Sheffield residents are set to benefit from a £2.8m deal to close out-dated hostel establishments and move into new purpose-built homes within the local community.

Under a Sheffield City Council proposal, up to 92 hostel tenants with learning disabilities are to move into more independent accommodation in the community.

This follows funding from the Government's Homes and Communities Agency and local housing association investment.

Some of the residents have already moved into their new accommodation and feed-back so far has been extremely positive.

A report on the progress of the Joint Learning Disabilities Service Hostel Reprovision is to go to Cabinet on Wednesday.

They will also be expected to approve the disposal of the site of the former hostel at Grimesthorpe Road and part of the site of the former hostel at Warminster Road by way of long term lease to two housing associations.

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The residents who currently live in ex-hostels on these sites will then be given new accommodation designed especially to meet their individual needs.

Housing associations will purchase and adapt three and four bedroomed houses and build a mixture of new self contained and shared flats with these needs in mind.

The housing associations will be responsible for the management and upkeep of the properties but partnership agreements with Sheffield City Council bosses will ensure the quality of provision is maintained.

This reprovision programme is designed around the specific needs of individuals with high disability standards in the built environment to ensure they are homes for life.

The flats have been designed to include flats for people with poor mobility or people who are in need of a wheelchair. It will ensure that people can continue to be supported in the accommodation if their physical needs change, thus making the accommodation and programme more sustainable.

All residents and their relatives have endorsed the view that the quality of life of residents living at the hostels will greatly improve by their relocation into ordinary houses within their local community.

(CD/JM)