HUNDREDS of families have expressed an interest in a luxury housing development next to a secure hospital, according to a company.

Six houses have already been sold on the huge building development next to Calderstones in Whalley.

A spokeswoman for builders Alfred McAlpine said more than 100 families had visited the site every week since viewing of the two show houses began in mid January. Prices range from £143,950 to £207,950.

She said six houses had been reserved although no-one was likely to move in for several months.

She said: "We are doing very well and we are pleased with the numbers of visitors and the sales so far at Calderstones Park."

More than 300 houses are to be built on the land, which was the site of several Calderstones wards for long-stay patients before most of their residents moved into smaller houses in the community.

Some staff at the unit for people with learning disabilities have voiced concerns about the proximity of the new estate to Calderstones medium secure unit West Drive, which is only yards from the boundary wall.

Some of the West Drive residents have been sent to the unit by the courts after committing offences including arson, manslaughter and sexual crimes.

Calderstones managers admitted to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph earlier this month that three West Drive residents had absconded in the last 12 months, although all were returned to the unit within two hours. Alfred McAlpine have said the vast majority of prospective purchasers who have visited the new development have been local people who knew the area well.

People interested in buying Calderstones Park houses have been advised to contact the residential unit if they have any concerns, and Calderstones managers have already spoken to some people considering moving in.