ARCHAEOLOGISTS began work today in the grounds of historic Waldersea House near Wisbech prior to builders moving in to create an 18 bedroom specialist care centre. Up to 30 jobs will be created at the Friday Bridge home next year once renovation and new a

ARCHAEOLOGISTS began work today in the grounds of historic Waldersea House near Wisbech prior to builders moving in to create an 18 bedroom specialist care centre.

Up to 30 jobs will be created at the Friday Bridge home next year once renovation and new accommodation is provided at the Grade II listed building.

Danny Sharp, director of development, said today other pre construction conditions including a landscape and tree survey were in hand and he expected building work could start within a month.

"We hope to finish the work sometime next year, by May if things work according to plan," he said.

National care home developer and operator Executive Care Group announced work on this and six other sites across the country could start after securing �20 million from its banking partners.

David Harrison, finance director, said: "We were affected by the recession in terms of delayed development due to the freezing up of finance as the banks became reluctant to finance major projects."

But with �20 million from Yorkshire Bank the company is forging ahead with its specialist care home expansion.

The Fenland centre will be specialists services nursing care accommodation for 18 service users with mental health problems and physical disabilities of all ages

Waldersea House will be restored and other facilities built with a central courtyard and landscaped grounds.

Jennifer Houghton., head of the Executive Care Group, said: "Communicating at all stages of the process has been a key factor in our success with this application.

"We have worked in partnership with the local planning officers and the conservation officer and sought the support of local people at a public consultation day as well as getting the buy-in of the County Care Commissioners at a crucial stage" she said.