RESIDENTS who have moved into a £10 million award-winning social housing scheme have described their new homes as 'heaven'.

The new 81-home Riding Close development in Hindley Green is now fully occupied.

It features one and two bedroom apartments and bungalows specifically designed for elderly people, as well as two and three bedroom family houses.

Twenty-five apartments are wheelchair accessible.

The tenants, all of whom lived in Hindley Green or nearby prior to moving to Riding Close, say their lives have been transformed by their new homes.

Stephen Connah, 58, who is registered disabled and has severe mobility problems, said: “My bungalow in Riding Close is absolutely heaven.

"It is insulated – you can’t hear any traffic.

"Keeping the place heated is a lot easier.

“I am sleeping a lot better and I am seriously thinking about asking the doctor to cut my medication down.

"It has changed my life."

Ground floor apartment tenant Maureen Davies, 76, added: “I like the space, the light and the quietness of the road.

"At my age there are now no steps to climb, no vandalism or littering.

"I feel very good about living here.”

The development won the Best New Build Scheme category at the 2016 National Federation of ALMOS Awards.

It was officially opened by Wigan borough's mayor, Cllr Ron Conway, in a ceremony attended by the new residents and St Benedict’s Catholic and St Peter's CE primary schools children, who designed artwork which welcomes people to the estate.

The site promoted the use of apprentices and residents were involved in the development's design process.

Developed by Wigan and Leigh Homes – in partnership with Wigan Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and Seddon Construction Ltd – the homes are highly energy efficient and the apartments incorporate a communal heating system for low fuel bills.

Thomas Latchford and partner Stacey Jones have moved into a three bedroom home with children Olivia, 12, Blake, eight, and Jody, three.

Thomas, 27, said: “It is going very well. I am really enjoying it.

"It is best for the kids – it is a much safer place for them to play.

"The bills are a lot lower so it is a lot cheaper to run the house and to keep it warm."

Cllr Chris Ready, cabinet member for housing at the council, said: “We are very proud of the standard of the Riding Close development and it is very moving to hear from residents about the difference their new homes have made to their lives.

“We are passionate about delivering new high quality and affordable homes for people in the borough and Riding Close proves that we have the expertise to deliver a development which enhances the whole area.”