A NEW housing development designed for people with learning disabilities opens this week.

Tyne Tees TV weatherman Bob Johnson is to perform the honours at the opening of Shelley Close, a supported housing scheme, in Stanley, County Durham, on Thursday, at 11am.

It has been developed in partnership between Durham County Council's social care and health service, Endeavour Housing Association and Derwentside District Council, with the aim of meeting the changing needs and expectations of people with a learning disability.

Endeavour's housing services director, Angela Lockwood, said the association was delighted with the progress of its first scheme in the Derwentside area.

"We're very pleased with the quality of the accommodation and the support service provided and it's particularly pleasing to see how well tenants have settled into their new homes."

This new supported housing reflects Government initiatives to provide improved, more modern services for people with learning disabilities, based on the White Paper, Valuing People.

The service promotes greater independence and choice, enabling people with a learning disability to become part of their local community.

Support staff are available 24-hours a day and will focus on allowing tenants to go about their everyday lives and develop new skills in a small community setting.