A TEENAGER with autism is enjoying his independence in a new state-of-the-art housing development.

Stephen Hart, 17, from Lowton, is the first resident to move into Mayfield House in Orrell.

It is a centre of excellence and one of only a handful across the country that provides housing specifically to suit the needs of someone with autism.

Stephen lives on his own in one of 12 self-contained apartments which has a lounge, kitchen area, bedroom and bathroom, and some with a garden.

Stephen said: “I love being able to ride my bike in the garden.

“My next goal is to go out on my own.

“I am able to do things that I would never have done living at home.

“It has been really fun living on my own.”

Stephen has access to support from staff 24 hours a day who can support him with daily tasks from cooking to getting out in the community.

The building has also been designed to suit adults with autism and has features such as low level LED lighting, which slowly switches on when body movement is detected and off when there is no movement.

Stephen's mum Sally said: “I am absolutely delighted that Stephen has moved into Mayfield House.

“We have been looking for two years and to actually get something which is in the borough and so close to our home is fantastic.

“This place is like gold dust.

“We looked across the whole country for somewhere for Stephen.

“I just want Stephen to be able to do all of the things that any young person would do, but in a supported and safe environment.”

Mayfield House has two communal areas with a kitchen and dining room as well as an interactive immersive sensory room which can be used to play games, music or films.

The development cost £2.6 million with funding from Homes England contributing to Wigan Council’s investment.

Cllr Keith Cunliffe, cabinet member for health and adult social care at the council, said: “This is a fantastic facility which will mean adults with autism can get tailored support to suit their needs while living with other people and being part of a community.

“It is crucial we ensure we have the right homes for our residents so they can be fully supported.

"Having the wrong housing can be a huge barrier.

“It is our ambition to make Wigan borough the first autism friendly borough in the country.

“Through our close work with many children and adults with autism, we are very aware of the amazing gifts and talents they have, as well as some of the difficulties they encounter living in our borough.

“We believe these can be addressed through increased awareness and practical changes to services, and are so proud to be opening Mayfield.

“There was a lot of opposition when we closed the building that was previously on this site, The Pines, so I am so glad to see Mayfield open and making such a difference to people’s lives already.”

The local authority is also looking to replicate the scheme in two other areas of the borough to offer more provision for adults with autism.