A £1million council grants scheme to provide in home adaptations for disabled residents has helped one Winchester couple to lead a more independent life.

The city council has doubled its funding of the Facilities Grant scheme in a bid to improve choice available to local people to help disabled and vulnerable residents continue to live independently within the community.

Mark and Julie Brown recently moved into their newly-built home in Hillier Way, Abbotts Barton which came with a specially adapted wet room provided by the city council.

Mark suffers from Motor Sensory Neurone Disease, a debilitating illness which limits his mobility and often made it difficult for him to move in his former home in Stanmore.

The couple were helped to downsize by the council to move into the new adapted property in Hillier Way which includes safety features and level floor access.

This has helped Mark feel safer and less reliant on assistance from Julie.

Mark said: “We are over the moon – it was worth the wait. The wet room has made a huge difference and even though we have downsized we feel that we have moved to a property which is equally spacious but much more suitable than our old home. We can live entirely on the ground floor, which is great as I can get around easily.”

Chairman of Tenants and Council Together (TACT) Monica Gill said: “It is really important that the city council adapts or builds properties that are suited to people who have mobility issues and disabilities. I hope that it is something they can continue to do.”

Cllr Caroline Horrill, leader of Winchester City Council and Portfolio Holder for Housing said: “When Hillier Way officially opened, I had the pleasure of meeting Mark and Julie Brown and I am delighted that five months on they are happy with their new home.

“They tell us that these adaptations have improved their quality of life – and ensuring that our residents have good quality of life is a key aim for the council – it’s the basis of our refreshed housing strategy.

“I am pleased to confirm that we expanded the programme of grants to disabled residents last year so we can help more people get the care they need when they need it,” added Cllr Horrill.

Residents can apply to the city council for Disabled Facilities Grant assistance by emailing disabledfacilitiesgrant@winchester.gov.uk or calling 01962 848455.