A CHARITY providing a home for young adults with learning disabilities has launched an appeal for funds to convert a garage at Keeper's Cottage, Ledbury, into two rooms.

Salter's Hill needs £46,000 to increase its present accommodation in the town, which at present houses six people.

Twenty people with learning disabilities also live in two other Salter's Hill sites in Gorsley.

General manager Celia Kay said: "So far, we've raised about £8,000 and it would be nice if we could raise the rest over the next couple of months. We're hoping that building work will start then.

"We normally reckon on £20,000 to add a room, which includes all the fittings and surveyors costs."

Demand for the semi-independent accommodation is high. There are already four people interested in the two proposed conversion spaces.

The aim is that residents will become more independent over time. Some of the charity's original residents from the more intensively staffed Pound Farm site have already moved to less the intensively staffed accommodation in Ledbury.

"We are doing day care as well," said Ms Kay.

"We started a programme this year and the residents tap into bits of that they want to. We use local colleges and work placements in nurseries, schools and restaurants."

For more information on the charity's work or to make a donation, ring Celia Kay on 01989 720546.