PEOPLE with learning disabilities are being moved out of residential care homes and into new flats.

The accommodation, Brooklime House near Newport, has been built specifically for Isle of Wight residents who have learning disabilities and/or autism.

There are 12 flats, which are part of NHS England's transforming care programme, which aims to get people with learning disabilities out of institutions and into the community.

The residents will be able to live independently with support at Brooklime House, which cost £1.9million to build.

A further three flats, that can accommodate up to seven people, are also now available in a refurbished property in Sandown.

It means some people with learning disabilities and autism will be able to return home to the Island after previously living in residential care homes as far away as Cornwall and Wales.

Sue Lightfoot, head of commissioning, mental health, learning disability and dementia at the Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: "We are just making the final adjustments to the Brooklime House flats and looking forward to the first residents moving in in January.

"The flats are part of a new housing development in a great location near to Newport town centre and the accommodation in Sandown is even closer to local facilities. We are keen to encourage the new residents to become part of the local community and in Sandown the parish council is helping us with this.

"The residents are a mix of ages and have different needs and they will all have a tailored package of care to provide them with the support they need."

The one and two bedroomed flats at Brooklime House are situated on three floors with the ground floor flats able to be adapted for residents with disabilities, if needed. Residents will have a long term tenancy with the Isle of Wight Council.

Laura Gaudion, strategic commissioning manager for adult social care at the Isle of Wight Council said: "Adult Social Care has been working closely with colleagues in the CCG to ensure that the right people are identified and subsequently supported to live in these new flats.

"This is an intrinsic part of our Care Close to Home Strategy and we are delighted that the individuals identified will be able to lives as full members of their local community with dignity, safety and joy."