DUDLEY Council has been awarded £385,000 to build homes for borough residents with learning disabilities and autism.

The grant from the Care and Support Specialist Housing Fund will be used to build 14 apartments on Norfolk Road, Wollaston, and The Walk, Sedgley.

Work on the £1.8million project is expected to begin in spring/summer 2014 and when completed there will be jobs and up to four apprenticeships created to support those living in the two apartment blocks.

Welcoming the news, councillor Dave Branwood, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: “There are already hundreds of people with learning disabilities living independently in Dudley.

“New schemes like this will allow more and more people to enjoy the security of their own homes in a supported environment rather than being moved into residential care."

Dudley South MP Chris Kelly said he was “absolutely delighted” to hear the council had been given the grant, which is part of the £130 million nationwide funding announced by the Homes and Communities Agency He added: “I am pleased the Government has shown its commitment by supporting this sector, through the fund, for the next five years.

“This project is a fantastic example of how such a fund can help improve the quality of life of so many in Dudley and the Black Country.

“As someone with a close relative who is autistic, I am so pleased the Government is helping people with learning disabilities - and those on the autistic spectrum - with long term supported living.”

The new properties will be built on infill sites, which have been chosen on the basis of appropriate location and proximity to facilities and amenities.

The rest of the money for the project has come from the housing revenue account and section 106 agreements.