THE Mayor of Waverley, Chris Storey, was on hand for the official re-opening of The Lodge in Farnham, after being invited by the Ability Housing Association.

Ability specialises in providing homes and support for people who want to live more independently, and The Lodge provided shared living for five people with complex physical and learning difficulties.

To meet the changing needs of the community and local service commissioners, the property has now been reconfigured to provide three, ground-floor, wheelchair-accessible flats and a one-bedroom flat on the first floor.

New residents receive support from 14 staff based at Ability’s Cavell House service next door.

At the official event Mr Storey cut the ribbon to declare the building open. The mayor then visited one of the new residents in his flat.

The deputy mayor, Mike Hodge, and Jeff Skipp, the new chief executive of Ability, also attended the event, together with customers and family members from Ability’s floating support service in Farnham.

Mr Storey said: “The flats are wonderfully designed, the thought that has gone into adapting the kitchen, so it works for the customers is amazing. They are homes that customers can stay in and that will fit their needs now and for the future.”

Ability’s Jeff Skipp added: “The Lodge is a shining example of the difference Ability makes to the lives of people with disabilities through combining high-quality housing and design with excellent care and support.”

Colin, who showed the mayor round his home, said “it’s like a palace. I’m so happy living here”.