A NEW supported living scheme has been opened in Bewsey by the deputy Mayor of Warrington, who has heaped praise on the scheme.

The service is making use of Bewsey House, which was formerly a care home before falling into disuse almost a decade ago.

Bewsey House has a history of use in the social care sector, having provided housing for nurses before it was turned into a care home.

Warrington Guardian: The building was in a state of disuse when the green light was given to transform the propertyThe building was in a state of disuse when the green light was given to transform the property (Image: Ehsan Akram)

Since its closure in 2013, the care home had fallen into disrepair - until the nationwide social care charity Community Integrated Care entered talks to transform the building into a state-of-the-art supporting living facility.

The facility is designed to ensure that people who may need additional support are still able to live with their own independence.

There are members of staff on call at the service around the clock, who will be there to support any of the residents of the 13 modern apartments.

Paula Dodman is the operations manager for Community Integrated Care, she said: "Some people just want their own front door, and their own key," adding "we want to provide independent living that is bespoke for each resident."

Warrington Guardian: Warrington's deputy Mayor opened the facilityWarrington's deputy Mayor opened the facility (Image: Community Integrated Care)

The renovations took place over an 18-month period, fully transforming the dilapidated interior.

Community Integrated Care's team were keen to highlight that Warrington Borough Council had been active in their advocacy of the scheme, which received vocal support from the deputy Mayor at the opening of the service, on Wednesday, January 4.

Deputy Mayor, councillor Graham Friend, said upon seeing the apartments: "They are just absolutely fantastic.

"We've got to be doing this more."

Warrington Guardian: The building houses 13 modern apartmentsThe building houses 13 modern apartments (Image: Ehsan Akram)

When asked for his reaction when first entering the facility, Cllr Friend added: "Wow, just wow."

One of the developers of the property, Ehsan Akram, said: "It's all about giving something back to the community.

"One of our main tests when renovating the building was making sure that we would want to live in the apartments that we are providing."

Bewsey House officially opened on Wednesday, January 4, and will provide supported living for up to 14 residents at maximum capacity.