A RETIRED amusement arcade manager has slotted in to his new home... at his former work place.

Michael Hayes, 72, moved in to his new independent living home at Beaumont House, which has been built at the former Martello Caravan Park in Walton .

Before retiring aged 66 in 2011, Mr Hayes managed the amusement arcade at the caravan park for eight years and at Walton Pier for a further 12 years.

He said: “When I worked at the arcades, if you’d said to me I’d be back here, living in a wonderful place like this, I’d have just laughed. I wouldn’t have believed it.”

He added: “It was an easy decision to come to.

“My favourite thing here is my apartment itself, which is marvellous, and the outlook from my balcony where I can see across to Harwich.

“I’ve already made friends with a few people, it’s good to be back meeting people again.”

Mr Hayes lived alone in a studio flat before moving to Beaumont House.

He first moved to Frinton in 1997.

Kerry Ansley, who is the general manager at Beaumont House, said: “Beaumont House offers people like Mr Hayes the opportunity to continue to live their life, their way, with the security of 24 hour care and support.

“We offer flexible care and support, preserving independence and quality of life while guaranteeing peace of mind for residents and their families.”

The former Martello Caravan Park shut its doors for the final time in December 2014.

The first residents moved in to Beaumont House in July.

The scheme, which was part-funded by Essex County Council and Tendring Council, offers 60 self-contained apartments designed to meet people’s changing needs in later life.

Each apartment has one or two bedrooms, a living area, kitchen, adapted bathroom and balcony or terrace.

Beaumont House also offers shared facilities including a dining room, mobility scooter store and garden.

It was developed by social housing developer Ashley House and is managed by Season, part of One Housing.

To apply to rent an apartment an individual must be a resident in the Tendring Council area, or have a local connection, be aged 55 or over and have a care need of at least six hours per week.

To find out more, visit www.indepenendentessex.co.uk or ring 0345 6037630.