seating area has been built for the residents of a sheltered accommodation complex in Worcester thanks to money raised by the owner of a city centre bar.

The development includes three benches and a bird table on the large grass area next to Severn House, which is one of the tower blocks off St Clement's Close, St John's.

Tenants of the Worcester Community Housing-run complex, who opted for the seating area in a vote, will be able to enjoy good weather rather than being stuck indoors.

Sharon Virgo, vice-chairman of the Severnside Residents Panel, which organised the development, said: "The seating area will give residents somewhere to sit in the summer. Once we had 21 people sitting outside. There is only one bench so people brought their own chairs down from their flats or sat on the wall which is not very comfortable.

The development cost about £800 and the money was raised for the residents by Steve Cass while he managed Bar Bamboo - the venue off Tybridge Street, St John's, now known as Breeez - along with fellow fund-raiser Steve High.

Mr Cass, who owns Bossa Nova, in Worcester's New Street, organised a Party in the Park music event last summer with Mr High.

Mr Cass said: "After the first Party in the Park in 2004 I promised that I would raise money for them at the following year's event. I was quite active with them in keeping crime and disorder down. We worked together to keep the area safe."

Di Smith, Worcester Community Housing's customer service and involvement manager, said: "This is very much work the residents have done on their own. We've advised them and supported them."

The seating area was formally unveilled by the Mayor of Worcester Coun Ian Imray.

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