A MULTIMILLION pound sheltered housing complex due to open in Royston next month could cost pensioners more than £500 a month to live there.

Westmeads Extra Care Scheme, on Meadstead Drive, has been designed to meet the changing needs of elderly people and has been developed by South Yorkshire Housing Association in partnership with the council.

It will provide 50 two bedroom apartments for people over 55 years old, with eight available to buy through shared ownership.

But tenants face a bill of £556 a month to live in the complex.

People who are not eligible for housing benefit will pay £75.93 rent, £30.38 maintenance of the building, £23 for support and £9.87 for water and gas. They have to pay for council tax and electricity on top of that.

Those who receive housing benefit will only have to pay for water, gas, council tax and electricity.

It means that pensioners on the average weekly state pension of £90.70 for a single person or £145.05 for a couple would not be able to afford to live at Westmeads unless they receive housing benefit.

Royston Tenants and Residents' Association are backing the scheme but admits it is expensive.