A much-anticipated new supported living scheme has been officially opened in West Bromwich.

Built by Sandwell Council, the £9.6 million development features 93 new council homes on Oxford Road for people with health and social care needs.

Residents from Oxford Road were joined by neighbours from the Goldfield Court Extra-Care scheme next door, along with representatives from Sandwell Council and ENGIE, who built the development, to celebrate the completion and official opening of the site.

Resident Valerie Grainger has been overwhelmed by the quality of her bungalow and the sense of community that's developed since she moved in earlier this year. Valerie 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's cabinet member for social care, added: "The feedback we have received from residents who have moved in to the Oxford Road development has been incredibly positive.

"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."

The scheme includes 35 bungalows and 58 apartments with eight properties especially designed for wheelchair users.