West Bromwich £9.6 million supported living scheme opens

The Sandwell Council development has 93 new council homes in Oxford Road .

The scheme involves 35 bungalows and 58 apartments, with eight of the properties especially designed for wheelchair users.

Valerie Grainger, who has moved into one of the development's bungalows, said she was overwhelmed by the sense of community.

She said: "I can't thank Sandwell Council and ENGIE enough for my bungalow, it's beautiful. When I first moved here I didn't know a lot of people and it's been good to be able to just sit outside in my front garden and make friends.

"I feel safe living in this development and when I go out I can see people smiling and there's a great atmosphere."

Councillor Ann Shackleton, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for social care, said: "The feedback we have received from residents who have moved in to the Oxford Road development has been incredibly positive.

Flourishing

"It's good to hear that there is already a strong and flourishing sense of community being built up, with neighbours looking out for one another. At the same time people are being able to live their lives independently with the care and support they need."

Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, cabinet member for housing, said: ""Oxford Road is a great example of teams across the council working together - in this case housing and adult care - to provide quality homes for some of our most vulnerable residents.

"I am sure Oxford Road will now pave the way for similar schemes."

Paul Clarke, regional director for ENGINE's places and communities division, added: "We are delighted to be able to celebrate the completion of this development, and are really pleased to see residents settling into new homes.

"With an ageing population, is it vital that we work with our partners to provide a variety of housing options that accommodate the changing needs of residents, to ensure they enjoy living as independently as possible."