NEIGHBOURS in Viking Court are seeing double after identical twins moved in next door.

The 46-year-olds have just moved into the recently completed £2.3million Halton Housing Trust development in Widnes.

They have already made quite an impression with their neighbours who have been confused more than once by their similarity – not surprising given that even their mother cannot tell them apart.

“I’ve answered the door at Karen’s house and been chatting away to a neighbour and then she’s come to the door as well and he’s suddenly realised he was talking to the wrong twin,” said mother-of-three Paula Muir.

Karen Fraser, a mother-of-two, moved into the flat after downsizing from a four-bed house where she had been living on her own.

She added: “Some people have actually done a double-take when they’ve seen us, but we’ve grown up with it so we’re used to it.

“We’ve always lived near to each other but this is the closest we’ve ever been and it’s great. We’re always popping in and out of each other’s flats, or are on the phone which is ridiculous now we live right next door.”

The twins moved into their homes on the same day – but they are used to doing things together.

Over the past five years they have embarked on a weight loss programme and have both now become Zumba teachers and help out at each other’s classes – which they admit can confuse their pupils.

In total Karen, who was 22 stone and had a gastric band fitted, has lost 14 stone while Paula has shed eight stone.

The twins are so close that they often go out shopping separately and come back with the same clothes. When Paula went into labour with her first child, Karen knew despite being more than 200 miles away.

“Paula was in Colchester at the time and I was in Widnes but I started having terrible stomach pains and I said to my mum, Paula must be having the baby – and she was,” said Karen.

Halton Housing Trust’s flagship development has provided much-needed homes for families and people with a range of housing needs. The scheme includes 12 apartments at Viking Court and a further six bungalows at Elizabeth Court and Charlotte Walk.

Viking Court includes several homes, which have included customised adaptations to make life easier for people living with a range of health needs.

The Trust committed £1.3million of its own money to the contemporary development, alongside a £1million investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Moving into their new home starts the next chapter in the twins’ lives.

“Our new apartments are really lovely and it was so nice that we’ve been able to move in right next door and know each other is so close,” said Karen.

“I got married in early June and my husband will soon move in here – but luckily he’s the only person who can tell us apart.”