NEW bungalows and a new life in the general community await people with learning disabilities in Whitefield.

As reported in the Bury Times, social services bosses are closing Knowle Hill View hostel and placing residents into ordinary housing.

The new service will be provided in partnership with West Pennine Housing Association and tenants will continue to get professional support.

Councillor Mike Connolly, executive member for health and social services, said: "Our approach fits well with Government guidance and will also allow the council to move away from an outdated, badly designed building which was erected in the 1960s and was only supposed to last 20 years, to state-of-the-art bungalows.

"It also ensures that, as the service users will be tenants in their own right, they will be eligible for many more benefits."

The council admits that the change has worried some families, but promises that council staff will continue to be on standby for support when tenants are at home, which it says has allayed the fears of many family members.

Coun Connolly said: "Change can be confusing and worrying, but we are working hard to reassure tenants and their families. The tenants know where they are moving to and who they are moving with, and the atmosphere is a mixture of excitement and nerves.

"We are trying to give them some independence in their lives but ensure there is always support and advice available if they need it."

The new bungalows will be located on the original site and on the Hillock estate.