THE widow of the late MP Jamie Cann today told how she was touched to unveil a very sheltered housing scheme named after her husband.At the opening of Jamie Cann House on the former airport site, Mrs Roise Cann said: "I feel proud and delighted.

By Amanda Cresswell

THE widow of the late MP Jamie Cann today told how she was touched to unveil a very sheltered housing scheme named after her husband.

At the opening of Jamie Cann House on the former airport site, Mrs Roise Cann said: "I feel proud and delighted. I think it is lovely what Suffolk Heritage have done."

She unveiled a painting at the £3.8 million building in memory of the MP who died from a serious illness in October last year aged 55.

Ipswich MP Chris Mowles, Ipswich Borough Councillors and members of the Suffolk Heritage Housing Group, were among the scores of dignitaries at the opening.

James Hehir, chief executive of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "Jamie Cann put a lot into Ipswich and I know that he would have been proud of this development and the facilities the people enjoy here."

Mrs Cann, who attended the ceremony with her two sons and their wives, was presented with a painting of the Suffolk Heritage Housing building after the opening.

Jamie Cann House has 24 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom self-contained flats for very frail, older people who want to live in their own home but know 24-hour support can be provided.

Eight of the flats within the scheme are for the care of people with the early stages of dementia.

In addition to the main accommodation are two one bedroom immediate care units to be funded by Suffolk NHS.

Ongoing care and support is provided by a professional team of care and support staff from Suffolk Social Care Services and led by scheme manager Pat Carter of flagship housing group.

As well as a safe environment, tenants enjoy a number of facilities including a hairdressing salon, lounges, dining room, conservatory, four assisted bathrooms, laundry and guest bedroom.

The project, which received a £2.3 million grant is the result of a partnership between Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council and the housing corporation.