SIXTEEN adults with learning disabilities are living independent lives in their own flats thanks to a £500,000 housing scheme in Swindon.

Booker House, on Upham Road, is a pioneering project backed by the English Churches Housing Group.

It is an unusual scheme because it encourages residents to live independently.

Booker House was previously run by ECHG as a sheltered housing scheme for the elderly.

They decided to close it as half of the 20 bedsits were not being leased out.

It re-opened last September as 16 modern self-contained flats with a large communal living room and kitchen area.

The scheme was backed by a £217,000 grant from Swindon Council.

Yesterday saw the official opening and the presentation by Wiltshire Police of a Secure by Design award in recognition of the building's crime prevention features.

ECHG development manager Stephen Baines said: "Normally people with learning difficulties are in homes and don't have much independence.

"Here they have their own tenancies so it is independence in a supported environment.

"There is help at hand but they are not being molly-coddled."

There is one full-time warden at Booker House and many of the residents also receive support from Swindon Council social services.

The residents are adults of varying ages who treated visitors at yesterday's opening to a rendition of the Booker House Rap.

John Alfred, 34, has been there since September and was previously living in a sheltered flat.

He said: "This is much better, I find it's really comfortable and it's safe - it couldn't be safer.

"Being here I feel comfortable and I feel relaxed, I've got people around and I feel much happier."

Andrew Harris, 42, previously lived with his mother and then at a residential home.

He said: "I think it's a really nice place.

"It's better than being out on the street at night with nowhere to go. I like the people here, they are a nice crowd. It's much better than where I was living before."