Today I was delighted to attend the opening of a new home-from-home development in Southwick for people with learning and physical disabilities.

The Church View complex, in The King’s Road, features 12 apartments and 12 bungalows -; allowing those with complex needs to live independently, but with support always available if necessary.

This impressive development combines a modern and safe environment with a real sense of community. Homes such as these are in short supply nationally, so I am delighted to see this complex open in Southwick.

** The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Doris MacKnight, officially opened Church View on Friday. The development cost £4.3million and was designed by Inclusion Housing CIC and Lifeways Community Care, in partnership with the city council’s commissioning team, and was developed by specialist supported housing developer HB Villages and contractor McGoff & Bryne.